CANTON -- New York Times Best Sellers List author Mary Karr opens SUNY Canton’s fall Living Writers Series.

Karr, who has won multiple awards for her non-fiction work, will be reading from her book "Lit: A Memoir" and answering questions about her writing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the Miller Campus Center's Kingston Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Karr will be available for book signings at the end of her presentation.

"We are able to bring award-winning authors to SUNY Canton through our brand-new Living Writers course created within our humanities department," said School of Business and Liberal Arts Interim Dean Maureen P. Maiocco." Assistant Professor Phil LaMarche created the class, and invited authors to enhance our culturally rich programming."

LaMarche described Karr as a writing rock star with relatable cathartic prose that modern students can easily identify with and learn from.

"Mary Karr's 'Lit' includes a cast of characters that make modern reality-shows look like a pack of rank amateurs," LaMarche said. "Her work is harrowing, hilarious and full of heart. Her story is no mere carnival ride, but a genuine tale of love, forgiveness and salvation."

Karr is most widely known for her best-selling memoirs, but regards herself primarily as a poet. She's a 2004 Guggenheim Fellow in poetry, and has written four volumes of verse, including "Sinners Welcome." Her most popular book to date is "The Liar's Club," which remained on the New York Times Best Seller's List for more than a year. Her most recent book "Lit: A Memoir," presents readers with the story of her alcoholism, recovery and conversion to Catholicism.

Future presenters include Daniel Torday, author of "The Sensualist" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, and Adam Levin, author of "The Instructions" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14.