AUGUSTA — Lithgow Public Library will sponsor an event with Donn Fendler as he gives a presentation on his newest book, “Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness,” along with co-author Lynn Plourde and the graphic novel’s illustrator Ben Bishop.

For nine days in 1939, 12-year old Donn Fendler was lost, alone in the wilderness around Mount Katahdin in northern Maine. The story of his harrowing ordeal and rescue as told in the 1939 classic, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” is read by most fourth graders across the state, as stated in a news release. Since Donn retired in 1990, he has traveled throughout New England telling his tale to audiences young and old.

In Lost Trail, published by Down East Books, Donn tells the story again with added details about what happened before he was lost, after he was lost, and the search and rescue efforts. This graphic novel pulls readers into the middle of the action. As the temperature plummeted, the wind whipped and sleet clouds enshrouded the mountaintop, Donn is separated from his hiking party and soon realizes he’s on his own. With nothing but pants, a shirt and jacket to keep him warm, and sneakers (which he soon loses), he struggles against the rugged terrain and elements to stay alive. Traveling over 70 of the state’s harshest miles, he encounters bears and hordes of biting insects, loses a fifth of his body weight, and suffers hallucinations and total exhaustion.

The event will be held at Jewett Hall at the University of Maine at Augusta  Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and autographing. For further information, call the library at 626-2415.

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