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David K. Wessel shares his new book, The Christmas Ship of ‘34, a work of narrative nonfiction and an exciting bit of maritime history

Our agenda for tonight’s event:

• 6pm: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu
• 7pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series
• 8pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the books, and get them signed!

Meet the Author: David K. Wessel is a retired management consultant, former U.S. diplomat, award winning author, historian and presenter. He published his first novel, Choosing Sides in 2024 and has since published several articles in the Foreign Service Journal as well as in Perspectives on History (American Historical Association) and Doughboy Foundation’s Dispatches magazine and will be featured in the November issue of U.S. Naval Institute’s Naval History journal. Wessel is a member of the American Historical Association and the National Council for Social Studies as well as the Historical Novel Society and Northern Virginia Writers Club and serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia Writers Club.

About the Book: The Christmas Ship of ‘34 is a work of narrative nonfiction and an exciting bit of maritime history. It tells the true, long forgotten tale of a remarkable Yuletide rescue in the icy storm waters of the North Atlantic – and the spectacular homecoming the rescuers receive – with a surprise visitor. Think Perfect Storm (Sebastian Junger) meets A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens).

This ‘feel good’ holiday story is based on a monograph written by the leader of the rescue effort; enhanced by a summary of newspaper reports covering the dramatic events, and complemented by the eyewitness account of the author’s grandfather, a German-American emigrant who just wanted to be home for the holidays.

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About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.