Two bestselling authors are visiting Harrisburg this Saturday and along with them comes a special guest—a donkey.
Midtown Scholar Bookstore brings in Christopher McDougall and Alexandra Horowitz, two New York Times bestselling authors to discuss their new books, one about a donkey and the other a dog.
“They’re both great writers, and we think they’ll be a hit with the Harrisburg community,” Midtown Scholar Manager Alex Brubaker said.
Sherman the donkey—the star of McDougall’s book, “Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero”—will be there to meet fans across from the bookstore at 3rd and Verbeke streets.
“We’ve never had a donkey before,” Brubaker said. “It’s a really unique experience to meet a donkey in person, especially a donkey with some fame.”
McDougall’s book tells about his experience training a rescue donkey in central Pennsylvania. Not only did he help Sherman become healthy again, but he trained him to run. The trainer and donkey ended up competing in a world championship burro race in Colorado, where they ran side-by-side.
“Running with Sherman” has recently been picked up by Netflix, which is making a movie based on the book. McDougall is also the author of “Born to Run,” which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
On the other hand, Horowitz’s book, “Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond,” details the unique relationship between human and dog. A dog scientist, Horowitz examines the ways dogs reflect us and change our lives.
Before the book presentations, McDougall will participate in a fun run through Harrisburg, which anyone is welcome to join.
Both authors will then discuss their books, which will be followed by an audience Q&A session and a book signing. The events are all free, family-friendly and open to the public.
“Donkey and books, what’s better?” Brubaker said.
Sherman the donkey will be across from Midtown Scholar Bookstore from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and the fun run will begin at 4 p.m. in front of the bookstore. Author presentations will begin at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.midtownscholar.com.
