Book Lovers Night features author Jonathan Friesen
October 25, 2012
Jonathan Friesen, award-winning young adult author, international speaker and storyteller is the featured guest at Book Lovers Night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 in room 204, Gorecki Dining and Conference Center, College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn.
Friesen will read excerpts from his most recent book, "Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace," which was released in August. The novel explores the lives of two struggling teens, their connection over a mutual love of movies and the adventure that ensues.
Friesen is the author of five young adult novels, including "Rush" and "The Last Martin," both of which explore mental health issues. Due to a personal struggle with Tourette 's syndrome and epilepsy, Friesen wrote "Jerk, California," a novel about a high school senior battling Tourette's, his father's death and romantic conflicts. "Jerk, California" won the American Library Association's 2009 Schneider Award for "Best Book for Teens."
After spending 16 years teaching in traditional classroom, special education, and university settings, Friesen now travels the country sharing his expertise and heart for disability issues with audiences of all ages. Engaging and passionate, Friesen's presentations have touched students and educators, parents and professionals across the country. He lives with his wife and family on a small farm in central Minnesota.
An informal book chat and a free book swap begins at 6:30 p.m. and a local community reader will give book recommendations at 6:45 p.m. Friesen will be introduced at 7 p.m. and will be available for book signings after his reading. The event is free and open to the public.
The CSB/SJU Bookstore will offer recommended books for sale at 20 percent off during the event. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 320-363-2119.