information from the SW Historical Society

Conrad Wesselhoeft works exclusively in the Young Adult genre and will be speaking mainly about his 2010 novel ADIOS, NIRVANA, the story of Jonathan, a West Seattle teenager adrift after the death of his twin brother.

Jonathan's life changes when he’s ordered to write the life story of a World War II veteran and hospice resident.

The book won a 2011 "Best Fiction" citation from the Young Adult Library Services Association and was nominated for Germany's top prize in YA literature. It mentions many local locations, including Easy Street Records, Schmitz Park, Admiral Way, the West Seattle Bridge, Delridge Way and area bus lines.

Wesselhoeft will also talk about his forthcoming book, DIRT BIKES, DRONES, AND OTHER WAYS TO FLY (due out April 8th), set in New Mexico. It's just been chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection for the spring. He is currently working on an historical young-adult novel set on the shores of Puget Sound.

Wesselhoeft worked as a tugboat hand in Singapore and Peace Corps Volunteer in Polynesia before embarking on a career in journalism. He has served on the editorial staffs of five newspapers, including The New York Times. He lives in West Seattle and is the father of three children in various stages of university study or international travel.

Other local authors will be featured in this free FIRST FRIDAY book talk series throughout the coming year at Barnes & Noble in Westwood Village. Installments will run from 4 to 6 p.m. on the 'First Friday' of each month.

Additional information on future presentations can be obtained by calling Dora-Faye Hendricks, “Words, Writers and West Seattle” chair, by phone at 206-280-9983 or by e-mail at Dora-Faye@comcast.net.