NORWICH – A book signing and reception with local author Herb Ryan will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at McLaughlin's in downtown Norwich.

Ryan will sign copies of his debut literary effort Hillbilly Literature.

Hillbilly Literature is a collection of five short stories that center on the small towns of Chenango County and the unique characters that populate this setting many call home.

As one online reviewer stated, “I love your characters, your names ... laughed out loud, genuinely, on several occasions. I find it interesting that to be ‘non-religious’ (whatever that means) that you have the Christian themes of heaven and hell, sin and the seeking of absolution, life and death woven all through all of your stories.”

McLaughlin's is located at 27 South Broad Street in Norwich.