Friends of the Allen Public Library
April 21
Author Chris Crutcher
by Tom Keener
Award-winning novelist Chris Crutcher appears 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr., 75013. Sponsored by Bach to Books and Robin Screen, this event is free.
Raised in Cascade, Idaho, and graduated from Eastern Washington University, Crutcher began his career as a teacher, which gave him the encouragement and inspiration to begin writing. Published in 1983, Running Loose was his debut novel, which was followed by Stotan, Crazy Horse and Chinese Handcuffs.
Crutcher’s fast-paced fiction typically contains a talented athletic protagonist who faces daunting personal problems at home. When the characters cease to objectify winning or garnering attention as their major objectives, they start succeeding. Crutcher’s works are influenced by his experience as a child and family therapist and his novels reflect introspection through a balance of comedy and tragedy spoken with an authentic voice.
A popular columnist, Crutcher writes for Voices from the Middle, Family Energy Magazine, the Signal Journal, and iParenting. He lectures at schools, libraries and bookstores throughout the United States.
This program is the result of efforts by Allen middle school student Jarrett Rogers who asked library media specialist Robin Screen to recommend authors. Chris Crutcher was on her list. Jarret became with a fan of Crutcher’s works, and on his own initiative he extended an invitation for an Allen visit. The son of Stacey and Jeff Rogers, Jarrett’s invitation resulted in the Allen community featuring one of the most prestigious teen authors in America.
For information, call Tom Keener at 214-509-4911.
