Ernest J. Gaines, writer-in-residence emeritus at the 青青草视频, will read from two works in progress at his second public reading at the University鈥檚 Ernest J. Gaines Center.
The event will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The center is on the third floor of Edith Garland Dupr茅 Library on campus, 400 E. St. Mary Blvd.
Both selections reflect his classic style of storytelling. One depicts a young writer who, like Gaines did years ago, comes back to Louisiana, after years of living elsewhere, in an attempt to find his voice as a writer.
Gaines wrote nine books of fiction, including the classics The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, A Gathering of Old Men, and A Lesson Before Dying. He was a member of the University鈥檚 faculty for 21 years before he retired in December 2004.
In July, Gaines received the 2012 National Medal of Arts, which was presented by President Barack Obama during a ceremony at the White House. He was cited for 鈥渉is contributions as an author and teacher. Drawing deeply from his childhood in the rural South, his works have shed new light on the African-American experience and given voice to those who have endured injustice.鈥
Derek Mosley, director of the Gaines Center, said it鈥檚 always an honor to have the author read and interact with his fans. 鈥淭he opportunity itself inspires future writers and lovers of fiction,鈥 he said.
A discussion will follow the reading, and Gaines will sign copies of his books at the conclusion of the program. This Louisiana Thing that Drives Me: The Legacy of Ernest J. Gaines will be available for purchase at the event. Published by University of Louisiana Press, it features photos, quotations from his works and an introduction he wrote.
Sponsors of the reading include Edith Garland Dupr茅 Library and the University鈥檚 Department of English. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, or email Mosley at dmosley@louisiana.edu or call the Gaines Center at (337) 482-1848.