Joe R. Sexton Lecture Series: David Chrisinger, Author of The Soldier’s Truth

The Ferguson Library welcomes David Chrisinger, author of The Soldier’s Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II, and the featured speaker of the annual Joe R. Sexton Memorial Lecture. Chrisinger will deliver his talk at the Harry Bennett Branch, May 16 at 6 p.m.

In The Soldier’s Truth, Chrisinger chronicles the life and work of renowned war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who put a human face on World War II for millions of Americans even as he wrestled with his own demons. A moving tribute to a humble American hero whose impact on the war is still too little understood, and a powerful reckoning with that war’s impact on all who fought in it, The Soldier’s Truth takes its place among the essential contributions to our understanding of what war is about and how we make sense of it.

David Chrisinger also wrote Stories Are What Save Us, where he reflects on his journey as a writer, editor and teacher using a range of craft tools and storytelling frameworks he and his students have used to process trauma and conflict and create stories of growth and transformation. He is a Logan Nonfiction Fellow and has contributed columns to the New York Times Magazine. He also regularly contributes to The War Horse, an award-winning non-profit newsroom dedicated to educating the public on military service and war as well as its impact.

In addition to his work as an author, Chrisinger serves as the Executive Director of the Harris Writing Workshop, leads the Persuasive Writing Credential Program, and advises the student-led Chicago Policy Review at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.

The Joe R. Sexton Lecture Series is presented in memory of Joseph (Joe) R. Sexton, who was a volunteer with the Friends of the Ferguson Library and worked for 10 years with his wife, Ann, on the library’s Books for Babies program. The lecture series was created to perpetuate Sexton’s spirit, interests and his unfailing enthusiasm to try new things.

This program is generously supported by Mel Klugman and the Friends of the Ferguson Library.