Thousands of people throughout Pierce County have been participating in the community one-book program, Pierce County READS, for the past two months. To culminate the free program, meet this year’s featured writer, New York Times bestselling author Paula McLain at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17. The event will be held in the McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood.

McLain will talk and sign books, featuring this year’s Pierce County READS’ book “The Paris Wife.” The story tells an intriguing account of one of the world’s greatest authors, Ernest Hemingway, seen through the eyes of his first wife, Hadley Richardson. The account does not endear one to Ernest Hemingway; rather readers gain a greater understanding of his beginnings, struggles and desires. The story points to insights about Hemingway and describes the tragedy in this great author’s life.

The book has been very hot on the New York Times bestseller’s list, and with significant social media chatter, it soared and stayed at the top of the list. “The Paris Wife” garnered the Winner for Best Historical Fiction in the Goodreads Choice Awards, which is the only major book award decided by readers.

Since launching Pierce County READS in mid-March, people have checked out copies of the book more than 4,000 times from Pierce County Library System. Hundreds of people continue to participate in more than 40 free events, where they learn how to write and get their books published, plan trips to Paris, and make art deco jewelry.

Throughout the program, people have been donating nonperishable food items to a Pierce County READS’ community partner, Emergency Food Network. The library encourages people to bring items to the main author event, too.

For more information, visit Pierce County Library System online.