About this Event

REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT

In Books on Fire: The Destruction of Libraries throughout History, French historian Lucien Polastron details how books, scrolls and more have been burned and destroyed throughout time. When discussing the millions of books destroyed in World War II, Polastron explains that many writers threw up their hands in despair, wondering the point of writing anything if their words had no impact on public behavior.

Author Sara Paretsky feels the opposite. From book banning to book burning, when books inflame such passion, it is proof they are doing their job—and writers are making an impact.

Join Paretsky to explore more about attacks on writers, librarians and libraries while learning about the books that shaped Paretsky and what prompts her to write what she does. She’ll speak on the importance of a writer’s voice and how she developed her own.

The event begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., during which Paretsky will autograph books that attendees can purchase on-site through the UD Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m., and the evening will conclude with a Q&A session with Paretsky.

Learn more about the menu and sponsorship opportunities on the registration page. Must register by March 29, 2023.

Author Sara Paretsky revolutionized the mystery genre in 1982 with Indemnity Only and its strong and capable female detective V.I. Warshawski. In addition to the 20 Warshawski novels that followed, Paretsky has also written two stand-alone novels, several short story collections and a memoir, Writing in an Age of Silence.

Paretsky created Sisters in Crime, a worldwide organization to advocate for women crime writers, and she founded the Sara and Two C-Dogs foundation, which helps build STEM and art programs for young people. She is passionate about social justice and volunteers in support of healthcare for the mentally ill homeless, reproductive rights and teens in Chicago’s most troubled schools.