Legendary Author Michael Wallis to Visit Brace Books for Book Signing and Stories of the Wild West
Book Signing will take place this Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 PM
Brace Books & More is gearing up for a literary event as big and bold as the American frontier. On Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 PM, bestselling author and legendary storyteller Michael Wallis will be visiting the beloved local bookstore for a special book signing and conversation centered around his newest title, Belle Starr: The Truth Behind the Wild West Legend.
If the name Michael Wallis rings a bell, it should. He’s not just a prolific author with more than 20 books under his belt—he’s a three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, a historian of the American West, a co-founder of the Route 66 Alliance, and a voice actor beloved by children and Pixar fans everywhere as the Sheriff in Cars. He’s been inducted into an impressive lineup of halls of fame, including the Tulsa Hall of Fame, the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame, and the Writers Hall of Fame of America. To put it plainly: when it comes to telling America’s stories, Wallis doesn’t just write history—he lives it.
His newest book takes a fresh look at one of the most enigmatic figures of the Old West: Belle Starr. Often portrayed as a glamorous outlaw or notorious bandit queen, Starr’s real story is far more complex—and Wallis, true to form, brings her legend back down to earth with the same rich detail and myth-busting research that made his biographies of Billy the Kid and Davy Crockett national bestsellers. In Belle Starr, readers will meet not just a folklore icon, but a flesh-and-blood woman navigating the brutal, unpredictable terrain of post–Civil War America.
Guests at the event can expect more than just a quick autograph. Wallis is known for his warm, magnetic presence and off-the-cuff storytelling—equally at home recounting backroad adventures on Route 66 or sharing personal anecdotes about his time as a reporter, historian, and cultural commentator. And for the trivia buffs among us: yes, he really did voice the gruff-but-loveable Sheriff in Cars, and yes, he’ll happily talk about it.
Brace Books & More has long been a cornerstone of literary life in Ponca City, and hosting a writer of Wallis’s caliber only solidifies its role as a hub for readers, thinkers, and lovers of local flavor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Wild West fan, or just someone who appreciates a good story told well, this event promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.
Belle Starr: The Truth Behind the Wild West Legend was released nationwide on June 24, and copies will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
For more information, contact Brace Books & More at (580) 765-6100 or follow their social media for updates.