2008 Pulitzer Prize Winner
“Junot Díaz’s Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a wondrous, not-so-brief first novel that is so original it can only be described as Mario Vargas Llosa meets “Star Trek” meets David Foster Wallace meets Kanye West.”
Michiko Kakutani, New York Times
WHERE TO PICK UP A COPY OF THE BOOK
Copies of the book have been purchased for the college community. Books will be available:
- During Opening Night, Wednesday Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. in Goodrich
- In Paresky, Friday Jan. 8 and Wednesday Jan. 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- From Sawyer and Schow libraries as a two weeks loan (50 copies on reserve in each library)
About the Book and the Author:
Reviews
New York Times, September 4, 2007
New York Times, September 30, 2007
Interview
Newsweek, April 3, 2008
Biography
Author’s web site
Schedule of Events
A variety of events will take place during January 2010 including: book discussions, film showings, faculty discussion panels and a community read evening.
Wednesday January 6, 7:30 p.m.- Goodrich Hall
OPENING NIGHT – COMMUNITY READING
Performance by Los Ciegos Del Barrio — Dancing Lessons — Pick-up your free copy of the book, participate in a community read, and enjoy music and student performances.
Monday January 11, 7:30 p.m. – Dodd
COOKING CLASS
Learn to make Mangu with Sergio Marte.
Friday January 15, 8:00 p.m. – Brooks Rogers
SHOWING OF MY AMERICAN GIRLS: A DOMINICAN STORY
Introduction by María Elena Cepeda, Assistant Professor of Latina/o Studies. Talk by film director Aaron Mathews and Sandra Ortiz, the mom from the documentary.
More information
Tuesday January 19, 4:00 p.m. – Griffin Hall Room 3
FACULTY / STAFF PANEL DISCUSSION.
Gene Bell-Villada (Romance Languages), Maria-Elena Cepeda (Latina/o Studies), Wayne Hammond (Chapin Library), Paul Park (English), Neil Roberts (Africana Studies), Merida Rua (Latina/o Studies)
Tuesday January 19th, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Driscoll Dining Hall
DINNER AND TALK: BERKSHIRE IMMIGRANT CENTER: SERVICES AND CHALLENGES
Thematic food and talk by Brooke Mead, from the BIC
Friday January 22, 8:00 p.m. – Wege Auditorium
SHOWING OF FILM RAISING VICTOR VARGAS
Introduction by Mérida Rúa, Assistant Professor of Latina/o Studies and American Studies.
Film trailer
Monday January 25th, 12 noon – 82′ Grill
BOOK DISCUSSION
Hosted by Mark Reinhardt and Trevor Murphy. Come and chat about the book (up through page 76).
Date TBA
LET ME TELL YOU A REALLY QUICK STORY
Share a short personal story that the book reminded you of.
Questions or Suggestions, email [email protected]
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