Jerry Apps, author of In A Pickle, will be visiting the Sturm Memorial Library in Manawa at 7 p.m. on March 29. The evening is part of the One Book/One Community program, and is sponsored by A. Sturm & Sons and the Centennial Celebration donations.
Apps, a well-known Wisconsin author, is originally from the Wild Rose area. His book, In A Pickle, is one of four novels that he has written. The story takes place in the mid-1950s in fictional Ames County, Wisconsin. It deals with the conflicts that emerge when small family farms start to disappear, and shows its readers the rural experience in the descriptions of everyday life. “I want my readers to know something about family farming in the mid-1950s, what rural communities and small towns were like then, and what cucumber growing in central Wisconsin was all about,” says Mr. Apps. “I’m trying to show what forces were at work during the years immediately following WWII. Especially in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to change the rural landscape, and in many instances close down the small town family farm, change rural villages, mills closed, hardware stores disappeared and cheese factories closed or combined with others.”
App’s book, is part of the One Book/One Community program at the Library. The idea of the program is to get everyone to read one book and then have them get together to discuss the book and meet the author. Librarian Ellen Connor remarks, “The One Book/One Community program started here in 2004. Libraries all across the country sponsor these types of programs. We decided to focus on Wisconsin Authors.” She adds “The stories must take place in Wisconsin or feature Wisconsin residents.”
Close to 100 people have read or are waiting to read the book. “A big part of the appeal is that it takes place in a small town,” says Connor. “It’s definitely been a hit.”
Tammy Buschke, of Manawa, is quick to agree. “I loved it, loved it love it! The twists and turns that the author put into it, kept you on the edge of my seat.” Jean Schuelke adds, “You could actually visualize what was going on.” Both women were quick to agree that they did not want to put the book down.
The evening’s events will consist of Mr. Apps reading from parts of his book, followed by discussion on such things as what inspired him to write, real-life experiences with cucumbers and asking the guests to share some of their own pickle tales.
Book will be on sale following the event and the author will be available to sign copies. Refreshments will be served following the author’s presentation. Overflow parking will be available at Zion Lutheran Church. For more information call the Library at 920-596-252 or visit the Library online at www.manawalibrary.org.