Plainfield Author Will Sign Book, Donate Proceeds To Library

PLAINFIELD, IL — When his adoptive father dies suddenly, Miles Ayala must publicly confront hard questions he’d ever asked only privately. The answers will shape not only how everyone will see his father, but also how Miles will see himself.

That conundrum drives “The Acorn Wars,” the fourth book and first novel by Plainfield author Tom Hernandez.

Hernandez will read from and sign “The Acorn Wars” at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield Public Library, 15025 Illinois Street, Plainfield. Please visit the Plainfield Library website at plainfieldpubliclibrary.org and click on the Events Calendar to register.

“The Acorn Wars” is an intimate, powerful story of introspection, identity, forgiveness and reconciliation that explores the definition, challenges and, ultimately, the unbreakable bonds of family.

“I am excited to share this story which took seven years – and really, a lifetime – for me to write,” Hernandez said. “I rarely write fiction. I prefer essays and poetry, so this book was both a real challenge and growth experience. I am very proud of it.”

All four of Hernandez’s books will be available for purchase at this program and proceeds will benefit the Plainfield Friends of the Library.

“Libraries anchor our communities. They are vital resources for everyone from students to young families to senior citizens,” Hernandez said.

“My own family, including my two adult daughters and now my granddaughter has benefited immensely from the many libraries we have used, so I am happy and proud to support them any way I can,” he said.

Hernandez is a Joliet native. He and his wife, Kellie have lived in Plainfield for 23 years. He is also the director of community relations for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District #202.

He also worked as a professional journalist for 21 years as a reporter and columnist in Joliet, Aurora, Plainfield and the northwest suburbs.

His other books include:

• “Chocolate Cows and Purple Cheese and other tales from the homefront” is a series of essays about young parenthood, marriage, politics, faith and family.

• “Abundance – a collection” includes 36 poems exploring the common experiences that connect human beings – life and death, love and loss, joy and sorrow, faith and doubt.

• “The Edge of Middle – thoughts from the top of the hill”, a collection of 25 essays, poems and short fiction exploring the trip to, and through middle age.

All are available on Amazon and through Hernandez’s website, www.tomhernandezbooks.com

Submitted article