One Book kickoff celebration set for Jan. 22 at Selby Public Library
SARASOTA COUNTY – Join Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources for the kickoff celebration for the One Book One Community 100th birthday anniversary of Sarasota’s well-known author, John D. MacDonald, 6 p.m., Jan. 22, at the Selby Public Library.MacDonald, well known for his Travis McGee crime thriller series, lived and worked in Sarasota from 1952 until his death in 1986. He was a prolific novelist and short-story writer, completing 78 books across genres including thrillers and science fiction. MacDonald’s novel “The Executioners” was adapted into the film “Cape Fear.”
MacDonald had significant impact on a host of modern writers, including Florida mystery novelists Randy Wayne White, James Hall, Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey, who credit his Travis McGee series as a key influence on their careers. Stephen King and Kurt Vonnegut have also repeatedly praised MacDonald’s work, with Vonnegut likening MacDonald’s novels to sacred treasures that will be valued throughout the ages.
In addition, MacDonald’s definitive hurricane disaster novel “Condominium” was just selected as the Florida Library Association’s One Book One State for 2016. His many accolades include being named a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America in 1962 and winning a National Book Award in 1980.
Learn about MacDonald’s widespread influence on others from these special guests at the kickoff event:
* John Jakes, New York Times best-selling author and acknowledged contemporary master of the family saga. His books include the legendary eight volume Kent Family Chronicles, and The North and South Trilogy.
* James W. Hall, 14 of his 19 novels-like his most recent The Big Finish-feature a hardcore loner named Thorn, who makes a meager living in Key Largo tying bonefish flies. Thorn thwarts animal smugglers, cruise ship hijackers, and other assorted villains.
* Don Bruns, 5 of his 12 novels include the Caribbean Series which feature protagonist Mick Sever who explores the seamy side of the music business, flipping the industry on its back and looking at the underbelly of power and corruption.
* Cal Branche, a John D. MacDonald Scholar for 30 years, and creator of www.jdmhomepage.org.
* James W. Hall, 14 of his 19 novels-like his most recent The Big Finish-feature a hardcore loner named Thorn, who makes a meager living in Key Largo tying bonefish flies. Thorn thwarts animal smugglers, cruise ship hijackers, and other assorted villains.
* Don Bruns, 5 of his 12 novels include the Caribbean Series which feature protagonist Mick Sever who explores the seamy side of the music business, flipping the industry on its back and looking at the underbelly of power and corruption.
* Cal Branche, a John D. MacDonald Scholar for 30 years, and creator of www.jdmhomepage.org.
More detailed programming information will be posted on the website at onebooksarasota.com. Join One Book and the Tribute Committee for this celebration of all things John D. MacDonald!
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
