Scott Heim

Here, from the incomparable John Waters, is a paean to the power of subversive inspiration that will delight, amuse, enrich, and happily horrify readers everywhere. Role Models is a self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities—some famous, some unknown, some criminal, some ... (more)surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to the American playwright Tennessee Williams; from the atheist leader Madalyn Murray O’Hair to the martyr Saint Catherine of Siena; from the English novelist Denton Welch to the timelessly appealing singer Johnny Mathis—these are the extreme figures who helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness. Role Models is a personal invitation into one of the most unique, perverse, and hilarious artistic minds of our time. John Waters is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and visual artist best known for his cult films, including Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, and Cecil B. DeMented. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland. This special event will feature a conversation between John and author Scott Heim. Heim holds degrees from the University of Kansas and Columbia University. He has lived and worked in New York, London, and Cape Cod, and currently makes his home in Boston. He has published three novels, Mysterious Skin, In Awe, and We Disappear as well as a book of poems, Saved from Drowning. In 2005, the film adaptation of Mysterious Skin, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, was released to critical acclaim.

Throughout the month of April, a series of Kansas City Public Library events, in association with Rainy Day Books, dubbed Murder Ink will feature authors Christopher Rice, Scott Heim, and Lee Martin.

The triumvirate, boasting multiple bestseller listings and Pulitzer Prize consideration, are ... (more)widely considered to be among today’s premier murder-mystery writers. Rice will be at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St., on Tuesday, April 1, Heim at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St., on Tuesday, April 22, and Martin at Central on Tuesday, April 29.

Rice, a three-time bestselling author whose work has been described as "bold and ambitious" by The New York Times, will discuss his recently released military thriller, Blind Fall. The son of famed author Anne Rice doesn’t disappoint with this story of honor and integrity. Two men, one a Marine, one gay, must unite to avenge the death of the man they both loved—one as a brother-in-arms, one as a lover.

"I’m excited about Blind Fall," Rice said, "because I think, like my favorite thrillers that I enjoy reading, it engages a serious issue in a very suspenseful and exciting way."

Mysterious SkinHeim, perhaps best known for his novel Mysterious Skin, made into the 2004 film starring Elisabeth Shue and Brady Corbet, will discuss his recently released effort, We Disappear.

Born and raised in Kansas, Heim has penned a dark and compelling book about lost innocence, family responsibility, and the dangers of obsession.

The Bright ForeverRounding out the series is Martin, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, The Bright Forever. Past and present collide in Martin’s latest offering, River of Heaven, a story involving a man, his brother, and the dark secret that both connects and divides them. The haunting page-turner weaves a story of love and loss, confession and redemption, and the mystery surrounding the 1955 death of a boy named Dewey Finn.

All events begin at 7 p.m. with 6:30 p.m. receptions preceding the discussions. Complete the form below or call 816.701.3407 to indicate your interest in attending. Book copies for the authors will be available for sale courtesy of Rainy Day Books.

Out from Boston and making a welcome Elliott Bay return is Scott Heim, most known heretofore for his novel, Mysterious Skin, as well as another novel and a book of poetry. He reads tonight from his taut, new novel, We Disappear (HarperPerennial). This is about disappearances, missing children, present ... (more)... and past, perhaps ... "Strange and luminous, this fascinating psychological thriller tackles questions of identity, illness and trauma ... Beautifully clear, the writing at times recalls that of Paul Auster ..." - Publishers Weekly. Scott Heim has also written for The Advocate, Village Voice, and Nerve.com.

See the Powell’s Event Calendar for details.