In the time it takes you to read this sentence,
Joyce Carol Oates probably could write three novels, a volume of poetry, half an essay and her grocery list. She's one of the most prolific authors alive, with an enormous body of work spanning the past five decades and often focusing on the dark and violent sides of American life, such as poverty and class tensions. Hear the three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee discuss her works — including Sourland, her most recent short-story collection — and answer questions as part of the Writers at Work speaker series at 6:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library (14 West 10th Street, 816-701-3407). A 6 p.m. reception precedes her presentation. The free event is open to the public, but reservations are a good idea. Register at
kclibrary.org/rsvp/10949.
— Jill Muir
Mon., Nov. 8, 6 p.m., 2010
