Book Notes: Writers Series draws up last play for Shann Ray

The final edition of this year’s Gonzaga University Visiting Writers Series will feature one of Gonzaga’s own.

GU professor Shann Ferch, who writes under the name Shann Ray, will read from “American Masculine,” his collection of short stories. This free, public talk will be in the Cataldo Hall Globe Room at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, at 1:10 p.m. in Jepson Center Room 014, Ferch will talk about his writing in a question-and-answer session that also is free and open to the public.

Ferch, who teaches in Gonzaga’s leadership studies doctoral program, has won acclaim for his poetry and prose. “American Masculine” was named a Kirkus Review Best Book of 2011. His work has appeared in McSweeney’s, Poetry International, StoryQuarterly and Five Chapters. He was raised in Montana, and lived on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

The GU Visiting Writers Series, now in its sixth year, has hosted a number of respected writers, including Jess Walter, Richard Kenney, Sharon Olds and Katrina Roberts. This year, the series included Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan and former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.

Ferch played college basketball at Montana State and Pepperdine universities, and played professionally in Germany. He is among the local literary luminaries – including Sherman Alexie and Walter – who will participate in the Get Lit! tip off charity basketball game at 7 p.m. April 9 at Whitworth University.