Novelist, poet, essayist, philosopher—maybe the most concise designation for Wendell Berry would be “thinker.” Except that the word suggests someone who lives entirely in his head, and the celebrated author has spent his 40-plus-year literary career trying to influence concrete changes in behavior, including a return to a lifestyle of simplicity, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

As part of the Wallace Stegner Center annual symposium, Berry will be visiting Salt Lake City—his first visit, according to bookseller Ken Sanders, since the commemorative wake for Edward Abbey 20 years ago. Join Berry for an in-store signing appearance, and a public reading from his body of work. And while you’re in Ken Sanders Rare Books, check out the exhibit of Stegner and Berry fine-press books and broadsides. (Scott Renshaw)

Wendell Berry @ Ken Sanders Rare Books, 268 S. 200 East, 801-521-3819, Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m. Public reading at Salt Lake Masonic Temple, 650 E. South Temple, 6:30 p.m. KenSandersBooks.com