Brunswick author to speak March 16 at Auburn Public Library

AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library welcomes Brunswick writer Paul Betit Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. Betit will talk about his new book, “Let Me Tell A Story.”

“Let Me Tell A Story” is a departure from the military crime novels Betit has written in the past. A mix of short fiction and memoir, it is a collection of short stories taking place over a 55-year period. The book starts with a tale about a 12-year-old boy who learns some important life lessons during a family trip to Aroostook County. It ends with a piece about an elderly Brunswick couple learning some lessons of their own while coming to grips with old age.

“The book reads like a novel, but it isn’t one,” Betit said. “The narrator in one story is not necessarily the narrator of the next story or any of the stories that follow, but the book definitely has a chronological arc and a melancholy feel to it.”

Half of the ten stories in “Let Me Tell A Story” _take place in Maine. A lot of the pieces were inspired by Betit’s experiences during the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

Previously, Betit published “Phu Bai,” “Kagnew Station” and “The Man In The Canal.” These crime novels are set in South Vietnam, Ethiopia and Sweden, respectively, during the late ’60s and early ’70s. The series follows the adventures of U.S. Army CID investigator John Murphy.

Betit, who grew up in Augusta, has worked as a general assignment newspaper reporter or a sportswriter for more than 40 years, including stints at the Kennebec Journal in Augusta and at the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram. He still covers high school, college and pro sports for the Press Herald and Telegram on a freelance basis.

During his talks, Betit shares back-stories, reads from current writing projects and discusses the publishing game. He always leaves plenty of time for Q&A. Inscribed copies of all four of Betit’s books will be available for purchase at discounted prices.