Local Author Discusses His First Book

Sonora native Ben Esch now has his first novel, Sophomore Undercover, available in bookstores nationwide.

Esch was Friday´s KVML Newsmaker of the Day.

Esch grew up in Sonora and attended Sonora Elementary, Sonora High School (class of 2000) and Columbia College before leaving for UC Berkeley.

However, it wasn´t until a move to China, that Esch discovered how much he loved writing and began to create much of the story that is now found in, Sophomore Undercover.

After securing an agent back in the U.S., Disney Hyperion Publishing immediately showed interest and signed Esch to a two book deal, with the second book slated for 2010 or early 2011.

Sophomore Undercover takes place in a town called Stilton, California and has numerous characters with names very similar to actual residents of Sonora.

“That is no coincidence,” laughs Esch, “Stilton is definitely based on Sonora. I wanted to write about the people and locations that fascinate me. So far, no one has been offended.”

The book centers on the school newspaper’s lead reporter, who believes that he may be on the verge of uncovering one of the largest scandals in the history of high school athletics.

Sophomore Undercover is categorized as “Young Adult”.

Esch said that people of all ages will enjoy this book but he hopes to find a specific audience with high school boys. Esch believes that there is not enough written material for young men and he hopes to help fill that void with this book.

Esch’s first book signing ever, will take place on Saturday March 28th at the Junction Shopping Center inside of Mountain Bookshop, from 2pm to 4pm. Esch hopes to see a lot of familiar faces and make new friends. Plenty of cookies, courtesy of his Mom, will also be made available.

The Newsmaker of the Day can be heard each weekday morning at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47 on AM-1450 KVML.

Written by mark@mlode.com