William Kent Krueger visits Park Grove Library, December 1, 2014

Park Grove Library, Cottage Grove offered a special night "Book Club Special Edition with William Kent Krueger."  What a wonderful evening it was.  The staff at Park Grove estimated there were around 80 people attending.  It really was a packed house!  The Book Club Members, along with our library liaison, helped to set a feast of treats along with coffee, tea and water.  It really was a grand evening, and if you missed it, watch for another author visit in 2015.

We introduced our Book Club as this was "Book Club Special Edition" series, and hope that others will consider joining our group.  Anyone is welcomed to participate with us.

William Kent Krueger, said "Call me Kent" and set off on a journey of storytelling that left us fascinated and intrigued.  He first shared the story of a young high school student who asked him how old he was.  First off, he shared, High Schoolers are at times, difficult to talk to, but here he was in southwest MN and a student asked a question, so he answered.  He said "64."  She was a writer herself and wanted to know how long will it be before something might "happen."  He told her to be patient, time will come to you.  He shared that it is a journey to be a writer and he was on a spiritual journey while writing his books, including Ordinary Grace.

He shared one incredible poem he wrote when in the 5th Grade, "The Lone Wolf." If I had been his teacher at that time I think I would have asked for an autographed copy.  Time showed that this man was destined for some stories that would leave  quite an impression on the heart of his readers.

Kent Krueger shared a bit of how he came to write "Ordinary Grace."  He shared that he vividly remembers being 13 years old and what it was like the summer of '61.  It was a start of a spiritual journey and also about story telling.

He read a part of the funeral of the "itinerant" in chapter 7.  "In the early afternoon  my father got himself ready for the burial" he started and read to the end of the burial where Jake's father asked "Gus, would you like a hand?"  "No, Captain," Gus said.  "I've got all day and I intend to take my time."  Kent stated:  I believe there is a great spirit that runs all creation.  We are born, simply come out of that great loving heart and when we die we go back to that great loving heart."

It was absolutely delightful to hear this author read from his book.  It was such a treasure to hear his expression, his voice lift the words off the page as he read to us.  He answered several questions the audience had and then shared one more piece of information:  a new book.  He is writing a companion piece that he hopes to release in the spring of 2016.  "This Tender Land."

Thank you to all who came out to listen to Kent Krueger share in his talent and his gift of word.  We are forever blessed by this event.  Thank you to the Park Grove Library, our liaison and Washington County Library for allowing the funding for this event. 
updated 1.4.15