NYS Writers Institute Opalka Endowed Director Paul Grondahl looks ahead to our coming season
We need great writers and exceptional books, now more than ever.
In a world on fire from terrible wars, political strife, migrant crises, income inequality, gun violence, climate change, and collective mental fatigue, our mission statement at the NYS Writers Institute is “to honor the power of literature as a force for individual growth and social good.”
We aim “to celebrate diverse voices in all genres and to foster a vibrant community of readers and writers who engage in meaningful dialogue.”
In this fraught moment, we are proud to present this lineup of events carefully curated to serve as a balm for what ails our society. These authors and their works will counteract despair by offering a refuge of artful writing that illuminates and inspires.
We invite readers of all ages to bring their perspectives, ask their questions, and add their voices to these vital conversations.We never shirk from our duty to address inconvenient truths and uncomfortable topics. While honoring our commitment tofree speech and unfettered expression, we will insist on a climate of civil discourse and a respectful exchange of viewpoints.
We kick off the season with acclaimed novelist Hannah Lillith Assadi (Aug. 29), daughter of a Palestinian father and Jewish mother, whose upbringing informs her multicultural narratives. We conclude with Kendall Crolius (Dec. 3), author of Knitting with Dog Hair, who will demonstrate the art of knitting hats & scarves with dog hair during a popular visit from lovable therapy dogs who help students alleviate stress of preparing for final exams.
Between those bookends, we will present two dozen programs with something for all ages and every taste. A few highlights:
bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian (Sept. 10);
7th annual Albany Book Festival (Sept. 21);
world-recognized authority on autism John Elder Robison (Oct. 7);
acclaimed authors Angie Cruz and Lilliam Rivera (Oct. 8);
Nobel Prize winner in chemistry Thomas Cech (Oct. 24);
acclaimed author Edwidge Danticat (Oct. 29);
marathon reading of William Kennedy’s Billy Phelan’s Greatest Game (Nov. 7);
2022 Pulitzer Prize winner Joshua Cohen (Nov.12)
6th edition of our Telling the Truth symposium (Nov. 22);
and beloved poet Billy Collins (Nov. 25).
We believe that great literature can be a unifying force that speaks to our common humanity and summons our better selves. We invite you to join the conversation.
Paul Grondahl,Opalka Endowed Director, NYS Writers Institute
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