| Good evening, everyone! |
| I'd like to express my gratitude to Thornewood Library for hosting me tonight. |
| I'm also appreciative of all of you who have joined us this evening. |
| Today, I'll be reading a few excerpts from my newest work, Journey Through the Wilderness. |
| This book is a memoir reflecting on my experiences growing up in a small town in Montana |
| and the challenges I faced as I pursued my dream of becoming a nature documentary filmmaker. |
| This segment will take about an hour, wrapping up around 7 pm. |
| We'll then have a brief intermission, |
| and I'll be back at 7:15 pm to take any questions you may have. |
| Afterward, I'll be more than happy to sign copies of my book, |
| which are available for purchase tonight. |
| Now, let's begin with a passage focusing on my teenage years. |