Tuesday December 10th: Friends and family of Jamie Kelly, late humor columnist for the Missoulian, will be joining us to read from Fatuous Twaddle, a collection of his works. 7 pm.

To the delight of his readers, Kelly turned his gentle, Dave Barry-esque cynicism to topics ranging from his beloved baseball to music to the unique traits of the people in his hometown to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. His column was beloved by many in the Missoula area, but it also drew its fair share of criticism, mostly from those who took life and themselves too seriously.

The book also serves as a reminder for readers to check in on friends and family, even those with bright smiles and quick witticisms. Jamie’s humor disguised his sensitive nature, and although he contributed so much by sharing his unique view on life, he struggled to find his way out of depression. This complex and amazing person, known for his generous spirit, took his own life in 2014.

But Jamie, like all who commit suicide, can’t be reduced to a single moment. He was an accomplished jazz musician who shared his talents with the community. He was a deep and critical thinker, and writing was his way of processing the world around him. His columns, which illustrate the depths of his character, have been collected, along with a short story and two articles, in Fatuous Twaddle.

Dive into Jamie’s thought process as he weighs the pros and cons of dating a literal tree hugger. Ride along with a sports fan experiencing the ups and downs (mostly downs) of a baseball team on the brink of mediocrity. And witness secondhand the change in a community in the face of a Presidential visit. Jamie’s words encourage people to think a little more deeply, appreciate the nuance in everyday events, and, most importantly, to laugh.