One of the the most famous Iowans in history will be coming to Perry this week for the Dallas County Reads One Book event.

Famous wrestler and coach Dan Gable and his book, “A Wrestling Life 2,” will be the focus of part two of the annual program that combines all the public libraries in Dallas County. Perry Library Director Mary Murphy says the double event this year was an exciting development. “We did this a little different this year, because we had a fiction book last month with Donald Harstad, and this month we have a nonfiction book. So the event is evolving. I’ve just briefly talked to Dan Gable once on the phone, but I’m very anxious to meet him, too. So it will be a good time!”

There will be a series of events this Thursday around Perry where Gable will be making appearances and holding discussions. He will start at Perry High School to talk to the students, though that won’t be a public event. Later he will be at a ticketed meet and greet reception at the Hotel Pattee from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets for that are limited and can be purchased at any of the Dallas County libraries for $12. Finally, the main event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Perry Performing Arts Center. The free book talk will be followed by a book-signing.

Gable’s book can be purchased at any of the libraries for $10, or at the night of the event. For more information, contact the Perry library at 515-465-3569.