# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole"
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 07:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Join us for the launch of "What They Stole: A Familicide Rooted in Intercountry Adoption" by Paige Towers in conversation with Sarah Elgatian. 

This is a haunting story close to home, uncovering secrets and histories long buried. 

🗓️ Thursday, September 17
⏰ 7 pm
📍 Sidekick Coffee & Books
🎟️ 1 Book Purchase = Admit 2 people

Purchase Tickets Here: https://bit.ly/WhatTheyStole

About the book:

In 1955, following the devastation of the Korean War, Bertha and Harry Holt made headlines for adopting eight Korean children. Driven by evangelical convictions and emboldened by a special act of Congress, the couple founded the Holt Adoption Program, which would facilitate the migration of tens of thousands of Korean children to the United States over the following decades. The Sueppels were among the families profoundly shaped by the legacy of the Holt Adoption Program, until 2008, when Steven found himself facing federal embezzlement and money laundering charges, he murdered Sheryl and their adopted children before ending his own life. What They Stole traces the interwoven histories of the Holts and the Sueppels. Meticulously researched and sensitive to its storytelling, Paige Towers examines how good intentions can coexist with systemic harm—and how the consequences of systems like the Holt’s can reverberate across generations.

In 1955, following the devastation of the Korean War, Bertha and Harry Holt made headlines for adopting eight Korean children. Driven by evangelical convictions and emboldened by a special act of Congress, the couple founded the Holt Adoption Program, which would facilitate the migration of tens of thousands of Korean children to the United States over the following decades.

The Sueppels were among the families profoundly shaped by the legacy of the Holt Adoption Program. To their suburban Iowa City community, Steven and Sheryl Sueppel were kind and charitable, humble yet magnetic—seemingly ideal candidates to adopt. But in 2008, when Steven found himself facing federal embezzlement and money laundering charges, he murdered Sheryl and their adopted children before ending his own life.

Paige Towers traces the interwoven histories of the Holts and the Sueppels, exploring the deeper, often hidden complexities of intercountry adoption: the ethical gray zones, the influences of religion and race, and the global inequalities that made such large-scale child migration possible. Meticulously researched and sensitive with its storytelling, What They Stole examines how good intentions can coexist with systemic harm—and how the consequences of systems like the Holts’ can reverberate across generations.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/iowa-city/author-paige-towers-and-author-sarah-elgatian-in-conversation-for-what-they-stole/200030462270311
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, sports, nonprofit, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 15

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Iowa City
- **state**: IA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 1310 1/2 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA, United States, Iowa 52246
- **lat**: 41.65578
- **long**: -91.56051
- **full address**: 1310 1/2 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA, United States, Iowa 52246

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole"
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/3ac863d747251a04be82f158e676d96241df9aaaf02c38cd8bd4440d9745d811-rimg-w1200-h675-dcf8e8e8-gmir?v=1785754668

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole" being held?
  - **A:** Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole" takes place on Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 07:00 pm at 1310 1/2 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA, United States, Iowa 52246.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole"?
  - **A:** Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole" is organized by Sidekick Coffee & Books.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole" is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Iowa City, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Author Paige Towers and Author Sarah Elgatian in conversation for "What They Stole" sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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