Mary Ann Samyn reading in Colson Hall

Mary Ann Samyn, author of "Beauty Breaks In," will hold a reading tonight at 7:30 in Room 130 of Colson Hall.

The event is presented by the West Virginia University English Department and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and is free and open to the public.

Samyn is an associate professor of English at WVU as well as the Russell and Ruth Bolton Professor, a position given to an outstanding teacher and mentor in communication skills.

She is the author of five publications: "Purr," "Inside the Yellow Dress," "Captivity Narrative," "Rooms by the Sea" and her latest work, "Beauty Breaks In."

Samyn's work has won the Poetry Society of America's Emily Dickinson Award, the "Mid-American Review" James Wright Poetry Award and a Pushcart Prize.

In addition to writing books, Samyn has had poetry published in several prestigious literary journals such as "Verse," "Field," "Kenyon Review" and "Virginia Quarterly Review."

A reception and book signing will follow the event. Refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the chance to meet Samyn and ask questions.

The English Department encourages anyone who is interested in literary work to attend and would like to welcome everyone in the community to enjoy the work of a recognized local author.