Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Perry, Zenz, Peasley
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/29/2017
Author Michael Perry (Visiting Black River Falls – 7 April 2017)
New York Times bestselling author, humorist, and radio show host Michael Perry will visit Black River Falls Friday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lunda Theater. Then author visit is the highlight of the Jackson County Reads initiative of the 2017 community read of Perry’s book, “Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting.” (Contributed Photo)
New York Times best-selling author, humorist, and radio show host Michael Perry will visit Black River Falls Friday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lunda Theater.
The author visit is the highlight of the Jackson County Reads imitative of the 2017 community read of Perry’s book, “Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting.” The evening, sponsored by the Friends of Black River Falls Public Library group, offers a presentation of “behind the pages” tales drawn from the hilarious and heartfelt stories that fill his bestselling books, from “Population: 485” to his latest, “The Jesus Cow.”
“Michael Perry shares with us a window into the agricultural community, both past and present, both urban and rural,” said Joan Zenz, acting president of the Friends group. “His book is relevant to the Jackson County area and beyond, and we are pleased to help connect Perry with our community.”
Perry lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated “Tent Show Radio,” performs widely as a humorist and tours with his band the “Long Beds,” which is recording its third album.
Of all his experiences, Perry says the single most meaningful thing he has ever done is serving 12 years beside his neighbors on the New Auburn Area Fire Department.
“If I had to sum up my ‘career’ in one word, it would be gratitude. I get to write and tell stories all around the country, then come home to be with my family and hang out at the local feed mill complaining about the price of feeder hogs,” he said. “It’s a good life and I’m lucky to have it.”
Perry will speak and then sign books at the April 7 event, which is free of charge and open to the public.
“We’ve received a positive response to the Jackson County Reads program and Perry’s book and we look forward to the upcoming event,” said Tammy Peasley, director of the Black River Falls Public Library. “We hope the community enjoys coming together to share in reading Coop.”
There is still time to join in the community read. Copies of “Coop” are available for checkout at the library. They may also be purchased. To learn more, visit www.blackriverfallslibrary.org or visit Perry’s website, www.sneezingcow.com. For questions, contact the library 715-284-4112 or email blackriverfallspl@gmail.com.
