Easton Resident to Hold Library Reading

Jennifer Murgia, an author of young adult novels, will not need to travel far to meet her young fans on Saturday.

That's when Murgia, who lives in Easton, will visit a young adult reading group at the Palmer Memorial Library at 2pm to discuss “Lemniscate,” her recently published novel targeted to the middle-school through ninth-grade age group. The event is open to the public.

“Lemniscate” is the second book in a series of young adult/fantasy novels written by Murgia. The first, “Angel Star,” was published last year. Murgia is working on a third novel in the series, a prequel to “Angel Star,” tentatively titled “Awaken.”

The series features Teagan, a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with a boy who turns out to be her guardian angel. It mixes elements of romance, fantasy, dark humor and the eternal internal struggle between good and evil, says the author. Angels are a constant theme throughout the two books; she describes the theme as spiritual more than religious.

“It's not a religious story by any means,” she said. “It's fiction, it's fantasy.”

"Lemniscate" is another name for the infinity symbol.

Murgia looks forward to interesting feedback from her young readers on Saturday, she said. The members of the young adult reading group have read “Lemniscate,” and she will sign copies for them as well as answer questions and join the discussion about the book and the story.

Making an author's appearance so close to home is special, Murgia said.

“I feel very comfortable here,” she said, adding that the library's conference room will provide a cozy setting, “more personal” and relaxed than a formal book-signing appearance.

Although its protagonist is female, the series is not just for girls, Murgia says. She noted that the reading group includes several boys; also, the novel passed muster with Murgia's own son, age 13. “He didn't think it was mushy at all,” she said.

“Angel Star” is Murgia's first published book, but she began writing poetry, often with fantastical undertones, as a young girl.

“I was always the girl in school who would write dark morbid poetry instead of changing for gym,” she said. “I personally enjoy stories that are supernatural or paranormal.”

The idea for “Angel Star” “came out of nowhere” one day, Murgia said. “I began writing the next day and eight months later had a finished book.”

Next up was the long process of finding a publisher, a process Murgia described as “daunting.” A vibrant online blogosphere of young adult fiction authors and fans helped build momentum for the book's release, she said.

Murgia is also working on another book, not part of the “Angel Star” series. She plans to keep busy writing.

“I have lots of ideas,” she said.

Palmer Memorial Library is at 1 Weller Place, Palmer Township.

On the Web: http://www.jennifermurgia.com/