Authors! with Stefan Merrill Block

Stefan Merrill Block joins Authors! to discuss his debut memoir, Homeschooled, which chronicles his hometaught journey led by his erratic mother and the shock of returning to society, via high school. This is a unique opportunity to get an inside look into the early days of legalized homeschooling in America, perfect for fans of U.S. history and inspirational stories of overcoming adversity.

Years before homeschooling would become a massive nationwide movement, at a time when it had just become legal in his home state of Texas, Stefan vanished into that unseen space and into his mother’s increasingly eccentric theories and projects. But when, after five years away from the outside world, Stefan reentered the public school system in Plano as a freshman, he was in for a jarring awakening.

At once a novelistic portrait of mother and son, and an illuminating window into an overlooked corner of the American education system, Homeschooled is a moving, funny and ultimately inspiring story of a son’s battle for a life of his own choosing, and the wages of a mother’s insatiable love.

Stefan Merrill Block grew up in Plano Texas. His first book The Story of Forgetting was an interanational bestseller and the winner of multiple literary awards. Stefan's novels have been translated into ten languages, and his stories and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Page-Turner, THe Guardian, NPR's Radiolab, GRANTA, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Merrill now resides in upstate New York.

Do tickets include a copy of the book? Yes, (1) ticket includes (1) copy of the featured book.

Can tickets be purchased by phone? No, tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite only.

What are my parking options at the event? The Library has a free underground parking garage. The garage entrance is located on Adams St.

What time do the doors open? General admission seating begins at 6:30 p.m.

Are there assigned seats? No. Seating is general admission. The purchase of a ticket guarantees seating.

Is handicapped seating available? Handicapped seating is available. For special seating arrangements, please call (419) 214-4332 at least one week prior to the event.

Will an American Sign Language Interpreter be provided for the event? We are happy to provide an ASL Interpreter for the event - if you require this service, please contact us at (419) 214-4332 at least two weeks before the event so arrangements can be made.

What can/can't I bring to the event? Please do not bring outside food/beverages. There is no video recording or flash photography allowed.

Will the author hold a book signing after the talk? Yes, the author will be available for a limited signing opportunity after the presentation.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes, tickets will be scanned at the door. Tickets can be scanned from your phone via your Eventbrite email receipt. Please have your device with the Eventbrite email open for scanning at entry. Screenshots cannot be scanned.

Can I get my book if I don’t attend the event? Books may only be obtained at the event. If you are unable to attend, you may give your ticket to someone else to pick it up at the event. Forward them your Eventbrite email receipt so they may collect the book.

What is the refund policy? Tickets will be refunded only if the event is canceled.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? Call the Library at (419) 214-4332

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