Rose on the Steel Ground author holds overflow book signing Friday

Julie Loan Ky Alexander, a long-time Monroe Post Office employee, addresses a standing-room-only audience at the East County Senior Center Friday evening, Aug. 8. Alexander was there to sign copies of her book, "A Rose on the Steel Ground,GÇ¥ about her childhood experiences growing up in the war-shattered Cu Chi area of Vietnam. The book also details her subsequent ordeal as a young immigrant, supporting her village as her townspeople faced starvation in the wake of the war. About 70 people enjoyed snacks made by Alexander's sister-in-law and greeted Alexander's mother. Alexander's husband, Rick, an inventor whose curling iron and blow dryer safety equipment is carried in Walmart.com and other major home stores, gave away some of his products to attendees, as readers asked Alexander about her book and shared thoughts on reading it.

Photo by Polly Keary