Award-winning author and acclaimed humorist Dave Barry will be speaking at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Wyoming Union Ballroom.
The professional humorist has written more than 30 books, including “Lunatics,” “Tricky Business,” “Best. State. Ever.” and “Big Trouble,” which was adapted into a motion picture in 2002.
In addition to writing books, Barry has written a nationally syndicated humor column for the Miami Herald, with his articles appearing in more than 500 newspapers. Barry won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1988 and was awarded the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2005.
He is a member of the rock ‘n’ roll band of published writers, Rock Bottom Remainders, whose members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, Matt Groening and Mitch Alborn. Barry also inspired the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World” that was based on two of his books.
“Mr. Barry has authored a wide-range of books geared for children to senior adults, and for just about everyone in between,” Coe library senior office assistant Rochelle Hayes said in an email. “He has something to offer to all age groups and backgrounds.”
His latest book, “Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog,” explores the trials and hurdles of life people experience after middle age. Turning to his dog, Lucy, for assistance, Barry creates a self-help book that leans on lessons learned from his canine best friend.
Barry has also written several young adult novels, most recently “The Worst Class Trip Ever” and “The Worst Night Ever.” His young adult series includes one about Peter Pan and another about Neverland.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Haverford College in 1969 and now lives in Miami with his family.
Being a professional humorist is closely related to a comedian, though not exactly the same. A humorist is a serious writer or speaker who uses humor to make a point or help a reader see what’s funny about life in general or specific situations.
“Often times [humorists] are writers and may incorporate whole themes in their stories,” Hayes said. “Mr. Barry has definitely excelled in this area and has built his entire career finding humor in ABSOLUTELY everything.”
Barry’s event is part of the UW Libraries Development Board’s annual author event and is funded by the McMurry-Spieles Endowment for Library Excellence.
Those attending the event are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and seating. UW Transit and Parking is providing complimentary parking in the “A” spaces at Wyoming Hall and McWhinnie Hall parking lots from noon to 4 p.m. Metered parking will also be available at the regular fee, day permits may be purchased at the Wyoming Union information desk and attendees can use the free shuttle service as well.
The presentation is free and open to the public with the University Story hosting a signing following his talk. No audio or video recordings or flash photography will be permitted during the event. For more information about Barry’s presentation, call UW Libraries at 307-766-3641, email mhayes6@uwyo.edu or visit UWyo.edu/Libraries.
