Coastal Carolina University professor/author Joe Oestreich will read from his book, "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the James J. Johnson Auditorium (formerly Wall Auditorium) at CCU. The event is free and open to the public.

"Hitless Wonder" is an account of Oestreich's life as a member of the rock band Watershed. The narrative centers on a middle-aged Oestreich going on a 14-day tour, balancing the responsibilities of adulthood with the need to make music. Flashbacks tell memorable stories about the band's origin, dropping out of college to tour, and Watershed's brief career with Epic records. The book describes the sacrifices necessary to accomplish something important.

Oestreich, an assistant professor of English at CCU, earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Ohio State University. His work has been published in Esquire, Sports Illustrated and Fourth Genre among other publications, and has received praise from the Atlantic Monthly, Pushcart Press and The Best American Essays.

A reception and booksigning will follow Oestreich's reading. The book will also be available for purchase. The auditorium is located in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration at 119 Chanticleer Drive E. across from the residence halls.

This is the first event of this year's Words to Say It Visiting Writers Series. For more information, contact Dan Albergotti at 843-349-2420.