Newport Beach Public Library will host an author visit by Kim Hooper, author of critically acclaimed debut novel, “People Who Knew Me,” on Saturday, November 17 at 2 p.m. in the Central Library Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach.  She will be introducing her new book, “Cherry Blossoms,” which reviewers describe as “part travel guide, part comedy, part exploration of grief and relationships.”

The Dana Point author, who received a B.A. in communications from the University of California, San Diego and a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California, will talk about “Cherry Blossoms,” a thoughtful and entertaining story that provides insight to the human soul as a man tests whether he can truly abandon his will to survive. Writing in a male voice of Jonathan, Hooper takes you on her character’s emotionally driven trip to Japan where guided by the memories of lost love, he prepares for his final voyage.  In his travels, he forms an unexpected and unusual friendship that makes him re-examine his past and learn that happiness, loneliness, and grief come and go, just like cherry blossoms.

Admission to the event is free.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; no reserved seating.  Seating is limited by room capacity. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed by the author.

For more information, go to www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call 949-717-3830.