Inspired by book, spring LC reunites to hear author
HCC students relish Junot Diaz reading

Though their Learning Community came to an end last spring, shared appreciation for an author brought students and professors together again this fall. "The Immortality of the Revolution," an LC taught last spring by Jim Dutcher and Mónica Torregrosa, included the book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, for which Junot Díaz won the 2008 Pulitzer prize. According to Torregrosa, the LC so loved the book, they voted via an online poll in The Hartford Courant for it to be chosen the 2009 “One Book Hartford” selection. "We were thrilled when it got chosen, because we knew we would have the chance to see Díaz," said Torregrosa.

As anticipated, the “One Book Hartford” celebration culminated with a reading by Diaz on October 23 at the Hartford Public Library, in Hartford, CT. Members of the class used Facebook to coordinate their trip to a reading that exceeded all expectations. Díaz, an engaging speaker who relishes the presence of young people, later took time to chat with the students, sign their books (including copies from his previous collection), and smile for photos with individuals and the group. For some students, this was their first author reading, and for all in the LC, a thrilling experience.

In photo above, from left to right: Cassidy Millus, Mónica Torregrosa, Nataliya Yuzych, Kevin Chandler, Ruth Tirado and Kifaya Ture; kneeling in front is author Junot Díaz.

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