On Saturday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. Bill Mathis, author of "Face Your Fears," a novel that deals with disability, the LGBTQ community and family, will be at the Common Language Bookstore.
"'Face Your Fears' uniquely challenges traditional perceptions of normalcy when it comes to disabled persons' interests, desires and sexual orientations," say event organizers. "He will be introduced by Michigan Educator Roberta (Ronni) Moore O'Toole, a licensed professional counselor, certified social worker and retired school guidance counselor."
Author, journalist and fellow writer James Brock praises "Face Your Fears."
"Author Bill Mathis provides insight into the challenges of students with disabilities. This book is a valuable resource for all professionals that work with young people," Brock said. "'Face Your Fears' is a novel of a lifetime of love. With strong, compelling characters, this story follows the very different lives of two young men from childhood into young adulthood as they grow to face who they are and who they will become. Tragic to triumphant, by turn this sweeping saga is a modern classic."
Mathis will read several excerpts from his book, explain his motivations for writing the story, answer questions and sell and sign copies of the books. Books are available for purchase at the bookstore.
Mathis spent over 40 years in youth work and directing foster care programs before retiring. He grew up in Clarksville, Michigan, graduated from Northwood University, and spent 23 years directing YMCA camps in Illinois and Michigan — which included camps programs for disabled youth. He helped open and direct a foster care agency in Lockport, Illinois. When he retired in 2013, he began writing. "Face Your Fears" is his first novel to be published, and he has three more in progress. He writes, reads, travels and lives in Beloit, Wisconsin, with his partner.
The Common Language Bookstore is located at ocated at 317 Braun Court in Ann Arbor. For more information about the book, the event or Mathis, reach out to [email protected] or find out more on billmathiswriteretc.com. Contact Common Language Bookstore at glbtbooks.com or by calling 734-663-0036.
Author of LGBTQ, Disability Novel at Common Language Bookstore
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