Author to bring his humor to NCC
The mastermind behind the criminal genius and title character in the "Artemis Fowl" book series has a wicked sense of humor.
Just look at the name of Irish author Eoin Colfer's one-man show, set to take the stage Saturday in Naperville: "Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence."
"He has that incredible Irish sense of humor," said Becky Anderson, owner of Anderson's Bookshop, the Naperville retailer sponsoring Colfer's appearance.
"He can do one-liners about anything and get people laughing."
Anderson remembers how children in area schools reacted during Colfer's previous visits while promoting each of the six Artemis Fowl books. He first came to Anderson's in 2001 when the first book came out, she said.
"He's one of those adults who's never grown up," she said. "He doesn't ever need a script. He just has this great smile. He had these kids in the palm of his hand."
The Artemis Fowl books have sold more than 8 million copies in the United States. Colfer's books have landed on the New York Times' best-sellers list more than once.
Colfer returns to Naperville to begin a national book tour to promote his latest title, "Airman," a "stand-alone" book. The story follows the adventures of Conor Broekhart, whose fascination with flying begins with his birth aboard a hot-air balloon.
His obsession comes in handy when circumstances turn disastrous in his homeland, the Saltee Islands.
"I was inspired to write 'Airman' by the islands featured in the book. The Saltee Islands lie off the coast near our house in Ireland and are shrouded in mist and shadows -- the perfect breeding conditions for a writer's imagination," Colfer wrote in an e-mail interview.
"And so I wondered, how could a hero escape if he were trapped on one of the islands. My answer -- he would have to fly."
Colfer likely will talk Saturday about both the Artemis Fowl books and his newest tome during a show that will feature spectacle in the form of a multimedia presentation, as well as a close encounter with the author. He'll sign books after the show, Anderson said.
" 'Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence' is the show I toured around the UK last year. It is a funny journey through my own past to explore where the characters in my books come from," Colfer said. "My brothers and sons are the main culprits. Anyone with a family should have a giggle."
A former teacher, Colfer writes that he has a straightforward way of writing for readers much younger than himself.
"I just try to write a story that is appropriate for kids without making any attempts to dumb it down or be condescending, which is probably why so many adults read my stuff," he said.
If you go
What: "Fairies, Fiends and Flatulence," a stage presentation by author Eoin Colfer
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $25 for presentation and a copy of "Airman"; $5 for additional ticket without book
Info: (630) 355-2665, andersonsbookshop.com or eoincolfer.com