Four Programs Planned Ahead of OBOC Author Visit

No Two PersonsFour public events will be held in advance of author  Erica Bauermeister’s visit to Alliance to discuss No Two Persons, the 2025 One Book One Community selection.

[READ ABOUT THE BOOK AND AUTHOR HERE]

All of the programs leading up to the author visit will take place inside the Rodman Public Library Auditorium and online registration is required to attend each program.

A printed program guide, complete with a list of characters, a study guide, a brief synopsis of the book, a biographical sketch of the author written by herself and a list of her other works is available at both the Main and Branch Libraries.

[CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF THE GUIDE]

 

 

 THE PROGRAMS:

 "Perceptions is Reality: Looking Through the Lens of Mental Illness"

with Shannon Ortiz

Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.

Each character in No Two Persons is dealing with some kind of trauma or grief.

Shannon Ortiz
Shannon Ortiz

To expand on those themes, Shannon Ortiz will present “Perception is Reality: Looking Through the Lens of Mental Illness” to kick off the 2025 One Book One Community programming on Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.

[REGISTER HERE]

The thought-provoking discussion in relation to No Two Persons, a novel that beautifully weaves together diverse, interlocking narratives, will explore the intricate ways mental illness, trauma, and suicide shape individual experiences and perspectives, emphasizing how no two journeys — or perceptions — are ever the same. 

Drawing parallels between the book’s themes and real-life challenges, the program invites participants to delve deeper into how personal stories and struggles influence the way we see the world. This discussion creates a space for understanding, empathy, and connection, reminding us of the power in honoring each person’s unique reality.

Ortiz is the founder of Light after Loss @ The Hope and Healing Center, and now The Traumatic Loss Care (TLC) Institute. Shannon lost her husband, Craig, to suicide on August 3, 2016, leaving her and their two young girls behind. She was the director of counseling services at The University of Mount Union and the president of NAMI Stark County at the time. In 2018, she stepped down from her positions to heal and to help her two young daughters heal. As a result of her own difficult and lonely journey through suicide loss she wants to be a light for others to spreading hope for healing.

 

“No Two Persons: A Conversation About Creating Art”

with Chelsea Shar 

Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m.

Chelsea Shar
Chelsea Shar

One novel impacted the lives of ten characters in very different ways in No Two Persons.

To explore that theme of the 2025 One Book One Community selection, Chelsea Shar will lead “No Two Persons: A Conversation About Creating Art” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1 inside the Rodman Auditorium. 

[REGISTER HERE]

The aim of the program is to be an insightful and inspiring discussion of No Two Persons as it delves into the complexities of creativity, artistic intention, and the profound impact art has on our lives. 

Whether you're an artist seeking to connect with like-minded individuals or someone who simply appreciates the power of storytelling, this discussion will explore the themes of inspiration, the role of the artist, and how personal experiences shape the act of creation. Participants will reflect on the characters' journeys, the book’s exploration of art, and how the novel invites readers to think more deeply about the creative process. 

The discussion will provide a space for open dialogue, where participants can exchange ideas, ask questions, and explore how art reflects and influences our lives. 

Artists of all mediums are especially encouraged to attend. Whether you’re a visual artist, writer, musician, or simply someone with a passion and appreciation for art, come be part of the conversation.

Shar is the video production teacher at Alliance High School and director of Spectrum Channel 1022. She began her career as a writer in the newspaper industry and has since expanded her expertise into video, audio, and written storytelling. 

 

“No Two Persons: A Novel Together”

with Hagan Faye Whiteleather

Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

Hagan Faye Whiteleather
Hagan Faye Whiteleather

 Hagan Faye Whiteleather, professor of creative and critical writing at Kent State University, will lead an interactive book club experience at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 centered on story creation and personal narrative.

[REGISTER TO ATTEND]

“No Two Persons: A Novel. Together” will explore the interconnected web of characters found in No Two Persons, the book’s short story cycle construction, and author Erica Bauermeister's ability to showcase the vast and varied community that art can create. 

 

 â€śThe Storyteller’s Story: How Audiobooks Are Made” 

with Dan Popp

Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m.

Dan Popp
Dan Popp

The advent of audiobooks have made great literature like Erica Baurmeister’s No Two Persons accessible to wider audiences.

Those with vision problems can now enjoy novels at the push of a button. Travelers on long journeys can tick off the miles chapter by chapter. And adults who enjoyed being read bedtime stories read to them can have that experience again through audiobooks.

     In No Two Persons, Rowan is an actor who leaves Hollywood due to a skin condition and finds success as a voice actor who has a knack for recording audiobooks. 

Dan Popp, a veteran voice actor, will explain how the written words on a page become the spoken words in your ear when he presents “The Stroryteller’s Story: How Audiobooks are Made” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.

[REGISTER HERE]

Popp began a career in radio at age 16. In the late 1980s, he made the transition from broadcasting to voice acting and audio production, founding Akron-based Colors Audio in 1989.

Through the transitions from tape to digital recording, and from fax-and-FedEx to electronic delivery, Dan has provided high quality sound for commercials, eLearning courses and more, including audiobooks.

In 2014 he began coaching the next generation of voice actors.

Dan lives in Akron with his wife Vicky, and one too many cats.