"Big Sausage" author reading and Q&A

Join us for a special evening at the Strawberry Hill Museum on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., as we welcome Emmy Award-winning composer Rick Krizman for the debut of his first novel, Big Sausage. This free community event promises laughter, insight, and a deep dive into a story rooted in the heart of Kansas City’s immigrant past.

Big Sausage is a vibrant, historical picaresque set in Depression-era Kansas City. It follows the adventures of Vlado Novosel, a lovable misfit whose life shifts dramatically after an unplanned pregnancy and a quick marriage. Leaving behind his meatpacking job, Vlado opens a butcher shop with his cousin Joe—only to find themselves wrapped up in sausage, secrets, and the infamous Pendergast mob. Along the way, Vlado confronts big questions of identity, paternity, and legacy.

“This story grew from the seeds of my own family history in Croatian Strawberry Hill,” says Krizman. “While fictional, it captures the essence of the immigrant experience—the struggles, the humor, and the stubborn determination to build a better life.”

After decades of success as a composer for film and TV, Krizman earned his MFA in Writing and now brings his storytelling talents to the page. Join us for an author reading, Q&A session, book signing and informal gathering with coffee and desserts provided.

Admission is free, and donations to the Museum are always welcome. Come celebrate a story born from the Hill and the talented voice behind it. Books available at the event, or in advance at Amazon [ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1DF9KG2?psc=1]( https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0F1DF9KG2%3Fpsc%3D1%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExM1lZN1NXM3VkQXBtNGYyVQEe5zf8AdTa7rawNUvQ_dl9-IlkjYMEmuQXLQFI3IRaJ64JQUubjZIPeLZb5w0_aem_i2eJaCHFIpu_WO28bnrIPA&h=AT0carF2J1_hfBapy7egHzKcL1N3p9Ue98civWCx2mxe92qbeJ-GoMkNO5t8P-rNeFRCFx22cO42EJi5CBPI8--ogr4KNXhO1_bDPUGYSqGbmQW1zC1O7fdygy6lBs4PUV2VhAZukKJ0lb2Bnyw&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT08cqSy9-lc7ny5LedfpE0kljW3GVXQaa8afKHl8qLsMmXQJBidk0_htIn2QKhl_v_N4HNHeIfhMX0FckKlR9ejzGqlFMajebtgNpjWl-sapBmzSA0DNjaA4FhNmwX-rGWpHFul2bJJf9kyovm4LZO3fZELRt9HfBWXvO-TecqaebG-h-A)... and Flagship Books

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