Eleanor Herman, King Peggy of Ghana launch new book, 6:30 pm Feb 22

Eleanor Herman and King Peggy of Ghana will discuss their new book "King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village" at a Book and Author event 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22

"King Peggy" chronicles the astonishing journey of an American secretary who suddenly finds herself king of a town of 7,000 souls on Ghana's central coast, half a world away.

Reservations are required for and may be made at [email protected] or by calling 202-662-7523. This event is free for Club members, $5 for all non-members.

Upon arriving for her crowning ceremony in beautiful Otuam, she discovers the dire reality: there's no running water, no doctor, no high school and many of the village elders are stealing the town's funds. To make matters worse, her uncle (the late king) sits in a morgue awaiting a proper funeral in the royal palace, which is in ruins. The longer she waits to bury him, the more she risks incurring the wrath of her ancestors.

Peggy's first two years as king of Otuam unfold in a way that is stranger than fiction. In the end, a deeply traditional African town has been uplifted by the ambitions of its headstrong, decidedly modern female king. And in changing Otuam, Peggy is herself transformed, from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Proceeds benefit the National Press Club Journalism Institute. No outside books will be permitted.