CHECKING OUT THE
WORLD OF BOOKS
FROM THE SHELF
13
JUNE 29�JULY 6, 2022
One Book, One Path brings Jane Kirkpatrick to Hermiston
By Tammy Malgesini
Go! Magazine
HERMISTON — Jane Kirkpat-
rick, an award-winning Oregon au-
thor and speaker, is featured during
One Book, One Path Community
Read. Coordinated by the Herm-
iston Public Library, the program’s
purpose is to bring people togeth-
er to discuss a common topic.
Mark Rose, library director, said
one of his staff suggested reach-
ing out to Kirkpatrick after reading
her 2021 publication, “The Healing
of Natalie Curtis.” The book was
a fi nalist for the Western Writers
of America Spur Awards for Best
Western Historical Novel.
“Reading together builds
community which is one of the
ways I am so honored when cities
choose one of my titles,” Kirkpat-
rick said. “Walking together on one
path, even for the time it takes to
read a book, can bring meaningful
insights. It’s a privilege to be a part
of that.”
People are encouraged to
obtain a copy at local bookstores
or libraries. Also, electronic access
is available via the Library2Go app.
Kirkpatrick will discuss her writing
process and read from the book
July 14, 6 p.m. at the Hermiston
library, 235 E. Gladys Ave.
An excerpt from the publisher’s
description:
“Classically trained pianist
their community and lives around
and singer Natalie Curtis isolated
them.”
herself for fi ve years after a break-
The author is looking forward to
down just before she was to debut
visiting Hermiston again. Kirkpat-
with the New York Philharmonic.
rick appreciates the town’s diver-
Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie
sity and applauds the quality of
can’t seem to recapture the joy
education and public library in the
music once brought her. In 1902,
community. In addition, years ago
her brother invites her to join him
when she raised watermelons on
in the West to search for healing.
her John Day River ranch,
What she fi nds are songs
she obtained the seeds in
she’d never before encoun-
Hermiston.
tered — the haunting melo-
Kirkpatrick lives with her
dies, rhythms and stories of
husband, Jerry, between
Native Americans.”
Bend and Redmond. They
About 10 years ago,
after reading “Ladies of the
Kirkpatrick are currently looking to
adopt a new cavalier King
Canyon,” a non-fi ction book
Charles puppy. When she isn’t
by Leslie Poling-Kemps, Kirkpat-
rick had a lingering question about writing — or avoiding it by fold-
ing laundry — Kirkpatrick enjoys
Curtis: “What led this woman to
make this life change and how was reading as well as watching British
she changed as she intervened for mysteries on streaming services.
For more information about
others?”
One Book, One Path Community
While a biography is limited to
Read, contact Rose at 541-567-
what and when, Kirkpatrick said
2882 or mrose@hermiston.or.us.
penning historical fi ction allows a
For more about Kirkpatrick and
writer to explore motivation and
her books, visit www.jkbooks.com.
intention and the feelings that go
with that. The musical interest in
the story, she said, was critical for
Curtis’ success, as well as her own
healing.
“Composer Leonard Bernstein
wrote that art helps us discover
ourselves,” Kirkpatrick said. “So I
hope people will see how music
aff ects their own lives and how
they, too, can have an impact in
Jane Kirkpatrick/Contributed Cover
Oregon author Jane Kirkpatrick will share from her 2021 historical novel,
“The Healing of Natalie Curtis,” as part of the Hermiston’s One Book, One Path
Community Read. The free event is July 14 at the Hermiston Public Library.
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