CELEB will help kick off Homecoming weekend with a book release party for a newly published collection of fiction by Professor of English, Chris Fink.

Join us in Gallery ABBA (437 E. Grand Ave.), 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., to enjoy a short reading from the book, along with time to mingle over light refreshments.

Published by the University of Wisconsin Press on September 10, “Add This to the List Of Things That You Are” is Fink’s latest collection of short stories told from the perspectives of characters living in America’s Midwest. These narratives explore life experiences and interactions facing these different short story characters. A little excerpt about his book:

“A cat culler in an Arizona trailer park community mulls his daily routine. An old mercenary explains the history of edible eel in New Zealand. A divorcé plays homewrecker across Finland and Russia while his worldly possessions sit in a self-storage unit. The dark and stunning stories in Add This to the List Of Things That You Are explore how we sustain relationships when everything goes sideways and how we find meaning when the old patterns and structures of life give way. Many of Chris Fink’s characters have outgrown their rural roots yet feel ill-equipped for the urbane scenarios in which they find themselves.”

Fink has published many works over the years including journal articles and his first book, Farmer’s Almanac, which speaks about the interactions of rural characters in urban settings. His latest book will be available for sale at the Oct. 4 event. Copies can also be purchased at the Turtle Creek Bookstore in Beloit.

Fink has been an English professor teaching courses in creative writing, literature and environmental journalism for many years. He weaves both passions into the popular “Writing Wilderness,” a summer course that he teaches on the boundary waters canoe area where he helps students write about “their wild selves.” In this informal workshop course, students write in different genre developments their observations and interactions with nature and being out on the water while reading works by other naturalists.

Additionally, he is the editor of the Beloit Fiction Journal, which “publishes the best in contemporary short fiction.” Issued annually by the Beloit College English Department, the BFJ accepts, selects and showcases the writing talent of student submissions.

CELEB welcomes all alumni and their guests. 

Friday, Oct. 4.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Book release party for Chris Fink, Professor of English. Enjoy a brief reading by the author, followed by light refreshments.

Saturday, Oct. 5.
7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Take your morning stroll down to CELEB to meet Director Brian Morello’85 and explore the center while enjoying coffee and conversation. Gallery ABBA, located on the ground floor, will be open 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.