Lake Forest Library
360 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.0636
www.lakeforestlibrary.org
Lake Bluff Public Library
23 E Scranton Ave
Lake Bluff IL 60044
847.234.2540
www.lakeblufflibrary.org
Contact:
Michelle Doshi
Adult Services Librarian
847.810.4612
mdoshi@lakeforestlibrary.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Examine the opioids crisis with the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff libraries
February 6, 2020 – LAKE FOREST Ill – Lake Forest and Lake Bluff libraries present the second annual Two Communities, One Nonfiction Book reading program, Read Between the Ravines (formerly Deep Freeze Read). The program centers on a nonfiction book relevant to the local area with the purpose of inspiring discussion around real-world issues.
This year's featured book is "American Overdose: The Opioid Trilogy in Three Acts" by journalist Chris McGreal. The book is described as "a comprehensive portrait of a uniquely American epidemic—devastating in its findings and damning in its conclusions." Everyone is invited to check out the book and attend events at both libraries and throughout the Lake Forest–Lake Bluff community.
Events begin at the end of February and explore themes from the book including the opioid crisis, the pharmaceutical industry, and addiction resources, with an emphasis on local issues in Lake County, Illinois. The program culminates with a visit from author Chris McGreal on April 2–3, 2020. Last year's highly successful author visit filled the Hughes Theater at Gorton Community Center. Interested parties are encouraged to register for this year's author chat on April 3 at www.gortoncenter.org/events.
To learn more about the author, the book, and related events, please visit www.readbetween.org.
About the Book
The opioid epidemic has been described as "one of the greatest mistakes of modern medicine." But calling it a mistake is a generous rewriting of the history of greed, corruption, and indifference that pushed the U.S. into consuming more than 80% of the world’s opioid painkillers. Journeying through lives and communities wrecked by the epidemic, Chris McGreal reveals how Big Pharma hooked Americans on powerfully addictive drugs and how corruption in medicine and public institutions let the opioid makers get away with it.
About the Author
Chris McGreal is a reporter for The Guardian and former journalist at the BBC. He has written on hard-hitting topics including the Rwandan genocide, Israel/Palestine relations, and the impact of economic recession in modern America. He has won several awards including the Martha Gellhorn Prize for Journalism for reporting that "penetrated the established version of events and told an unpalatable truth." He is a former merchant seaman.
Read Between the Ravines partners
Lake Bluff Public Library
Lake Forest Library
Gorton Community Center
Lake Forest College
The History Center of Lake Forest–Lake Bluff
Friends of Lake Forest Library
Main Events featuring the Author
An Afternoon with Chris McGreal
Thursday, April 2, 4:00 pm
At Lake Forest College
Join us for a discussion between Chris McGreal, journalist and author of “American Overdose,” and Janet McCracken, Professor of Philosophy at Lake Forest College, on topics including the opioid crisis, pharmaceutical ethics, and McGreal’s journalism. Book signing to follow. This event is free and open to both students and the public. The public should register at www.lakeforestlibrary.org/rbr.
A Conversation with Chris McGreal
Friday, April 3, 7:00 pm
At Gorton Community Center
Join us for a conversation between Chris McGreal and Mark A. Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. McGreal and Pfister will discuss McGreal’s writing and journalism, the local opioid crisis, and more. Book signing to follow. Register for this free event at www.gortoncenter.org/events.
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