Fall River Library hosts ‘Blue Collars’ author for reading, discussion

Local author Catherine McLaughlin will share stories from her new novel, “Blue Collars,” at the Fall River Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

McLaughlin, a New Bedford native, taught for many years at UMass Dartmouth and Framingham State University.

“Blue Collars” tells the story of Fiona “Finn” Kilroy, a young girl growing up in a devoted, yet dysfunctional Irish Catholic working-class family in New Bedford during a transformational time in American history. It is a timeless story of a family’s enduring love triumphing over poverty, abuse, and heartache.

Patricia Gomes, Poet Laureate of the City of New Bedford, says: “McLaughlin’s work never fails to leave the reader enthralled. In this book, we journey the streets, backyards, and factories of New Bedford in the late 1950s throughout the fevered sixties as seen by McLaughlin’s young heroine, Finn. We watch hopefully as Finn overcomes one issue after another … and we, the rapt reader, look for solutions alongside her.”

“Blue Collars” is published by Spinner Publications, a local publisher focused on the history and culture of Southeastern New England. Copies will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

The library is located at 104 North Main Street, Fall River.

For more information, visit fallriverlibrary.org or call 508-324-2700, ext. 110.