Honors Forum, Friends of University Libraries to Host Author of The Healing
Thu, 02/23/2012 - 11:23am
The University of Southern Mississippi University Forum will feature author Jonathan Odell, author of The Healing Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Wilbur Stout Hall, located behind College Hall on the Hattiesburg campus. Friends of University Libraries will host a reception for Odell at 8 p.m. at the Powerhouse Restaurant on campus immediately following the forum, where copies of The Healing will be made available for purchase by Barnes and Noble bookstore staff.
Odell will speak about the historical context of his novel in which he connects with his Mississippi roots through his creation of Polly Shine, a healer purchased by a southern plantation owner. Troubled by his wife's disturbing mental state and concerned about a mysterious plague that is sweeping through the plantation in the pre-Civil War South, Master Satterfield gets more than he bargained for when Polly's sharp tongue and troubling predictions cause unrest throughout the plantation.
Pat Conroy, author of The Prince of Tides, describes The Healing as “another Mississippi-born work of art and Odell's Polly Shine is a character for the ages.” Main Street Books in downtown Hattiesburg will host a book signing for The Healing on Monday, March 5 from 5-7 p.m.
The Friends of University Libraries was created in 2010 to bolster community support for Southern Miss University Libraries. For more information on joining Friends of University Libraries or the Odell forum and reception, contact Sarah Mangrum at 601.266.4251.
The University Forum series is presented through the Southern Miss Honors College each fall and spring semester. It features a special series of lectures and programs open without charge to Southern Miss students, faculty, staff and members of the community. For more information about University Forum or the Honors College, call 601.266.4533 or online, visit http://www.usm.edu/honors/