Award-Winning Author Dave Barry to Speak at UW April 18

Acclaimed humorist and award-winning author Dave Barry will speak Thursday, April 18, at the University of Wyoming.

His presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. The University Store will host a book signing following the talk. No audio or video recordings or flash photography will be permitted during the event.

Barry’s presentation, part of the UW Libraries Development Board’s annual author event, is funded by the McMurry-Spieles Endowment for Library Excellence. Members of the development board will host a luncheon with Barry at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17. To make a reservation, go to uw.uwyo.edu/davebarry2019 by Wednesday, April 3.

Those attending the afternoon talk are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and seating. UW Transit and Parking Services will provide complimentary parking in “A” spaces in the Wyo Hall and McWhinnie Hall parking lots from noon-4 p.m. Metered parking also will be available at the regular fee, and day permits may be purchased at the Wyoming Union information desk. In addition, attendees can use the free shuttle service. For more information about campus parking and shuttle services, visit www.uwyo.edu/tps.

Barry is a professional humorist who has written more than 30 books, including “Big Trouble,” “Lunatics,” “Tricky Business” and “Best. State. Ever.”

“Best. State. Ever.” explores his home state of Florida and answers the ever-elusive question that people always have about his state: How can you live there? Topics include the 2000 presidential election, Key West, larger-than-life insects and retirement communities.

His latest book, “Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog,” explores the hurdles and trials of life after middle age. He turns to his dog, Lucy, for assistance and creates a self-help book that leans on lessons learned from his best friend. The book will be released April 2.

His first novel, “Big Trouble,” was adapted into a motion picture that was released in 2002.

Two of Barry’s books were the basis for the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World,” which starred Harry Anderson and aired from 1993-97.

Barry also has written several young adult novels -- including a series about Peter Pan, and another one about Neverland. His recent titles are “The Worst Class Trip Ever” and “The Worst Night Ever.”

In addition to writing books, Barry wrote a nationally syndicated humor column for the Miami Herald. His articles have appeared in more than 500 newspapers. Barry won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1988, and he was awarded the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2005.

He also is a member of the Rock Bottom Remainders, a rock ’n’ roll band of published writers. Other members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, Matt Groening and Mitch Albom.

Barry earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Haverford College in 1969. He lives in Miami with his family.

For more information about Barry’s presentation, call UW Libraries at (307) 766-3641, email mhayes6@uwyo.edu, or visit www.uwyo.edu/libraries.