Heck Thomas, famous Old West lawman, who rode the area all around Ponca City, in Andy Thomas's (www.andythomas.com) classic "True American Grit."

Do Oklahoma History, World War 2, or the Dust Bowl interest you? If so, and you are in northern Oklahoma or can get there, John will deliver two big talks this Thursday, July 13th.

First, at 11 a.m. at the Bartlesville Area History Museum, he'll discuss SHORTGRASS, his new historical novel of Dust Bowl and World War 2 Oklahoma grit. In keeping with the museum's current exhibition on the USS Oklahoma battleship, which the Japanese sunk in their attack on Pearl Harbor, John will deliver for the first time a brand new World War 2-themed presentation that explores the memorable era in which the Oklahoma characters of SHORTGRASS lived, including its drama, romance, war, political intrigue, Great Depression, Big Band glamour, Dust Bowl, heartbreak, and heroism.

John giving an Oklahoma History talk in a previous Bartlesville visit at the library.

Hall of Fame Oklahoma journalist and City Sentinel newspaper publisher Pat McGuigan calls SHORTGRASS "Great writing and compelling story-telling that resonates with power and drama and engages the heart." Steve Coleman, Chairman of Oklahoma Honor Flights, says, "I read SHORTGRASS over the weekend, which is good, because I wouldn't have been worth much at work till I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to know when I can get hold of MUSTANG, the sequel!"

The Bartlesville Area History Museum

John and his wife Grace will have all their books on hand for purchase and signing following the presentation at around noon. For more information about Thursday's Bartlesville event, please contact Museum Coordinator Jo Crabtree at 918-338-4290 or jacrabtr@cityofbartlesville.org

Roland "Waddy" Young, Ponca City native, OU All-American, and WW 2 hero.

That evening at 6:00 in Ponca City, meanwhile, John will deliver an illustration-rich Oklahoma History presentation at the public library, co-sponsored by Brace Books & More. He will chronicle the thunderous Ancient-Statehood period covered in the recently released Vol. 1 of John's book THE OKLAHOMANS: THE STORY OF OKLAHOMA AND ITS PEOPLE. The program will include (as will John's Bartlesville talk) a special bonus feature on Ponca City legend Roland "Waddy" Young. Waddy was the first consensus All-American football player at OU, a star NFL player, and a heroic WW 2 aviator. He is also a major character in SHORTGRASS, and best friend of the fictional protagonist, Lance Roark.

For more information about Thursday evening's Ponca City event, please contract Adult Services Librarian Aaron Gray at 580-767-0345 or library@poncacityok.gov.

The Ponca City Public Library.