Author launches first ‘One Book, One Harper’
Glen Taylor was a Harper College assistant professor when his debut novel won national acclaim and a spot in Barnes & Noble’s “Discover Great New Writers” collection in 2008.
He’ll return this fall to launch the college’s first “One Book, One Harper” program — a months-long effort boasting concerts and panel discussions aimed at introducing the entire campus and the community to Taylor’s book and the process of creative writing.
Taylor, who now is teaching in West Virginia, the home state that inspired his writing, will kick off the program with a reading and signing of “The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Performing Arts Center on Harper’s main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.
A round-table discussion on creative writing featuring published Harper faculty is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in the college’s Black Box Theater.
Subsequent events will include a February discussion of unions and trade relations — a key book theme — and an April concert that draws on the prominent role that music plays in the novel.
Harper faculty also will integrate “Trenchmouth” in classes, from graphic arts to health care.
“This novel covers a wide range of themes that makes it applicable to so many subjects beyond English literature and relatable to so many people,” says Amy Kammerman, an instructor heading up the program.
“We want the entire Harper community to embrace this novel and enjoy it, and learn from it, together.”
Taylor, who also has published a second novel, has billed “Trenchmouth” as an outlaw tale that narrates the adventures of a man who’s been on the run for decades.
Steeped in West Virginian history, it addresses issues of race relations, nontraditional families, religion, physical deformities and Appalachian culture. Copies of “Trenchmouth” are available at a reduced cost in Harper’s bookstore.
Tickets for the signing are $10; Harper students will be admitted at no charge. For tickets or details, call (847) 925-6100 or visit www.harpercollege.edu/boxoffice.