U of O to Host Bestselling Author July 27

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner will speak and hold a book-signing at University of the Ozarks at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, as part of the "If All of Arkansas Read the Same Book" reading program, sponsored by the Arkansas State Library.

The event will be held in the Rowntree Auditorium, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center. There is no cost for admission and the public is invited. The event will include an author talk, a Q&A session with the audience, and a book-signing.

The Amalfi Curse by Penner was selected as the 2025 title for "If All Arkansas Read the Same Book," the state's annual shared reading experience.

In The Amalfi Curse (Park Row Books, 2025), a nautical archaeologist's search for sunken treasure leads to the discovery of dark secrets, ancient magic, and a love that defies centuries. Known for her bestselling debut, The Lost Apothecary, Penner returns with a suspenseful and atmospheric story perfect for summer reading.

Penner is the internationally bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society. Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages and her debut, The Lost Apothecary, has sold over one million copies worldwide. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah spent 13 years in corporate finance and now writes full-time. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking. She also sits on the board of directors at her local animal shelter, Friends of Strays. She and her husband, Marc, live in Florida.

The Arkansas State Library has coordinated the distribution of the book to libraries throughout the state, supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more details and event updates, visit library.arkansas.gov.

Topics: Community Events