OLYMPIA, WA, JUNE 4, 2016

Browsers Bookstore in Olympia is excited to host an “Interactive Evening” with Author Ned Hayes, featuring notable local actors performing scenes from his bestselling novel The Eagle Tree.

The Eagle Tree by Ned Hayes (Little A) was a # 1 Kindle bestseller in Young Adult when it made its eBook debut in April 2016.


EVENT LOCATION: Browsers Bookstore

107 Capitol Way N.

Olympia, WA 98501

[between 4th Ave + State]

360.357.7462 | andrea@browsersolympia.com

tinyboxThe highly praised novel will be in broad release at bookstores nationwide on July 5. The novel has already received accolades from autistic advocate Temple Grandin and New York Times bestseller Steve Silberman, author of Neurotribes.

Bestselling author Ned Hayes will appear at a variety of schools, bookstores and public libraries on his first nationwide book tour in summer and fall 2016. Browser’s Bookstore is excited to be the first bookstore in this tour and is proud to host this unique evening of readings and performances from the playscript of a forthcoming stage production of this novel.

Actors featured in this bookstore preview performance include Amy Shephard, who has been seen on stage at Harlequin Productions, Olympia Family Theater, and the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and Clarke Hallum, recently seen as “Wilbur” in Olympia Family Theater’s production of “Charlotte’s Web” and well known for his starring role in “A Christmas Story” at 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle. Also appearing in this “Interactive Evening” will be U.S. Fish & Wildlife biologist and expert in Northwest forest ecosystems, Emily Teachout.

Hayes was inspired to write the novel from his experiences teaching autistic children.

“How often do you see an autistic kid as the hero of a story?” Hayes said. “From working with these kids, I know they, and their parents, are uncelebrated heroes, and they each have a story. I wanted to tell a story about a different kind of hero.”

Readers who enjoyed Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime or Jim Lynch’s The Highest Tide will enjoy this unusual and insightful coming-of-age novel, which is set in Olympia and features a number of Olympia landmarks and experiences. Olympia attendees at the “Interactive Evening” will recognize many local personalities and local references.

 

ACTORS AND OTHERS APPEARING AT BROWSERS BOOKSTORE

FEATURED ACTOR – Amy Shephard – JANET (MARCH’S MOTHER)amy2

Amy Shephard is a longtime performer in the Pacific Northwest.  She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Theater from the University of Exeter, UK. Amy acts, choreographs, and teaches with multiple theater companies in the south sound area, including Olympia Family Theater, Harlequin Productions, Animal Fire Theater, Broadway Center and Open Road Productions. Amy’s choreography, acting and singing has been seen most recently in Bryan Willis’s “Pellegrino Noir” and on Harlequin’s stage in “Stardust Christmas Blizzard.” Amy will next be seen on stage in Harlequin’s “Little Shop of Horrors” (June-July 2016). She is the founder of “StoryOly,” Olympia’s premiere storytelling event.

FEATURED ACTOR – Clarke Hallum – MARCH WONGclarke2

Clarke Hallum was most recently seen in the Olympia High School musical “Crazy for You,” and also starred this year as “Wilbur” in Olympia Family Theater’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.” Clarke is well-known for originating the role of “Ralphie” in the smash hit musical “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle. He subsequently led the National Tour for “A Christmas Story” and is featured on the original cast album from Masterworks Broadway. Clarke is a recipient of the prestigious Jeff Equity Theater Award in
Chicago and serves on the board of Olympia Family Theater.

FEATURED SCIENTIST – Emily Teachout, U.S. Fish & Wildlife

emily6

Emily Teachout is an endangered species specialist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  She has expertise in avian ecology and conservation.  Emily was her office’s lead biologist for the listing of western yellow-billed cuckoo, and is currently working on the Marbled Murrelet Long Term Conservation Strategy for state lands.

ABOUT NED HAYES

Ned Hayes is a former teacher of autistic children and university instructor in American literature. ned2He holds graduate degrees in literature from Western Washington University in Bellingham and in creative writing from the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. His previous novel, Sinful Folk, was nominated for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers’ Award. He has lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of his life and has made his home in Olympia Washington since 2003.

 

More about the event here: https://www.browsersolympia.com/


THE EAGLE TREE by Ned Hayes, is now available in print, e-book and audiobook.

Buy the Eagle Tree on Amazon     Buy on Barnes & Noble     Buy at Indie Bookstores
Buy on Apple ibooks      Buy at Books a Million