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Wed, April 08, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmLocation
New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author Laura Munson returns to Gorton Center. A native Lake Forester, she’s celebrating the release of her newest book, The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder.
A Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper Pick, The Wild Why leans into wonder. Readers praise it for helping uncover an authentic voice and opening the door to beauty and self-expression.
Wonder is curiosity and awe combined. It is the instinct we are born with, the urge to ask why, how, and what if. It’s the feeling behind a child’s amazement at a rainbow, and the deeper questions that follow. Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential to how we grow, create, and connect. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us lose touch with it.
In The Wild Why, Laura Munson calls for an end to this quiet crisis of self and invites readers back to what we once knew naturally. Through spirited stories and reflective insights, she shows how to rediscover true self-expression and the wonder that gives it life. This is a book about reclaiming your voice, your curiosity, and your capacity for meaning.
Perfect for fans of Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, The Wild Why is an inspiring guide for anyone longing to live more creatively and authentically.
“In The Wild Why, Laura Munson invites readers to answer ‘the most powerful and wonder-full question’: ‘What can I create?’ This book is an open-hearted invitation to explore wonder, empathy, intuition, and creativity—and to live a bigger, braver life.”
—Maggie Smith, New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful
Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international best-selling author of the novel Willa’s Grove, the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is, and the self-help book The Wild Why. She has been published in nine countries and has been featured in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, Washington Post, Publisher’s Weekly and published in the New York Times ‘Modern Love’ Column, the New York Times Magazine ‘Lives’ Column, O. Magazine, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, The Sun, and many others.
Laura is the founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, speaks at women’s conferences and literary events, and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, NPR, and media outlets across the globe. She lives in Montana. Lauramunson.com
Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.
Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.
Laura Demmer, Director of Development
Ann Kiesling, Development Associate
847-234-6060
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