Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

Fans of contemporary fiction, take note. On Friday, April 26, best-selling author Peter Heller (“The Dog Stars”) will be appearing at Inkberry Books (7960 Niwot Road) in Niwot to discuss his newly published novel, “The River,” the story of a leisurely canoe trip that becomes a harrowing tale of wilderness survival.

“It’s very exciting for us,” Inkberry owner Gene Hayworth said. “We try to be a place that encourages both new writers and invites more experienced writers to come into the book store just to engage the community.”

The Colorado-based Heller is likely familiar to local readers for his critically-acclaimed fiction debut “The Dog Stars,” which imagines post-apocalyptic struggle for survival amongst the familiar landmarks of the greater Boulder area. Published in 2012, the award-winning novel tells the story of Hig, a pilot living in Erie still grieving for his wife and the world, nearly a decade after a pandemic has wiped out most human life.

“The Dog Stars” was an immediate hit, praised for both its lyrical language and taut storytelling. “Richly evocative yet streamlined journal entries propel the high-stakes plot while simultaneously illuminating Hig's nuanced states of mind as isolation and constant vigilance exact their toll, along with his sorrow for the dying world,” reads the review in Booklist. It also spent several weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, and has since been published in eighteen languages.

Since then, Heller has released “The Painter” (2014), and “Celine” (2017), both of which were also critical favorites.

Before his fiction debut, Heller was an award-winning adventure writer and longtime contributor to NPR. He has also written for Outside Magazine, Men's Journal, and Businessweek, and has authored of a number of non-fiction books, including “Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet's Tsangpo River.”

Heller’s fourth novel is something of a return to the adventure writing genre. Set in northern Canada, “The River” follows longtime friends Wynn and Jack as they journey down the Miskwa River pursued by both the forces of nature and a mysterious stranger. Like two of his other novels, a main protagonist has Colorado roots, a touch that will resonate with his local fan-base.

“There are several things about his writing that are very admirable and engaging,” Hayworth said. “First of all, there’s always some sense of mystery, and it really does engage the reader to want to turn the page and know what’s coming next. I think he writes very beautifully about nature, whether he’s writing about fly fishing or taking a canoe trip down a river in Canada, the imagery of the novel is quite lovely.”

Heller’s presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will be followed by an author reception.

Seating is limited for the event, and a $5 entry voucher is required for admission. Vouchers will then be good for $5 off the Heller's featured book or purchase of another book the day of the event. Vouchers can be purchased now at the store, over the phone (720-412-1548), or at the door. For more information, visit Inkberrybooks.com and click on the events calendar.