Terry McDonell is the author of Irma – The Education of A Mother’s Son (Harper).

McDonell discovers in this dazzling memoir, the real hero in his life was his mother, Irma, who moved with him to California hoping for a new life and raised him through difficult times.

Like most headstrong boys growing up in mid-century America, McDonell took his mother for granted, never giving her life much thought.

But as he matured, built a career, married, divorced, remarried, and raised his own sons, McDonell came to see that Irma had lived her life in a way that allowed him to discover what he wanted his own life to be.

From his recollections—a series of colorful, deeply personal, sometimes funny, stunningly composed vignettes—an intriguing and poignant portrait emerges.

“Compulsively readable and filled with useful truths about our unpredictable lives.” — Thomas McGuane

Terry McDonell is the author of The Accidental Life and the novel California Bloodstock. He is president emeritus of the Paris Review Foundation and most recently cofounded Literary Hub.

Nick McDonell is the author of Quiet Street – On American Privilege (Pantheon). McDonell grew up on New York City’s Upper East Side, a neighborhood defined by its wealth and influence. As a child, McDonell enjoyed sailing lessons in the Hamptons, school galas at the Met, and holiday trips on private jets.

But as an adult, he left it behind to become a foreign correspondent in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Quiet Street, McDonell returns to the sidewalks of his youth, exhuming with bracing honesty his upbringing and those of his affluent peers.

“An eloquent and compelling study.” —Kirkus Reviews

Stephen Simmons is a singer-songwriter from Nashville. His latest single is Little Bird Singing. His latest album is Family Album. His previous releases include A World Without, Girls, and Last Call.

“…not many singers achieve such a confident, full-bodied sound while delivering conversational confessions.” — The Washington Post

Following his Thacker appearance, Simmons will perform at This Is Noteworthy (T.I.N.) on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 pm at 16 S. Main Street, Water Valley, MS.

D.K. Harrell a Ruston, La., native, has carved out a career as a blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. This year has seen the young guitarist play a month-long tour of Brazil as well as performing at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, The King Biscuit Blues Festival and Portland’s Waterfront Festival.

His newest album is The Right Man.