Garth Stein

“Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.”

So begins publisher HarperCollins’ promo for The Art of Racing in the Rain, by — in iList Paducah lingo, cute, cute, cute hunka hunka hottie — Garth Stein.

But hold on to those opposable thumbs, dear readers! This New York Times best-selling author will be right here in Paducah, oh yes he will, talking to us, signing his books, and sharing his magic, thanks to the brilliant folks at WKCTC.

Put a ginormous red circle around Tuesday, March 9 on your calendars. Set those iPhones to remind you. Stein will be at the Clemens Fine Arts Center on the WKCTC campus during the afternoon and evening.

WKCTC Public Relations Director Tammy Thompson has the scoop. “While on campus,” she says, “Mr. Stein will present a 1 p.m. presentation to students of the Commonwealth Middle College, and a 2 p.m. presentation for WKCTC students, faculty, staff and the general public. At 7 p.m., a Keynote Presentation will be geared to general audiences.”

There’s no charge — so just feel free to come and grab a seat.

Hosting Mr. Stein is the culmination of the Year of the Dog at WKCTC. Kimberly Gregory Russell, an Assistant Professor of English, who is the Program Coordinator of the English Department and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Director, has done a bang-up job of getting the entire campus and extended family involved. Everyone has read the book, and there have been reading groups, discussions, a photo contest and an essay contest.

And now the famous author himself will be here.

If you haven’t bought the book, (I know, some of you might have spent the last six months in Mongolia, or you might have bumped your head while unloading your dog food and have only recently recovered your cerebral cortex functioning), now’s your chance! Come to one of the presentations and get a – holy moly – autographed copy.

Or bring your copy and get it signed. You know they’re making the movie, right?

Don’t miss this!

---