Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Science’s Institute for the Humanities is hosting Jess Walter as a guest speaker at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Taylor Auditorium.
Walter is an award-winning author, who has written six novels published in 30 different languages. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Best American Short Stories, Best American Non-required Reading, Harper’s, Esquire, McSweeny’s and ESPN the Magazine.
His works include books like “Beautiful Ruins,” “We Live in Water” and “The Financial Lives of the Poets.”
Walter won the Edgar Allan Poe award and was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Walter currently lives in Spokane, Washington, with his wife, Anne, and his three children, Brooklyn, Ava and Alec.
Julia Osman, the director of the Institute of Humanities, said every year, the Institute for the Humanities and the Department of English host a writer in residence – usually a novelist or poet – who stays on campus for a week to lead workshops, meet with students, hold office hours, visit classes and engage with the wider community through public reading.
Walter will read his work and take questions from the audience. After Walter’s reading, he will sign books in Barnes and Noble, which will also be selling his books at the signing.
Catherine Pierce, the co-director of creative writing, said Walter is a favorite among students at MSU.
“We’re so excited to be welcoming Jess Walter as this year’s Institute for the Humanities Writer-in-Residence,” Catherine Pierce said. “He has a lot of fans at MSU, and we were delighted when he agreed to come to campus for the week. His reading Thursday night will be a highlight of the visit for students–it’s always a thrill to get to hear a writer, especially one as engaging as Jess Walter, read in person and offer candid insights during the Q&A.”
Micheal Kardos, also the co-director of creative writing, said Walter’s wit and humor make him a favorite among the creative writing faculty.
“The creative writing faculty was in the fortunate position of being able to ask one of our favorite novelists to come to town, and the Institute for the Humanities made it happen,” Michael Kardos said. “Jess Walter is one of those rare writers who writes with equal parts wit and compassion. His books are so entertaining, it’s easy to forget how wise and inventive and humane they are.”
This event will be free and open to the public. More information on the author is available online at jesswalter.com.
