One Book Siouxland Virtual Author Talk Set for April 28
Published on March 23, 2026
Community readers are invited to join “True Biz” author Sara Nović for this year’s One Book Siouxland virtual author talk. The conversation with Nović, whose book is the 2026 One Book Siouxland selection, begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in the Belbas Theater at the Washington Pavilion, 301 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls.
Nović, who is deaf, will join the event virtually from Pennsylvania for a live discussion with moderator Mark Koterwski, president of the South Dakota Association for the Deaf, followed by a Q&A on her writing process, themes and stories behind “True Biz.” An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will accompany her. The event is free and intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and can be completed at siouxlandlib.org/one-book.
“This evening with Sara Nović will be a rare opportunity for our community to engage directly with the author of “True Biz,” said Kim Koblank, supervising librarian for Siouxland Libraries. “Her insights into Deaf culture and identity will make this event meaningful and memorable for readers.”
The novel tells the story of life at the River Valley School for the Deaf. It follows three interconnected lives: Charlie, a rebellious hearing teenager newly immersed in the world of ASL; Austin, a student whose family legacy ties him deeply to Deaf culture; and February, the school's fierce headmistress fighting to keep the institution afloat.
As political tensions rise, their lives collide, forcing them to confront complex issues of language, identity and communication. Nović offers a powerful look at the resilience and beauty of Deaf culture, the fight against marginalization and the universal search for one's “true biz” — the authentic truth.
In addition to authoring The New York Times bestseller “True Biz,” Nović wrote “Girl at War” and “America Is Immigrants.” Nović holds a master of fine arts degree in fiction and literary translation from Columbia University and is an instructor of deaf studies and creative writing.
Siouxland Libraries has more than 50 physical copies of “True Biz” available for checkout. Reservable e-book and audiobook versions are also offered through Libby, which provides thousands of e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines for use on phones, tablets or e-readers.
The event is part of the One Book Siouxland program, which brings together readers across Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County for communitywide discussions, events and activities centered on a single book.
One Book Siouxland programming begins March 29 and concludes April 28. For the full schedule, visit siouxlandlib.org/one-book.
If an ADA accommodation is needed for the author talk event, contact the City of Sioux Falls Human Relations Office at 605-376-8745 or email human.relations@siouxfalls.gov at least 72 hours before the event.