| FREDERICKSBURG, VA (08/06/26)—Central Rappahannock Regional Library is thrilled to announce a special author event on September 23, featuring local emergency medicine physician and best-selling author Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc.
Dr. Alker will discuss her debut book, 99 Ways to Die and How to Avoid Them, in a conversation led by Janet Gullickson, Ed.D., principal of Growth and Journey Consulting and former president of Germanna Community College. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A session and a book signing. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase copies of the book on-site, provided by the Tales and Tails Book Cafe. 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them is an illuminating, hilarious, and practical guide that explores 99 of the most terrifying ways a person can die and exactly what to do to prevent them. Dr. Alker, a self-described “death-escapologist,” transforms decades of emergency room experience into a fascinating collection of real medical stories and science-backed survival advice. The book earned national attention, becoming an Amazon bestseller and being featured by The Washington Post, The New York Post, and The Boston Globe. Library Journal called it “a frightening, funny, and fabulous read that will simultaneously educate and frighten readers,” while Booklist praised it as a “fascinating, informative, and tastefully witty” medical primer that “should induce smiles and save lives.” |
Dr. Alker brings a wealth of local and national medical expertise to the event. She currently serves as the Department Chair of Emergency Medicine for Mary Washington Hospital and the Medical Co-Director for the Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Alliance. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Alker is passionate about improving public health through accurate medical storytelling. She has appeared on national television, including Live with Kelly and Mark, and is an accomplished technical consultant and medical screenwriter, having worked on more than twenty television series and films for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney, and other major studios. |
Dr. Janet Gullickson is the principal of Growth and Journey Consulting, advising nonprofit and higher education organizations on strategic planning, innovation, and executive coaching. She retired in 2026 after nearly a decade as president of Germanna Community College and a 50-year career in higher education leadership. Event Details:
This event is free and open to the public. No registration required. |
