As part of Kenton County Public Library’s “Lifelong Learning” program, a local author will visit the Independence branch tonight for a book-signing event.
Signing copies and reading from his latest book, Yonder Tales from an Outdoor Life, Ron Ellis is celebrating a reprint of the acclaimed title with new praises from Gray’s Sporting Journal from 6-8 p.m.
Yonder is a thoughtful collection of stories recounting Ellis’ prized moments “afield and astream.” Fishing, bird hunting, wandering, detailing autumn scenes and sentiments, Ellis captures quiet moments between the earth and himself, his precious bird dogs – remembering one in particular named Lady – and of fellow hunters, friends and family.
“In the sporting literature universe, an endorsement from Gray’s Sporting Journal is akin to getting a general interest trade book covered in the New York Times Book Review,” Ellis tells CityBeat. “On a personal level, I know and admire the books and essays written by Gray’s reviewer Chris Camuto, and I value his widely respected book reviews.”
The book was originally published in 2022 by Praus Press. This year’s reprint features a new, improved shell for the invaluable and distinct stories that highlights prominent reviews from Kentucky Monthly, The Upland Almanac, and more in addition to Gray’s Sporting Journal.
“Based on sales, continued signing requests and additional reviews for Yonder, Praus Press publisher Richard Hunt chose to reprint the hardcover, versus publishing a new edition of Yonder in paperback,” Ellis says. “The format showcases the text, the woodcuts, and the dust jacket – cover illustration from John A. Ruthven – in a complementary and complimentary way.”
Tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Independence branch library, Ellis will be signing books and offering new editions for sale. Ellis writes from rich experience with careful attention to small moments and detail. With his words engrossing and thoughts delicate, Yonder is a book for outdoor enthusiasts as much as it is lovers of a touching story.
“I’d like readers to come away from reading Yonder with a feeling of delight and a sense of renewal,” he says. “These are the feelings I bring home to the writing desk after being out there, afoot in the healing spirit of nature. Richard Hunt and I hoped for a book that readers would, in the words of Merrill Gilfillan, want to ‘Keep near at hand, at the bedside.’ Our thoughts exactly.”
Visit the Kenton County Public Library’s Independence branch this evening from 6-8 p.m. for a signed copy of Yonder and a word from the author.
Ellis is the author of Cogan’s Woods and Yonder. Visit ron-ellis.com for more information.
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This article appears in Nov 1-14, 2023.
