*2016 Midwest Literary Walk Showcases Stellar Lineup* *March 28, 2016 | Chelsea, MI* The Chelsea District Library is excited to announce the return of their popular event - the Midwest Literary Walk. Back for its 8th year, this year's walk will showcase nationally-lauded authors and poets at various venues throughout downtown Chelsea. The event will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 1-5pm and is free to the public. It is made possible in part by this year's sponsors: Friends of Chelsea District Library, Literati Bookstore, Detroit Public TV, WDET, Astral Road Media, ChelseaMich.com, Chelsea Alehouse, and McKinely Properties. This year’s exceptional lineup opens with Christopher Sorrentino (*The Fugitives*), former National Book Award Finalist for Fiction at 1pm at the Chelsea Depot (125 Jackson St.) Set in Michigan, *The Fugitives* blends the literary fiction and crime thriller genres. LA Times describes it as a “stunning new novel… with exceptional interior monologues animated by deception, double-dealing and a doomed affair…” At 2pm National Book Award “5 Under 35” Honoree Claire Vaye Watkins (*Gold Fame Citrus*) will also read at the Chelsea Depot. The hauntingly beautiful *Gold Fame Citrus* takes place in a future American West ravaged by drought and follows a young couple and mysterious child as they try to make their way to a better life. The Midwest Literary Walk then moves to the Clocktower Commons (320 N. Main St.) for Robin Coste Lewis (*Voyage of the Sable Venus*) winner of the 2015 National Book Award for Poetry and Jamaal May (*The Big Book of Exit Strategies) American* Library Association Notable Book Honoree. At 3pm, the two poets will discuss poetry, interspersed with readings of their work. At 4pm, bestselling novelist Paula McLain (*Circling the Sun*, *The Paris Wife*) will take the stage at the Clocktower Commons. McLain’s latest *Circling the Sun* brings to life the fearless and captivating Beryl Markham, a record-setting aviator caught up in a passionate love triangle with safari hunter Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, who as Isak Dinesen wrote the classic memoir *Out of Africa*. At each reading location, the authors’ books will be available for purchase from Literati Bookstore, and time for signing is incorporated into all sessions. Additionally, many downtown Chelsea Businesses are offering discounts to attendees of the Lit Walk on the day of the event. Following the final reading, participants are invited to the Chelsea Alehouse (420 N. Main St.) for a casual afterglow. For more information on the 2016 Midwest Literary Walk, the authors, and their works, visit midwestliterarywalk.org. About Us: Chelsea District Library is nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide equal access to quality resources that serve the lifelong cultural, educational and informational needs and interests of all people. The Library currently serves 14,000 residents in the Chelsea district – City of Chelsea plus Dexter, Lima, Lyndon and Sylvan townships and more than 20,000 individuals visit the Library each month. For more information visit chelseadistrictlibrary.org. # Patty Roberts | Marketing Coordinator Chelsea District Library | 221 S. Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118 734.475.8732 ext. 216 | proberts@chelseadistrictlibrary.org