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Malden Reads offers community video chat with featured author

Print | Comments () Posted by Susannah Blair May 11, 2012 10:00 AM

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The following was submitted by Malden Reads:

Malden Reads is pleased to announce that Warren St. John, the author of this year’s book selection Outcasts United, will be visiting the Malden community for a video chat. All those who have read the book are encouraged to take part in this exciting event with the author who inspired this year’s Malden Reads program exploring themes of diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and making a difference.

The event will be held at Malden Access Television (145 Pleasant Street in Malden) on Thursday, May 17, as part of the festivities of MATV Week. Doors will open for the public at 7:00 p.m. for seating, preparation, and light refreshments. The Skype connection is scheduled for 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Note that the event will also be taped for MATV. Questions for the author are encouraged to be submitted in advance by emailing maldenreads@gmail.com.

Warren St. John has written for the New York Observer, New Yorker, Wired, and Slate, in addition to his work as a reporter for The New York Times. St. John frequently writes about the impact of technology on social behavior. In 2005, he introduced the term “metrosexual” into widespread usage through a Times piece headlined “Metrosexuals Come Out.” His first book, Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Journey into the Heart of Fan Mania (2004), was named one of Sports Illustrated’s best books of the year, and ranked number one on The Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of the best books ever written about collegiate athletics. His second book, Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference (shown at right) was published in the U.S. in April 2009, and subsequently in the U.K., Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Japan, and China.

St. John found Malden Reads on Facebook and followed the events and programs inspired by his non-fiction story of a youth soccer team comprised of refugees in Clarkston, Georgia. He writes in an email to be shared with the Malden community, “Thanks so much for all the hard work that has gone into the events in Malden—I’ve been following online. It’s a writer’s dream come true to see people engage in his or her book so intensely. I’d happily do a Skype conversation, and please pass on my gratitude to everyone involved in Malden Reads.”

Malden Reads is a community reading program for the city of Malden in its second year of operation. The program promotes reading, highlights city resources, and builds community connections. Events are centered around the themes of a selected book, with companion books selected for younger readers. Activities run from January through June and include book discussions, film screenings, social events, cultural performances, children’s programs, a community service activity, and more.

For more information about Malden Reads, visit www.maldenreads.org, contact the Malden Public Library at 781-324-0218, or email maldenreads@gmail.com.