Ticketed book release set for Backstrom’s “Not That Wheel, Jesus!”
MADISON – Two local authors. One meet-andgreet. One ticketed release party. These events will occur during August at Blue Apple Books, 14 Main St., Suite B.
On Aug. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m., a meet-and-greet session and book signing will introduce local author Rachel Fahrenback, author of “Image of the Invisible.”
Fahrenback describes her book as, “Nine voices. One city. Too many secrets to stay hidden. In Chicago, a violinist plays each day, offering a melody to anyone willing to stop and listen.”
“He glimpses something beyond their polished faces: the unseen fractures, the invisible battles they carry. This week, each will have to decide: Will they keep holding the image they’ve built?”
“Told through nine unforgettable voices, ‘Image of the Invisible’ is a lyrical and introspective debut that explores fractured identities, hidden struggles and quiet grace,” Fahrenback said.
Originally from Chicago, Fahrenback lives in Huntsville with her husband and three children. She writes stories that invite readers to slow down and wrestle with what matters most.
Then on Aug. 12, a comeand- go, ticketed reception will celebrate bestselling Huntsville author Mary Katherine Backstrom’s latest book, “Not That Wheel, Jesus!” from 5 to 7 p.m. “Guests will have the opportunity to personally congratulate Mary Katherine and have their books signed,” owner Robin Dauma said.
The $40 ticket includes one hardcover copy of the book, “Not That Wheel, Jesus!” Charcuterie appetizers and a cocktail or mocktail will be served. During the event, guests will receive 10 percent off any purchases at Blue Apple Books / South & Pine. Seating is limited.
“Holy Hot Mess. Not That Wheel, Jesus!,” is a laugh-out-loud look at what happens when life goes a direction we didn’t expect, and we’re forced to reconsider the beliefs, assumptions and stories that have always steered our course, Backstrom said.
With a religious background (in real life), Backstrom served as a missionary and bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced Sunday-school answers and was driving happily down the straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple question about the afterlife for his friend who wasn’t Christian.
“Not That Wheel, Jesus!” is Backstrom’s hilarious journey from certainty to doubt . . . and slowly and painfully finding her way back to a different, less defined faith. Her trust grew richer and deeper than she could ever have imagined, according to her release.
Backstrom also creates videos for social media and has received national awards and even landed an in-person interview with Ellen DeGeneres.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Backstrom collaborates with the National Children’s Advocacy Center to raise awareness for these issues.
In other activities, Blue Apple Books will host a family reading festival, featuring national bestselling author Matthew Paul Turner, during Third Thursday downtown on Aug. 21. “We’re partnering with Children-Read-Succeed, Huntsville. We want to excite families about reading during the school year,” Dauma said.
