Every once in a while, a truly great writer will grace us with his presence here at Ball State University.
When these writers come, students will go to see them, especially when tempted with extra credit, but often, these writers go rather unappreciated on our campus.
Well, today and in the near future, we at Ball State have a few opportunities we truly should not overlook. With Bill Barich coming today and Bich Minh Nguyen coming next week, Ball State needs to take advantage. We need to show our appreciation for literature and the arts.
Bill Barich is speaking today in Bracken Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. He will discuss the seven books he has written in his career. He also has worked as a writer for The New Yorker magazine for the last 15 years.
Barich's resume reads like a writer's dream. Perhaps his most famous book, "Laughing in the Hills," was named by a number of critics to be one of the 100 best sports books of all time. His latest book, "A Pint of Plain" takes a look at the decline of the Irish Pub in society.
He's done readings and seminars across the country and is a truly great voice in the literary community today. Any one of Barich's accomplishments would be the shining jewel of any other writer's career. And he is coming here to Ball State.
If you have any interest in sports, art, literature or the atmosphere of the pub, Barich's presentation tonight is one not to be missed.
After Ball State students get to meet Bill Barich, they will have another great opportunity to meet a unique writer whose talents are making a great name for her in the literary community.
Bich Minh Nguyen was born in Saigon during the last months of the Vietnam War. Her family fled the city by boat the night before the city fell to communist forces. Nguyen and her family then floated for several years around refugee camps before settling in Grand Rapids, Mich. These experiences serve as a major influence to her writing.
Nguyen's first novel, "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," was a critically acclaimed piece that talked about growing up in a Vietnamese family in a city like Grand Rapids during the 1980s.
She will be reading from this book Oct. 14 when she is at Ball State. Nguyen has such a great and unique story that we here at Ball State should try to learn as much as we can from her experiences.
While at Ball State, one thing I have tried to always do is take advantage of the opportunities we are given here.
When B.B. King was performing at Emens Auditorium a few years ago, I knew it was a great opportunity and made sure I was there. While Barich and Nguyen might not have the draw that King did, they are truly masters of their craft and offer a knowledge as well an insight that we should all be to eager to observe.
All Ball State students, not just those in the English department, should make it a point to see and listen to one or both of these speakers. Whenever we have a chance to learn and grow as individuals, it is our responsibility to take advantage of it.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
