Media release from Georgia Northwestern Technical College:
Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), has announced a book launch celebration for her spiritual memoir, “A Priest Walks into a Waffle House: Stories from a Gritty, Grace-Filled Life.”
The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Broadview Event Venue, located above the Rome Area History Center, at 300 W. First St., Rome. The program will begin at 4:45 p.m. with a blessing by Father Paul Porter of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and an introduction by Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. Hannon will then discuss her book and sign copies.
“I hope my poignant, comedic spiritual journey might illuminate the path for someone else,” Hannon said, adding that writing is a spiritual experience for her. “These stories should appeal to anyone who enjoys a laugh but also likes to explore spiritual questions.”
Recently released by Mercer University Press, the book features anecdotes from throughout her life—from age 4 until the present day, recounting what ArtsATL characterized as “her journey from hoyden heathen to woman of faith.”
“We’re in a time of distraction and polarization,” Hannon said. “I hope the stories show that joy and peace are still possible, no matter the state of the world.”
“Lauretta Hannon has a rare gift for finding grace exactly where life feels most human: messy, funny, tender and true,” said Lisa C. Williams, author and philanthropist.”
Hannon said she spent three years writing the book, rising at 4:45 a.m. so that she could write before going to work. She said she also had weekend writing marathons.
Hannon said she dedicated the book to the memory of her older sister, Cecilia, whom she always admired and to “all the girls who have much yet to say’ because a lot of us are holding too much in.”
Called the Funniest Woman in Georgia by Southern Living magazine, Hannon is also the author of “The Cracker Queen—A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life,” which the Georgia Center for the Book named one of the Top 25 books all Georgians should read and has been a commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”
Over her career, Hannon has been a college vice president, a cocktail waitress, vice president of a creative agency, a horse photographer’s assistant and communications director for a large public school system. In her current role she directs the GNTC Foundation.
For more information, visit www.laurettahannon.com.
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