Russell Rowland coming Feb. 29 to discuss '56 Counties'

Critically acclaimed author Russell Rowland visits the Great Falls Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 29 in the Cordingley Room starting at 6:30 pm, where he will discuss his bestselling book "56 Counties."

Rowland is a literary podcast host, writer and host of a Yellowstone Public Radio program. From the written to the spoken word he is a true voice of the Big Sky state. For two years, Russell traveled to every county in Montana and interviewed people about what it means to be from Montana and how living/growing up here has shaped them as people. He also delved into the history to find patterns that still exist in our boom-and-bust economy. Join us as Russell talks about his book and signs copies afterward.

Rowland also co-edited, along with Lynn Stegner, an anthology of essays by writers from the West, called “West of 98.” He co-hosts the monthly podcast series “Breakfast in Montana,” which explores and celebrates the commonalities of contemporary and classic Montana literature through interviews with regional writers.

His narratives honor the full reality of life for Montanans: their struggles, grit, and stoicism, and their connections to family and place. He writes with an honest perspective, faithful to the emotion at the heart of each story, culling cultural hyperbole and stereotypes in favor of plain truth. Award-winning author Laura Pritchett said, “In a voice all his own, Rowland proves to be warm and personable, and yet cutting and real— basically, one couldn’t wish for a better guide to the state of Montana.”