News Summary
Artis Henderson’s memoir, ‘No Ordinary Bird,’ was launched at Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg. The book explores her father’s complex past as a pilot involved in drug smuggling during the 1970s, intertwining themes of family drama and true crime. The launch event featured a discussion between Henderson and author Annabelle Tometich, celebrating their friendship and literary contributions.
St. Petersburg Celebrates Artis Henderson’s New Memoir Release
Artis Henderson’s latest memoir, “No Ordinary Bird,” was officially launched at a celebratory event held at Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg. This eagerly anticipated memoir delves into Henderson’s intricate relationship with her father, Lamar Chester, who was a well-known pilot and allegedly involved in drug smuggling during the 1970s in Miami.
The memoir offers a compelling blend of true crime and family drama, tackling difficult themes such as betrayal, drug smuggling, and a profound quest for truth that has shaped Henderson’s life. Artis, who was only five years old when her father tragically died in a plane crash, describes the incident as an unimaginable loss that her family had to navigate in silence.
The Impact of Family Tragedy
Following Lamar Chester’s death, Artis and her mother sought to distance themselves from their past. The pair focused on rebuilding their lives away from the shadow of the family legacy. As an adult, Artis made a startling discovery regarding her father’s plane crash, suspecting that it might have been saboteur action and uncovering the fact that he was poised to testify in a significant legal case involving notable figures.
The release event featured a discussion between Henderson and her longtime friend, Annabelle Tometich, an accomplished author in her own right. Their shared history began in middle school, where they forged a friendship that has endured through personal loss and literary aspirations. The evening served not just to celebrate Henderson’s new work but also to highlight the enduring support that both authors provide one another.
Acclaimed Authors Unite
Both Henderson and Tometich have established reputations as distinguished writers. Henderson’s prior memoir, “Unremarried Widow,” received significant acclaim, including recognition as a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Tometich’s recent memoir, “The Mango Tree,” explores her experiences growing up as a biracial woman in Fort Myers and has garnered the 2025 Southern Book Prize for nonfiction.
In addition to their literary accomplishments, both writers bring a wealth of educational background to their storytelling. Henderson holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia School of Journalism, and Warren Wilson College, while Tometich has spent 18 years as a food writer, winning numerous accolades for her work in journalism.
A Shared Journey of Resilience
The event at Tombolo Books not only marked the launch of Henderson’s memoir but also celebrated the deep bond between two authors who have both navigated crises in their personal lives and achieved success in the writing world. Their collaborative spirit continues to inspire newcomers in the literary field, showcasing the importance of friendship and support in the pursuit of artistic expression.
As the sun set over St. Petersburg, attendees left Tombolo Books with an appreciation for the multifaceted narrative of “No Ordinary Bird,” and an understanding of the resilience that Artis Henderson has shown in her quest to reconcile the past with her present.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: An Evening with Artis Henderson
- Florida Weekly: A Bond Beyond Words
- Wikipedia: Memoir
- Google Search: Artis Henderson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memoir
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
