Well-known author Jim Minick is coming to East Tennessee State University this week for a public reading that is free and open to the public.  


“Jim Minick is one of Appalachia’s most accomplished and versatile writers, and the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative is thrilled to partner with the Environmental Studies Program to bring him to campus,” said Dr. Jesse Graves, poet-in-residence and professor of English at ETSU. “Our students will have a chance to learn from a writer who has excelled in poetry, fiction, memoir writing, and now, with his new book, investigative historical journalism. Jim Minick is also an excellent teacher, and the depth and range of his work provides a model for how to be a contemporary writer.”


The event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. in room 102 of Rogers-Stout Hall. A question-and-answer session will follow the reading, as well as a book-signing.


Minick has written several award-winning works, including “Without Warning: The Tornado of Udall, Kansas.” That book shares a human tale of disaster from the perspective of those who survived the ordeal.


Minick will also visit a classroom this week at ETSU.  


“I read Jim’s new book, ‘Without Warning: The Tornado of Udall, Kansas,’ when it came out in May. No pun intended here, but it blew me away. The book inserts you into an idyllic, 1950s Kansas small town, and then it drops a monster tornado on top of you,” said Dr. Kevin O’Donnell, professor of English and director of the Environmental Studies minor. “The story is gripping. The writing is vivid and cinematic and documentarian. I got to know Jim years ago through his poetry, and I’m fascinated to see his work develop in this direction.” 


ETSU is home to a vibrant arts community, hosting dozens of events and exhibitions throughout the year. 


For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

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