Author and riverman Brad Dimock will be reading and signing The Very Hard Way at Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., on March 20 at 6:30 p.m. It’s quite possible that every river rat in the area will be there, so you might show up early, because standing is for the foolish and late.

Dimock’s last book, Sunk Without a Sound, won several awards, including the National Outdoor Book Award. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if The Very Hard Way wins a few of its own.

Since this event should be crawling with folks just itching for their yearly river- rot and insect infestation, it could be a great time to network some more boats or bodies for that trip you’re planning. Hit the bookshop, stock up on river guides and see if you can sweet talk your way onto a Middle Fork trip or something. The event should be enjoyable as hell, as Dimock spins one heck of a yarn. Head down to Maria’s and listen to some stories about a legend that was tougher than you will ever be.

– Joe Foster