Staten
Next week, the Johnson County Public Library Foundation is hosting a fundraiser when they welcome one of the biggest names in the publishing world.
James Patterson, the author of the blockbuster hit series Alex Cross, the “Women’s Murder Club,” and “Maximum Ride,” will appear for an in-person author event with Matt Eversmann on Wednesday. This JCPL Foundation fundraiser supports the Library’s “Authors at JCPL” program.
It will be a special evening to honor our country’s service men and women and celebrate Patterson and Eversmann’s new book, “American Heroes.” Matt Eversmann, retired First Sergeant US Army, who co-authored the book with Patterson, was part of the group of elite US soldiers sent into Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993 on a UN peacekeeping operation. That mission inspired the film “Black Hawk Down,” and Eversmann was immortalized on the big screen, with actor Josh Hartnett playing his character in the movie.
“American Heroes” shares the first-person accounts of our country’s greatest heroes from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of the stories in the book have never been told about the actions that earned them America’s most distinguished military medals.
Patterson and Eversmann will be joined in conversation by award-winning multimedia journalist Rafael Sanchez, with a special introduction by retired Major General R. Martin Umbarger, who served 46 years in the Indiana National Guard. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience following the discussion.
In honor of Eversmann’s service, donations for HVAF, or Helping Veterans and Families in Indiana, will be collected before the event. To see a list of items to donate, visit jcplf.org/patterson. If you cannot attend and still want to help, all JCPL branches will collect donations in their lobby.
Patterson is one of the most popular authors of all time, and this will likely be the only time he will appear in Johnson County. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his work, this event is an opportunity to connect with a literary icon. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience — it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime event!
General admission tickets for this JCPL Foundation fundraiser in support of the “Authors at JCPL” program are $50. Each ticket comes with a signed copy of “American Heroes.” The event will be held Wednesday at the Performing Arts Center at Franklin Community High School. Seating is general admission, doors open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Kelly Staten is the Johnson County Public Library’s Programming Manager. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
