The following article was written by Laura Schreiner and InterLibrary Loan Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
“We are all just stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?” Doctor Who
Stories. We all have our own—and oftentimes find it interesting to learn the stories of others. Fortunately, for all of us, Manitowoc Public Library supports your story needs—through reading and viewing, both—with a robust collection of books and DVDs. If you prefer to listen to stories, we have thousands of books on CD, and recently we’ve added audiobooks in the form of Playaway devices, which are amazingly portable and versatile. I digress, but believe me, Playaways are fantastic. Ask our staff to show you how they work.
However, here’s the thing—while all of the above methods of taking in stories are wonderful and have their place in our modern world, there’s nothing quite like hearing a story told in-person by a gifted storyteller. Manitowoc Public Library has offered an incredible lineup of storytellers over the past several months and their appearances have been super well-attended, with patrons requesting more of the same. Oh dear patrons, do we have a treat for you!
On Thursday, June 19, Michael Perry—Wisconsin’s unofficial storyteller laureate—will bring his unparalleled gift for sharing stories and conversation to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus Theatre (705 Viebahn Street in Manitowoc). If you’ve not yet discovered Michael, here’s a bit of background.
Laura Schreiner
He’s an “accidental” New York Times bestselling author, farm boy turned humorist, and the subject of three PBS documentaries, including the most recent “Michael Perry: On the Road.” Michael has written twenty-plus books—including his best-selling debut volunteer firefighter memoir “Population 485”—several essay collections, and his most recent, the deeply powerful novella, “Forty Acres Deep.”
Michael is known for leaving audiences laughing, nodding and sometimes getting misty. He refers to his style as that of a “reflective roughneck” who’s simply sharing his takes on life in rural America. But, as you will soon learn while listening to Michael speak, he is far too humble when labelling himself thus. He has an astonishing gift for seeing the beauty and humanity in everyday occurrences and elevating them to the extraordinary. Michael regales us, in his quiet, unassuming way, with stories that are by turns heartfelt and humorous—all while managing to remind us that what unites us in much stronger than anything that might divide us.
He may read a few excerpts from his books and that is a memorable listening experience, but he shines most when he is speaking effortlessly of relatable things like Friday fish fries, Menards, airline travel and family relationships. Anyone who’s heard Michael at an event or been fortunate enough to speak with him at a book signing will tell you that he is all heart—there is absolutely no artifice—and that what you see is what you get . . . and what you get is pretty wonderful!
Please join us at the University of Wisconsin, Manitowoc Campus Theatre on Thursday, June 19, at 6 PM, for what is certain to be an unforgettable evening with Michael Perry. The event is FREE, with ample parking and no advance seating registration required. Merchandise will be available for sale at the close of the evening.
And do come as you are, ready to comfortably settle in for utterly compelling storytelling. Michael will be the one in flannel, denim and barn boots, and gosh, I hope he tells us that story about the small town softball tournament.
