Jared Daniels
Staff Writer
A new novel in the Joe Pickett series will be available to be featured and signed by author C.J. Box today at the American Heritage Center (AHC).
The AHC has a collection of material regarding Box and his publications, about 33 boxes, said Matthew Troyanek, a senior office associate at the American Heritage Center. This material consists of drafts of Box’s books, screenplay drafts, novels, reviews and interviews.
“C.J. Box has a special relationship with the American Heritage Center,” said Troyanek.
Tamsen Hert, an Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections librarian for the Education and Research Services at the University of Wyoming, said the collections are available to students from the Hebard Collection, yet none have used them as of her comment. Hert also said she collects the works of C.J. Box.
The new novel of the Pickett series, Long Range, started selling on March 3. This novel marks the 20th novel in the Pickett series, which follows a Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, as he encounters everything from environmental terrorism to cowboy hitmen, all the while pursuing his belief in justice and what is right. In this novel, Pickette faces grizzly bears, false accusations and an assassin.
A native and resident to Wyoming, Box is considered an avid outdoorsmen. Box has been known to ski, hike, ride, hunt and fish through the mountain west and Wyoming. Currently, Box is a member of the Wyoming Office of Tourism Board, has released 27 novels and received a multitude of awards for his writing, only seven of which are stand alone.
“He told me a story of a fan sending a letter simply addressed ‘C.J. Box Saratoga Wyoming’. The small community Post Office (just) delivered it; pretty cool living in a small town,” said Troyanek.
According to Stanford University, 42% of college students never read a book again after finishing school, despite the fact that reading for pleasure has the ability to result in improved empathy, improved relationships and well-being, according to The Reading Agency.
TheBox book release and signing event is a way to receive information about a book which is part of a 20 book series, which could spark interest to continue reading in college.
Box will start speaking about his novel and signing copies starting at noon in the Stock Growers Room of the AHC. The event is scheduled to end at 2 p.m. and is free for the public to attend. Parking at the AHC will be free to individuals who check in with the front desk.
The novel will be sold at the ACH for $28 and the proceeds for the sale of these books will go to support the University Store.
