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Horton is the author of "Hook: A Memoir," which is his story of transformation, chronicling his downward spiral to homeless drug addict, smuggler and felon, through to his redemption as a literature professor.
The book discusses the redemptive role that writing and literature played in helping him reclaim his life. The multilayered narrative bridges past and present through both the vivid portrayal of Horton's singular experiences and his correspondence in letters with the anonymous Lxxxx, a Latina woman awaiting trial.
The book also explores race and social construction in America, the forgotten lives within the prison industrial complex, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Autographed copies of the memoir will be available for purchase following the talk.
Horton is the recipient of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award, the Bea Gonzalez Poetry Award and a National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship in Literature. His previous work includes the poetry collection "Pitch Dark Anarchy."
Horton serves on the board of directors for Pen America's Pen Prison Writing Program and teaches at the University of New Haven. He is also a Cave Canem Fellow and a member of both the Affrilachian Poets and the experimental performance group Heroes are Gang Leaders.
Originally from Birmingham, he now resides in Harlem. For further information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at 203-385-4162 or visit the library website.
The event is free and open to the public, and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Lovell Room.
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