Friday June 20 Mac's Backs Books Presents... J. Ryan Stradal: Happy Hour Book Signing Doors 4:30 PM | Reading at 5:00 PM  All Ages Since J. Ryan's first book, Kitchens of the Great Midwest was published we have been recommending his novels to readers for their authentic and skillful blend of heart and humor. J. Ryan Stradal is the author of New York Times bestseller Kitchens of the Great Midwest, which won the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award and the American Booksellers Association Indie's Choice Award for Adult Debut Book of the Year. His second novel, the national bestseller The Lager Queen of Minnesota, won the WILLA Literary Award and was a finalist for the Heartland Booksellers Award. His newest novel is the instant national bestseller Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, which was also a finalist for the Heartland Booksellers Award. His shorter writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Granta, The Rumpus, and The Guardian, among other places. Born and raised in Minnesota, he now lives with his family in California.