Dreaming In Cuban

In Hartford

One Book for Greater Hartford 2007


Dreaming in Cuban
by Cristina Garcia

Kickoff: Thursday, June 28, 2007
6:00pm - 8:00pm Downtown Library



SAVE THE DATE:
Author Event Friday, October 26, 2007
Author Talk and Q&A 7:00-8:00pm
Book Signing and Reception 8:00-9:00pm


Info via Bessy Reyna

Hartford Public Library is pleased to announce their selection for the annual One Book for Greater Hartford series: Dreaming in Cuban, by renowned author Cristina García. This year’s One Book for Greater Hartford will explore the theme “Place of Heart, Place of Home,” with the study and discussion of Dreaming in Cuban and additional programming that will look at the meaning of identity, heritage, history, and the differing realities of the word “home.” Programming will last through the summer and early fall, culminating in an author appearance on October 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. One Book for Greater Hartford is an incredible opportunity to not just explore the work of an author; but to open a dialogue about important issues we all face. Poet Bessy Reyna will serve as Honorary Chairperson for the series.

Nominated for a National Book Award, Dreaming in Cuban is the moving story of three generations of women whose ties to Cuba simultaneously draw them closer together while forcing them apart. Haunted by family secrets and longing for the comforts of home, each of the women struggles to come to terms with their true identity – wife; mother; daughter; infidel; patriot; lover; and friend. Torn apart by years of familial and political unrest, each character shares their own personal take on the struggles in Cuba , the shortcomings in their own lives and, inevitably, their feelings toward one another. A poetic blend of humor and surrealism, Dreaming in Cuban , is a story of about the meaning of home and heart, love and hate and, ultimately, what happens when a broken family tries to rebuild itself. Dreaming in Cuban, García’s debut novel, was hailed by the New York Times as “. . . a dazzling first novel.”

The selection committee for the 2007 One Book for Greater Hartford was Doris Sugarman from the Connecticut Forum, Ken Kahn from the Greater Hartford Arts Council, Barbara Damon from the Greater Hartford Literacy Council, Michael Wilson from Hartford Stage, Barbara Bailey from the Welles-Turner Memorial Library (in Glastonbury, Connecticut), Craig Kennedy from Border’s Books & Music, and Prof. Ravi Shankar, Poet in Residence at Central Connecticut State University.

Hartford Public Library will kick-off the sixth-annual One Book for Great Hartford on Thursday, June 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During the evening’s festivities, dancers Michèle Evans and Jorge Nieves of the Hartford Youth Dance Initiative will present an introduction to the social dances popular in the United States that have their origin in the Cuban culture. Additionally, dance instructor Rey Bermudez of Salsa Fundamentals will be on hand to give Salsa lessons and Sabor a Timba , a Latin music ensemble that takes musical forms from the “Caribe Hispano” and blends it with a touch of Jazz standards from the 40’s and 50’s, will provide music. Cuban style coffee, flan, and virgin mojitos will add to the celebration. The kick-off will take place outdoors weather permitting.

Programs are free and open to the public. To find out more, call: (860) 695-6295. If you require special accommodations to participate in a program, please contact Access Assistance at (860) 695-6372 or TTY (860) 722-6890, two weeks prior to the program. For a full listing of events and programs at Hartford Public Library, visit www.hplct.org.

Founded in 1774, the mission of Hartford Public Library is to promote and support literacy and learning and to provide free and open access to information and ideas. Hartford Public Library provides strategic programs that respond to citizens’ needs and interests. Hartford Public Library also provides a cultural and artistic forum that reflects the city’s diverse and vibrant community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHOTOS OR TO SCHEDULE AND INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT MELISSA A. Bennett at 860) 695-6342 or at mbennett@hplct.org