University of Iowa alumnus Ryan Bartelmay will read from his novel, Onward Toward What We’re Going Toward, at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the UI Writing University website.

Set over the last half of the 20th century, Onward Toward is the epic story of the decline and fall of an American family. Booklist had this to say about the novel: “Onward Toward What We're Going Toward is a deeply tender, unflinchingly wry, and deftly written account of one man’s desire for deeper meaning. Combining the authorial style of Jeffrey Eugenides and Richard Russo with themes of loss, desperation, and reconnection, Onward Toward is sharp, elegant, and poignant.”

Bartelmay’s stories and essays have appeared in The Believer, the Greensboro Review, Sycamore Review, Phoebe, and Time Out Chicago. He is the dean of general education at Kendall College in Chicago.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this reading, call Jan Weissmiller at Prairie Lights in advance, 319-337-2681.

For a UI arts calendar and details about upcoming events visit the Arts Iowa website.