Garth to present novel at library book signing, Dec. 12

Local educator, author and former sports announcer E.P. Garth will hold a book signing at the Sabine Parish Library on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., where he will be on hand to autograph and personalize copies of his new book, “Off the Air.”

The book follows the story of a new character Garth created, Pat Cassidy, who stumbles upon political corruption in 1976 central Texas, which reaches as far upward as a gubernatorial candidate and the mayor of Fort Worth.

“I never planned on publishing this book,” Garth said. “Sue, my wife, read the book to friends a little bit at a time, and they all encouraged me to finish it.”

The finishing of the book was a tedious task, as it had been in the works since the late 1990s.

The entire family got in on the action, as well.

His father-in-law became fascinated with the book after he read the first 12 chapters, and Garth’s daughters also provided valuable insight into the writing. His cousin, Kevin Graves, designed the book’s cover.

“It was something I’ve always wanted to do,” Garth commented.
The book was published by Book Locker, who made the entire self-publishing process smooth for the new author.

“If one of those big book advances comes around, I may stop using them,” Garth joked.

The central Texas location is quite familiar to the budding author, who was raised and lived in the area for much of his life, before settling on Toledo Bend a few years ago.

Garth began his lifelong love of sports at a young age, playing little league baseball and one day dreaming of becoming an Ennis Lion. He would eventually play on the town’s first state semifinal football team, which, considering Texans’ extreme love of high school football, is quite the accomplishment. He was also a boxing fan who fought in the Golden Gloves as a senior in high school.

His passion for sports eventually evolved into a career as a sportscaster that lasted for four decades.

He bounced around numerous radio stations during the 1970s, before hitting the Waco market in the 1980s where he won the United Press International National Radio Award for Best Documentary.

In the 1980s, Garth reached one of his lifelong goals when he became the owner of KBAL radio in San Saba, Texas.

Garth also fulfilled another dream of his in 1996, when he graduated from Bayor University with a B.S. in Education. He intended to begin teaching right away, but his vast knowledge of radio called him back into action as a station manager in Waco, Texas. Before another foray into business, his teaching career finally began in 1999, where he taught eighth grade U.S. history at Midway I.S.D.

He moved to Toledo Bend with his wife in 2005, where he enjoys an excellent view of his beloved Texas across the lake from his home’s deck. He and his wife are both employed as teachers in Sabine Parish; he teaches fifth and sixth grade special education in Zwolle, while Mrs. Garth is a PreK teacher at Zwolle Elementary School.

“Off the Air” is currently available online at booklocker.com or may be purchased on the day of the book signing at the Sabine Parish Library. The author also maintains a webpage at epgarthlearn.com.