Who wants "dinner and a movie" when these days you can have dinner WITH an AUTHOR?!
That's exactly what we had last Thursday evening when award winning author R.A. (Russ) Nelson showed up at our school for our April meeting and discussion of his latest novel, Breathe My Name. Holtville Middle School's iREAD club came together with book club members and sponsors from Stanhope Elmore HS, Elmore County HS, and Holtville HS to enjoy a catered dinner and author presentation. In his discussion of Breathe My Name, Russ talked about what led him to writing this particular novel and about his research on mental illness which is touched upon in the book. He admits that until writing BMN, that he was not very familiar with psychological disorders and that some of the details he uncovered during his research were rather disturbing to him. In addition to the book chat, Russ entertained everyone with a slide show documenting his successful writing career from childhood to present, he taught us about the trials and tribulations of the publishing endeaver, we learned about his responsibilities as a NASA technical writer, and on a personal note, he even shared his journey with us as the father of an autistic son who inspires him on a daily basis to appreciate life and live it to its fullest. He encouraged everyone in attendance to always believe in themselves and in their capabilites, and to never let anything be an obstacle in pursuing your dreams. R.A. Nelson's next book, Days of Little Texas, is expected to be released in Spring of 2009.
Click on the pictures below to enlarge them!
A special thank you to Tammy Lynn and The Book Basket for once again donating door prizes and for being involved in the education of Elmore County Students!
