On Monday, Sept. 16, Weisheimer Library hosted a staff book release event, showcasing the diverse literary talents of Milligan faculty members.
Dr. Heather M. Hoover, professor of English and composition and director of writing, introduced her latest work, “Strong Female Protagonist,” which explores the importance of embracing one’s own narrative. “It follows that theme of what it means to be the protagonist in your own story and to take lessons from the women that have come before us,” she shared.
Dr. Michael Blouin, associate professor of English and humanities, presented his newest book, “Democracy and the American Gothic (Elements in the Gothic).” He expressed his belief that we are much more afraid of democracy than we think. “I aim to connect horror and gothic elements to American political conversations,” he explained, inviting readers to reflect on the intersections of politics and horror.
Thrilling the audience with his storytelling, bestselling author and adjunct communications instructor at Milligan, Steven James unveiled his latest spy thriller, “Fatal Domain.” With a prolific output of over 40 books, including an 11-book young-adult series, James revealed his creative process, stating he starts each book with a question: “How do you forgive someone who has done the unforgivable? What makes me different than those who do the unthinkable?”
Lastly, journalist Daniel Silliman delved into focus on religion in American culture with “One Lost Soul: Richard Nixon’s Search for Salvation.” This exploration offers a unique lens through which to understand one of America’s most controversial and important figures in American history. “I ended up coming to the idea that the core of who he was had to do with religion. There’s a spiritual struggle at the heart of who he is that explains all his weirdness,” Silliman said.
The evening was not only a celebration of literature but also a testament to the vibrant community at Milligan.
About The Author
Gabrielle Jones is a sophomore from Elizabethton. She is a Multimedia Journalism major and a Filmmaking minor. She is the Social Media Manager for Stampede. She enjoys horror media, reading, and film.