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Register 6 Seats Remaining
Join us for a book discussion of Angel Down ahead of the author Daniel Kraus' visit on 11/6/25!
DANIEL KRAUS, critically acclaimed author of the “crazily enjoyable” (The New York Times) Whalefall, returns with an immersive, cinematic novel about five World War I soldiers who stumble upon a fallen angel that could hold the key to ending the war: Angel Down. Pick up a copy of the book at one of our participating libraries - Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake or Huntley.
We will have a book discussion of Angel Down on Thursday, October 30th at 7 p.m. at Cary Ale House, 208 W. Main St, Cary, IL 60013. Light appetizers will be provided by the libraries, beverages are up to you. We also have a WWI historical presentation with Terry Lynch on Saturday, November 1st at 2:00: "Over There, The War to End All Wars" at the Algonquin Library - please register if you would like to attend.
Most importantly, we have an author event/meet and greet with Daniel Kraus at McHenry County College on November 6th at 7:00 p.m. with Chicago Tribune columnist Heidi Stevens as the interviewer. Please register for this event if you would like to attend. Books will be available for purchase and signing that evening, courtesy of Read Between the Lynes book store.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Private Cyril Bagger has managed to survive the unspeakable horrors of the Great War through his wits and deception, swindling fellow soldiers at every opportunity. But his survival instincts are put to the ultimate test when he and four other grunts are given a deadly mission: venture into the perilous No Man’s Land to euthanize a wounded comrade. What they find amid the ruined battlefield, however, is not a man in need of mercy but a fallen angel, seemingly struck down by artillery fire. This celestial being may hold the key to ending the brutal conflict, but only if the soldiers can suppress their individual desires and work together. As jealousy, greed, and paranoia take hold, the group is torn apart by their inner demons, threatening to turn their angelic encounter into a descent into hell. Angel Down plunges you into the heart of World War I and weaves a polyphonic tale of survival, supernatural wonder, and moral conflict. Please note that this book contains graphic war imagery and subject matter.
AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.