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One Campus One Book Kickoff Event

Join us as we celebrate our One Campus, One Book selection: Diary of a Reluctant Dreamer: Undocumented Vignettes from a pre-American Life by Alberto Ledesma, and kick-off our Fall 2019 event series!

In this hybrid memoir, Alberto Ledesma wonders, at what point does a long-time undocumented immigrant become an American in the making? From undocumented little boy to "hyper documented" university professor, Ledesma recounts how even now, he sometimes finds himself reverting to the child he was, recalling his father's words: "Mijo, it doesn't matter how good you think your English is, la migra will still get you."

Exploring Ledesma's experiences from immigrant to student to academic, Diary of a Reluctant Dreamer presents a humorous, gritty, and multilayered portrait of undocumented immigrant life in urban America. Ledesma's vignettes about life in the midst of ongoing social trauma give voice to a generation that has long been silent about its struggles. Delving into the key moments of cultural transition throughout his childhood and adulthood--police at the back door waiting to deport his family, the ex-girlfriend who threatens to call INS and report him, and the interactions with law enforcement even after he is no longer undocumented--Ledesma, through his art and his words, provides a glimpse into the psychological and philosophical concerns of undocumented immigrant youth who struggle to pinpoint their identity and community.

Enjoy cold beverages, free giveaways, and your chance to earn a copy of the graphic novel.

 

Date:
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Time:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
Library North 1st Floor Service Desk
Audience:
  All     Graduate Student     Public     Staff     Undergraduate Student  
Categories:
  Social Events  

Event Organizer

Profile photo of Kelsey Brown
Kelsey Brown