Author Reading: John Young & Charlie Hopper

Join local authors, John Young and Charlie Hopper, for a reading, author discussion, and signing of their books. John will be reading from his book Getting Huge. Charlie will be reading from his children’s book Thank You Day!

This event is recommended for all ages!

All proceeds from book sales at Indy Reads support our English literacy programming.

Getting Huge

This often-comic novel is for all who’ve worked with the wrong people in the wrong place, and ached to escape―to start something new and find a sense of belonging.

What begins as backyard diversion swells into an absurd obsession: to grow the world’s largest pumpkin and to build a pumpkin empire making everything from snacks to toilet paper. All to win him fame and fortune (and perhaps the affection of an alluring neighbor). Reverend John Crackstone sees his pumpkins, especially the giant named Schwartz, as his shot at greatness. And it becomes his chance to flip the tables on his affluent and perpetually disappointed deacons.

While often comic, Getting Huge resonates with the Great Resignation and quiet quitting, as it shows how the pursuit of other people’s goals and ideas of success can cloud judgment. Until we are jolted into clarity and head for the hills.

Thank You, Day!

A young girl bursts with gratitude for all that the day has brought.

“While children are often taught to show gratitude for people and things, this book provides space for reveling in the natural world and the bounty therein. A lovely opportunity to stop and smell the roses–and say thank you.” -Kirkus Reviews

Meet the Author: John Young

A native of Indianapolis, John Young is the author of two literary novels: Getting Huge and When the Coin Is in the Air, as well as Fire in the Field & Other Stories. When he was eight years old, John told his mother he wanted to be a scientist or a clown. So he went into advertising and figures he got pretty close. Along the way, he graduated from Indiana University and earned an MFA from Emerson College, Boston.

After 20 years in Massachusetts, he now lives with his wife and two kids in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Meet the Author: Charlie Hopper

Charlie Hopper is a songwriter who lives and works in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thank You, Day! is his first picture book.”
If you want to expand it a little:”Charlie Hopper lives and works in Indianapolis, where he writes advertisements, songs, and other things. Thank You, Day! is his first picture book.”

This event is Pay-What-You-Can. Here’s what your suggested donation can do for the Indy Reads community:

FREE – This ticket is for attendees that would like to attend this event and are unable to purchase a ticket. Indy Reads values our community and facilitators. We are proud to provide programming to all. Thank you for being a part of our community!

$10 – This donation covers the cost of one attendee to this event. Indy Reads strives to bring the very best programming to Fountain Square and all Hoosiers. Thank you for helping us to keep our quality programs accessible for all!

$20 – This donation covers the cost of two attendees to this event. If you are attending as an individual, your ticket at this level makes it possible for another who cannot afford a ticket to attend. It is only through the generosity of our community that we are able to support programs that enrich the lives of all Hoosiers. Thank you for your support!

Other – “Pay-What-You-Can” really does mean pay what you can. Indy Reads appreciates that every one of our community members is able to support our vision of 100% literacy for all in different ways. Whether you can pay $5 or $50, we are so excited to see you – and thank you for your support!