Hot and fresh out the kitchen

J. Ryan Stradal has a true knack for the literary arts. His first novel, Kitchens of the Great Midwest, earned a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2015. This novel is filled with foodie culture, family, and life experiences everyone can relate to – even if you’re not an authentic Midwesterner. Stradal’s meaning of life is good food, which he conveys heavily through the novel’s main character, Eva. However, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is not his only accomplishment. Stradal is known for a series of short stories called Nerd & Whore are Friends, which was nominated for several awards, as well as his short fiction, which has been anthologized and also got some nice recognition. Stradal uses his free time to volunteer at 826LA, a nonprofit organization centered on the education of creative and writing skills in Los Angeles. His accomplishments further include co-producing a series, HOT DISH, editing and producing shows on stations including MTV, FOX, and ABC, and filmmaking. Stradal is one creative culinary and literary machine. See J. Ryan Stradal in person during his contributions to the Chippewa Valley Book Festival, October 16-26. This born and raised Midwesterner will be speaking about his experiences leading up to the book and reading a bit of his novel Kitchens of the Great Midwest. Let’s hope there’s good cheese.

J. Ryan Stradal’s Kitchens of the Great Midwest: The Story Behind the Story • Oct. 23 • Phillips Memorial Library, 400 Eau Claire St. • 7pm • www.jryanstradal.com