February 6, 2012

Four Seasons Author Series Welcomes Merl Reagle

The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. welcome crossword creator Merl Reagle to the Four Seasons Author Series. This special event will take place at the University Club of Tampa on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at noon.

Reagle constructed his first crossword puzzle at age 6 and sold his first puzzle to The New York Times when he was just 16. He started making the Sunday crossword for the San Francisco Examiner in 1985 (he’s now in the Chronicle), and since the mid-1990s his self-syndicated puzzle has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Seattle Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and many others.

“Crossword-solving is supposed to be good exercise, like a ThighMaster for your mind,” says Reagle. “But like any exercise, I think it should be as fun as possible. I’ve always had sort of a bent but G-rated sense of humor – hence the guarantee in all of my crossword puzzle books, ‘Twisted but fair.’”

Reagle has been featured on “Oprah,” ABC’s “Nightline” with Ted Koppel and NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and he co-starred in the hit documentary “Wordplay.” He currently lives in Tampa, FL with Marie, his wife and partner in their puzzle book publishing company.

The Four Seasons Author Series is presented by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. The subscription series offers four consecutive literary lunches at which guest authors are invited to speak on a variety of subjects, followed by a question and answer period and a book signing for those who wish to purchase the featured book.

Tickets are $30 for a one-time event or a subscription for four consecutive luncheons is $100. Reservations are necessary to attend. To reserve your seat for the luncheon, call the Friends office at (813) 273-3616 or e-mail fourseasonsluncheon@gmail.com. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.