Books Unite: Literature to Life in Paterson

Written By: Johanna Foudy

Image Provided by Lisa Vettoso

Beginning March 2nd, PCCC will host a book club event in partnership with Literature to Life, a national nonprofit that presents professionally staged adaptations of literary classics.

Literature to Life approached PCCC as a community partner because of its deep connection and engagement with its student population. Through this event, students can be exposed to and benefit from culturally relevant literary works and experiences.

The book chosen for March is I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez. It is a novel that many may resonate with or find relatable.

When asked for more details about why this book was chosen, Lisa Beth Vesttoso, Executive Director of Literature to Life, stated the novel “… offers rich thematic material that resonates strongly with college students — identity formation, intergenerational expectations, grief, mental health, cultural belonging, and gender roles.”

All these topics allow for a nuanced discussion and analysis amongst students, especially on a diverse college campus such as PCCC. Students may all have experienced and come from different walks of Life; however, societal narratives affect everyone, and this novel allows students to examine and engage in a conversation about them.

After all, the goal of this is to not only ignite interest in the novel, but also “…foster collective learning – using literature as a catalyst for connection, empathy, and meaningful public discussion.” Says Ms. Vettoso.

Details

The event is set to start on March 2nd, and is offered in three parts:

March 2nd: Book club (@ Paterson Free Public Library), 6:00 – 7:00 pm

March 5th: Live Performance and discussion with Literature to Life (@ PCCC Theater), 1:10 pm – 3:00 pm

March 11th: Interactive Workshop

Students can attend as many or as few of the events as they like. If students would like to get a free copy of the book, they can borrow it from the Paterson Free Public Library (250 Broadway).

Questions?

Feel free to contact Professor Balik sbalik@pccc.edu with any questions!