National Award-Winning Author/Journalist to Speak at MCC Campuses

(Bradenton, Fla., Feb. 28, 2005) - Celebrated author and journalist Bob Shacochis will read from his works and answer questions in free presentations at 7 p.m., Monday, March 7, at the outdoor gazebo, Manatee Community College (MCC) Bradenton, 5840 26^th St. West, and at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, in room 307 of the Library at Manatee Community College Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail. The winner of numerous prestigious awards, he has published two books of short stories, a novel and a nonfiction book. He is a contributing editor with Harper's and Outside magazines and has written op-ed articles on the U.S. military, Haiti and Florida politics for the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.

Critics have praised Shacochis for his "pitch-perfect prose." His books include the fictional Swimming in the Volcano and nonfictional The Immaculate Invasion. The novel won a National Book Award for First Fiction and Best New Contributor in Fiction award. Shacochis also received a James Michener Award, a Pushcart Prize, and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He has written extensively about the Caribbean and his most recent article in Outside magazine is an account of a journey through a politically volatile Nepal.

The readings are sponsored by the MCC Department of Language and Literature and student activity fees. Seating is limited at MCC Venice. For more information, call (941) 752-5468.

###