JAMES PATRICK KELLY, NH AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Reprinted with Permission
by Darcy Coffta
Rochester Public Library
(603) 332-1429 www.rpl.lib.nh.us

On Thursday, January 25th, 2007, New Hampshire science fiction author will be reading from his latest novel Burn at the Rochester Public Library. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council (NHHC), Rochester Public Library will be hosting a yearlong series of science fiction/fantasy book discussions, which will be facilitated by NHHC area scholars. The new series, Speculate: a new past, a different present, an out-of-this-world future will begin with Jim Kelly's reading on January 25th and continue throughout the rest of 2007.

Jim Kelly graduated from Notre Dame in 1972 and published his first story in 1975. He is a two-time recipient of the Hugo Award, one of the highest honors in science fiction writing. His short stories have won the Asimov's Reader's Poll, the Science Fiction Chronicle Award and other writing honors. Learn more about Mr. Kelly on his website at www.jimkelly.net.

Kelly's novel Burn is about a colony of "true humans" that takes over a planet and renames it Walden. They set up a new society based on Thoreau's principles of voluntary simplicity. The world's inhabitants rebel by lighting themselves on fire (in a sacrifice akin to suicide bombers) to burn down Walden's woods. The High Gregory, a chid-ruler of a distant planet flies to troubled Walden to "make luck" and dramatic changes ensure.

Listen to James Patrick Kelly read from Burn and discuss his inspiration. Mr. Kelly will be at the Rochester Public Library on Thursday, January 25th, 2007. His reading will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will take place in the community room located on level two. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required and refreshments will be served. Handicap parking and accessibility is available. For more information please call (603) 335-7550 or visit www.rpl.lib.nh.us. The Rochester Public Library is located at 65 South Main Street in Rochester, N.H.