One Book, One Philadelphia promotes literacy and encourages the Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book. Penn State Abington is a new community partner in One Book and will host a series of events this week focusing on the 2013 selection, Julie Otsuka’s "The Buddha in the Attic."
The award-winning book tells the inspiring and emotional stories of Japanese mail-order brides who came to California in the early 1900s.
Three events will be held this week to explore the novel and topics it brings to the forefront including women and gender, Asian-American literature, Japanese culture, immigration, cultural and racial prejudice, and social alienation and stigmatization. Reading the book prior to attending an event is not required.
-- alieNation is an interdisciplinary exploration of alienation both in the book and contemporary America. Attendees will discuss experiences related to diaspora, dispersion and immigration, and then create written and graphic representations of their experiences. The pieces will be combined into a Japanese-style accordion-folded book, a collaborative work of art that represents the heart and history of our community. Hosted by Abington faculty in art, psychology and history. AlieNation will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 7, in the Woodland Building art studio. Admission is free. To register, email [email protected] or call 215-881-7800.
-- Film Screening: "Picture Bride." This heart-wrenching 1994 film tells the story of early 20th century immigrants who laid the foundation in Hawaii for one of the most successful multi-ethnic societies in the world. Moderated by Arcadia University film instructor Rob Buscher, whose grandmother was a picture bride. "Picture Bride" will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 9, in Room 112 Woodland Building. Admission is $5.
-- Book Talk at the Abington Township Public Library. Karen Weekes, associate professor of English at Abington, will bring her intelligent and incisive commentary to a discussion of "The Buddha in the Attic." The event will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 10, at the Abington Township Public Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington. Admission is free. To register, call 215-885-5180, ext. 15.
Abington Cultural and Community Events has provided free and low-cost family, arts and educational events to the community for more than a decade. For more information on upcoming programs, go to www.abington.psu.edu/ca or call 215-881-7800.
