By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
Staff Writer
Ortonville — At 6:30 p.m., on March 7, local author Celia Ryker will launch her new book, “Augusta”, at the Brandon Township Public Library, 304 South St.
“I grew up in Clarkston and have lived in Ortonville since 1978. My husband, Don, and I live between Ortonville and Bridgewater Corners, Vermont,” said Ryker. “Augusta is my paternal grandmother and her story has been with me for most of my life. As a child I had no idea how difficult her life had been. She lived a magically simple life in a cottage on the lake. As I learned of her life I was intrigued and have thought about this book for decades.”
Ryker’s first book, “Walking Home: Trail Stories”, is a collection of short stories she wrote that weave together through a hike of Vermont’s Long Trail, which runs from the border of Vermont and Massachusetts to Canada.
“Much of this book is about the things I think about when I spend days on the trail without outside influences,” said Ryker. “August shows up in this book when I am reminded by snakes sunning themselves on the summit of Mount Baker of the grandmother who taught me how to catch snakes. She appears in several places along the trail, her influence on my life is evident.”
“Augusta” is a historical fiction based on the story of Ryker’s grandmother, who fled the Ozarks at the turn of the twentieth century. During the library program, Ryker will discuss her writing process, do a few readings, and share real photos of her grandmother.
To register for this program, call 248-627-1460, or visit brandonlibrary.org.