September 11, 2014
English Professor at La Roche College to Debut Young Adult Novel
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 11, 2014 – On Sept. 23, 2014, Joshua David
Bellin, Ph.D., professor of English at La Roche University, will release his debut
young adult novel, “Survival Colony 9.”
“Survival Colony 9” paints a vivid, gritty landscape ravaged
by war, where humanity’s hopes for survival hinge on one teenage boy,
14-year-old Querry Genn. Querry is a member of Survival Colony 9, one of the
small groups of people who outlived the wars that destroyed the old world. And
now the monstrous Skaldi have come to scavenge what’s left of the human race.
Six months ago, Querry had an encounter with the Skaldi – and he can’t remember
anything before then. If he can recall his past, he might be able to defeat the
Skaldi. If he can’t, he’s their next victim.
“The narrator of my story, 14-year-old Querry Genn, suffers
from traumatic memory loss. So one huge theme is memory and the ways it’s tied
to identity. But I’m interested not only in individual memory but in cultural
memory – how and what we remember as a people,” Dr. Bellin said. “The world of
Survival Colony 9 is a post-apocalyptic landscape in which much of the past has
been swept away and very few people are old enough to remember it. So in that
sense, all of the characters are suffering from traumatic loss. The question of
how people can survive under such circumstances – and not only survive, but
care enough to fight for the future – is a driving theme of the narrative.”
The launch party for “Survival Colony 9” will be held at
Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept.
23. The event will include signed books for purchase, food and prizes.
Dr. Bellin graduated from Wesleyan University and went on to
earn his Ph.D. in English at the University of Pennsylvania. He teaches college
English at La Roche, published three nonfiction books and has taken part in the
movement to protect the environment. He lives with his wife and two children in
the Frick Park area of Pittsburgh.
For more information about Dr. Bellin or “Survival Colony
9,” please visit joshuadavidbellin.com.
About La Roche University: A private, Catholic, co-educational
college north of Pittsburgh founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in
1963, La Roche welcomes students of all religions, ethnic origins and talents.
Undergraduates may choose from more than 50 majors, including the top 10 majors
most in demand among today’s college students. La Roche combines a quality
educational experience with clubs, athletics, social and community volunteer
activities, spiritual well-being and more to prepare students for life in a
constantly changing global society.
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