Meet Collingswood Author Evan Roskos (and Buy His Book)

Collingswood's newest published author (and Patch contributor) Evan Roskos will sign copies of his debut novel, Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets at 7 p.m. Thursday at Grooveground.

Dr. Bird is a young-adult novel that overlays the unique voice of narrator James Whitman—who takes his inspiration from the works of Walt Whitman—on his family tragedies and adolescent self-awareness.

James' imaginary therapist and sounding board is the titular pigeon, Dr. Bird, who offers helpful bits of introspection that may or may not represent his own inner rationalizations.

(In a bit of fun, Roskos' website offers an "Ask Dr. Bird" section; users can judge for themselves how helpful her advice is.)

Want more of an endorsement? Roskos got "big-upped" by , who offered this jacket quote:

“A powerful, brave, and important debut that will make you eager to celebrate yourself. A beautifully authentic yawp.” — Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook and Sorta Like a Rock Star

Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble; copies will also be available for purchase at Grooveground on Thursday. List price is $16.99.