Acclaimed novelist and poet Sherman Alexie visits Emory for two free public events on April 4-5, presented by the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts.

A poet, novelist, and filmmaker, Alexie combines razor-sharp wit with compelling storytelling. His National Book Award-winning "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" was named the best Young Adult Book of all time by Time Magazine. His books also include "Reservation Blues," "Indian Killer," and "The Toughest Indian in the World."

On Monday, April 4, Alexie delivers a lecture titled “The Business of Fancydancing: Poems, Stories, Punchlines and Highly Biased Anecdotes” at 8 p.m. in the Jones Room of the Woodruff Library, in which he will reflect on his journey from his childhood on the Spokane Indian reservation to becoming one of the best selling and most beloved writers in American literature. This event is currently filled to capacity, but those who would like to attend can register for the waiting list and will be contacted if space becomes available.

On Tuesday, April 5, Alexie gives a public reading from his works at 6:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. He will be introduced by Jericho Brown, a member of the Emory Creative Writing Program faculty whose poetry was selected by Alexie for the 2015 edition of Best American Poetry. This event will be followed by a book signing.

"Sherman Alexie is one of the most vibrant and influential writers in America today. In both poetry and prose, his writing is fierce, funny, and provocative," says Michael Elliot, Winship Distinguished Research Professor in English and American Studies at Emory.

"With these two events, people will have the chance to hear directly from an author who has made a remarkable journey — and who is still evolving as a remarkable artist," Elliot says.

These events are made possible through the support of the Hightower Fund, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, the Emory Creative Writing Program, and the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference.

Seating is limited and registration is required for both events. Register online.