An award-winning author is coming to downtown Bay City to tell the story of some very famous Michigander brothers, touching on both the famous and infamous aspects of their lives.
The Friends of the Bay County Libraries organization is bringing Dr. Howard Markel to town for a presentation and book signing. Markel will be talking about his latest book, The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek.
The event, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at the State Theatre of Bay City, is free and open to the public.
"Library staff is very excited to be involved with Dr. Markel's visit and book signing, which was underwritten by the Friends of the Bay County Libraries," Bay County Library System Marketing Manager Mary Ruthko tells us in an email.
"For the second year, the Friends have selected a phenomenally talented, nationally-recognized author in support of BCLS's mission to 'transform our community by providing vital opportunities connecting people, ideas, and information'."
While the Kellogg’s brand of cereals remains ubiquitous, many would be surprised to learn that the Kellogg's story runs much deeper than Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies. The true story of the Kellogg brothers involves "two brothers with competing ideologies" and "racism, Nazi eugenics, sanitariums, industry, humanity, generosity, and corn flakes," according to a release.
The book has received many accolades, including 2017 Best Nonfiction Book of the Year awards from both Kirkus Review and The Boston Globe, the 2017 Best Book of the Summer from Newsday, and the August 2017 Best History Book of the Month from Amazon Books. The Kelloggs was also a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist.
"Dr. Markel's extensive resume, and The Kelloggs book, intertwine a variety of fascinating historical and cultural topics,” Ruthko says. "This is an event that should not be missed."
Copies of The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek will be for sale at the event. They are also available throughout the BCLS system of library branches and its website.
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