In the heart of Bethlehem's south side stands the historic SteelStacks. And in the heart of every "rigger" lay memories of sweat and time poured into them.

Larry James Neff is one such rigger, whose book, "Rigger: a Memoir from High School to High Steel" (Blue Heron Book Works) tells his story.

Neff gives a talk and signs copies of his book, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 10, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

Bethlehem native Neff who is from a family of steelworkers put 27 years of his life into Bethlehem Steel. Neff lives in Bethlehem with his partner, Jane Gill, and has two sons, Jared and Adam.

"I was born in Bethlehem and am the son of a steelworker. I have two brothers and a brother-in-law who also worked there," Neff states in an email response.

Bethlehem Steel Corp. was the United States' second-largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder, providing steel for some of the nation's most prominent landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Empire State Building.

A rigger was a construction worker who scaled the stacks and other outdoor structures at Bethlehem Steel's south side plant.

Two stories from the book, "Shop Talk" and "Freihofer's Bakery" were originally published in The Manuscript, a Moravian College student publication.

Neff hopes his book will satisfy readers who wish to get an extraordinary look into ordinary life in a dangerous industry. He also hopes it speaks to and for former steel employees and their families.

Writing "Rigger" was much like a day on the Stacks. It had its ups and downs. "… It brought to mind not only fond memories of friends from Bethlehem Steel, but also tragic memories of terrible accidents and the loss of good friends."

The rigger crews at Bethlehem Steel took on the work that the other departments simply could not handle. For the riggers, this dangerous labor landed them a reputation for being the bad boys of Bethlehem Steel.

Neff disclosed he would have advised his younger self to "be extremely careful and to trust your instincts."

The ArtsQuest Center event is free and open to the public. Reservations required: 610-332-3378