Two Local Authors to Speak at the Library
January 28, 2015 (Helena, MT)—During February your Lewis & Clark Library will feature two local authors during evening programs.
Local author Stephanie N. Pitman will read from her debut novel, Honorable Disgrace, on February 12 at 7PM.
Honorable Disgrace tells the story of Powerlifter Angie, who has snagged her all-star crush. Life is good. But a sister's betrayal leads to a brutal attack. Will she overcome her suicidal thoughts and realize she's still worth loving?
Stephanie N. Pitman has taught preschool for over 12 years and is a motivated entrepreneur. Her first novel, a YA Contemporary, Honorable Disgrace, is based on her own story of overcoming the ugly side of life. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years, and their two boys, visiting the beautiful splendor and diversity of Montana. Learn more about Stephanie at her website, literarypitstop.com
On February 17th at 7PM, Author Brian D'Ambrosio reads from his book, Warrior in the Ring: The life of Marvin Camel, Native American World Champion Boxer.
Marvin Camel, a mixed blood from Ronan on the Flathead Indian Reservation, defied all obstacles of race, poverty, and geographical isolation to become the first Native American to win a world boxing title. His remarkable life is vividly presented in a new book, “Warrior in the Ring: The life of Marvin Camel, Native American world champion boxer,” by Helena author
Brian D’Ambrosio.
Complex and wildly charismatic, Camel combined tremendous physical talent with staggering self-discipline—forged by the sting of his father’s belt—to claw his way to the top, twice winning world titles in the cruiserweight division and fighting on the same cards as boxing icons Roberto Duran, Larry Holmes, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Bob Foster during boxing’s last Golden Age. Many of his fights were in Missoula, Butte, and Billings.
Camel’s journey was an amazing example of gritty determination. He won state and regional amateur titles, barely missed a Golden Gloves national title and a spot in the 1972 Olympics, and turned professional when he was 20. As a pro, Camel willingly represented his state and his people, proudly wearing his eagle headdress into the ring.
With irresistible detail gleaned from years of frank interviews with Camel, his family and friends, his former opponents, and seasoned boxing insiders, Brian D’Ambrosio’s gripping biography captures the drama, danger, beauty, and ugliness of boxing, of Indian life on reservations, and especially, of the life of a stereotype-shattering man who inspired his people and boxing fans everywhere with his courage, achievements, and great warrior heart.
Brian D’Ambrosio is a Helena, Montana, writer, instructor, and media consultant. D’Ambrosio’s recent articles have been published in local, regional, and national publications, including Cowboys and Indians, Wisconsin Trails, Bark Magazine, Montana Magazine, and Backpacker Magazine. His most recent e¬book chronicled the trial and conviction of exonerated murderer Ryan Ferguson, 101 Reasons Why Ryan Ferguson Should Be Released. D’Ambrosio is a frequent contributor to, among other internet sites, “The Huffington Post,” where he profiles an eclectic assortment of people. He is currently completing a first volume of in-depth profiles of ex-entertainment wrestlers, football players, and boxers called Life in the Trenches.
For more information on these and other programs at the Library, log onto www.lclibrary.org and Remember, There’s Always Something Going On @ Your Lewis & Clark Library!
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