Omar El Akkad will read from his novel, “American War,” at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17.

El Akkad’s future dystopian tale begins in 2075 during the second American Civil War, in which red and blue states clash over the need for sustainable energy. This ambitious debut encourages readers to put themselves in the shoes of the world’s displaced peoples.

As a Canadian international war reporter, El Akkad covered the war in Afghanistan, military trials at Guantánamo Bay, the Arab Spring protests in Egypt, the Black Lives Matter movement in Ferguson, Missouri, and the effects of climate change in places like Florida and Louisiana.

El Akkad is a recipient of the National Newspaper Award for investigative reporting for his coverage on the “Toronto 18” terrorism arrests. He has also received the Goff Penny Memorial Prize for Young Journalists, as well as three National Magazine Award honorable mentions. He is a graduate of Queen’s University in Toronto.

An open mic following El Akkad’s reading.

The Manzanita Writers’ Series will be held at the Hoffman Center, 594 Laneda Ave. Further information is available at hoffmanblog.org or contact Kathie Hightower at kathiejhightower@gmail.com.