Gwinnett County Public Library Hosts Bestselling Author Sara Gruen

Written by Gwinnett County Public Library

The ever popular county-wide read tradition continues as part of an expanded celebration of reading and the arts. Fall into the Arts 2010 will kick off its inaugural year with Sara Gruen, author of the award winning Water for Elephants making a special appearance in Gwinnett. Her timely September 16th visit will be just weeks after the release of her fourth novel, Ape House. The community is invited to attend this free program at 7:00 that evening. There will also be a special ticketed event prior to the program. Visit www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org to learn more.

About the author....

Canadian born, Sara Gruen holds a dual Canadian, American citizenship. She moved to the U.S. in 1999 and currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, three children, two dogs, four cats, two horses and a goat. Sara's professional accolades include receiving the 2007 Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Water for Elephants, Cosmopolitan Magazine's Fiction Award, Book Browse Diamond Award and the ALA/Alex Award.

About the books...

Water for Elephants

Jacob Jankowski finds himself working for the "Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show" as the caretaker for the circus' menagerie of animals. His journey becomes both his salvation and a living hell. He meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, August her husband a charismatic but twisted animal trainer, and Rosie an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew between this unlikely trio was one of love, trust, and ultimately it was their only hope for survival.

Ape House...

Sam, Bonzi, Lola, Mbongo, Jelani, and Makena are no ordinary apes. These bonobos, like others of their species, are capable of reason and of forming deep personal relationships—but unlike most bonobos, they can communicate using American Sign Language.

Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, doesn't understand people, but she understands animals, especially the bonobos. Isabel feels more comfortable in their world than she's ever felt among humans until she meets John Thigpen, a very married reporter who braves the ever-present animal rights protesters outside the lab to learn what's really going on inside. Then an explosion rocks the lab, turning the bonobos and their caregivers' lives upside down.

More about Fall into the Arts...

Gwinnett County Public Library and its partners invite Gwinnett County citizens to a celebration of the Literary, Performing, and Visual Arts. Hudgen's Center for the Arts will host a lecture by and reception for artist Tom Nakashima. Nakashima will speak about his work and the artistic process. Admission to the Center is free for this event. Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 6:30pm.

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra & Chorus presents A Halloween Spooktacular

Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 3:30pm. The symphony has donated a limited number of free tickets for this Fall Into The Arts performance. Visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve tickets. There is a two ticket maximum per person.

Meet New York Times bestselling author Tim Green

Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:00pm in Norcross. New York Times bestselling author Tim Green will discuss his writing career and autograph books including his latest novel False Convictions. This library sponsored event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase. Visit www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org for more details.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 7:30pm. The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has donated a limited number of free tickets for this Fall Into the Arts performance. Visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve tickets. There is a two ticket maximum per person.