International best-selling author to come to Palmer

Fans of "Two Old Women," "Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun," and the new memoir "Raising Ourselves," will have a chance to meet author Velma Wallis this week in Palmer.

Fireside Books in downtown Palmer is hosting a book signing with Wallis as she tours the state and country with her newest book, "Raising Ourselves: A Gwich'in Coming of Age story from the Yukon River." Wallis will be at Fireside Books from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"It's such an honor," said Fireside Books co-owner David Cheezem. "I've been a fan of hers for so long, and I'm personally looking forward to meeting her."

Cheezem said Wallis' memoir has been selling well at his store and he has heard from a few who have had time to read it already.

"They've said they really enjoyed it," Cheezem said.

Wallis is the latest of several authors Fireside Books has welcomed since it opened in downtown Palmer, and Cheezem says he has more events planned for later this year. The next event will be Dec. 15, during Colony Christmas, when children's authors Anne Nolting, Ann Dixon and Audrey Leighton will be at the bookstore.