Join discussion about ‘Running the Rift’
By Susan Greenwood www.naperville-lib.org March 20, 2013 5:10PM
Naomi Benaron will discuss her book, “Running the Rift,” Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., on the North Central College campus. | Submitted
Updated: April 23, 2013 1:33PM
Does what you are define who you are?
What are your responsibilities as a “citizen of the world”?
What propels you forward?
When would you pretend to be someone or something you’re not?
These are the questions the Naperville READS team is hoping you’ll think about as you’re reading “Running the Rift,” this year’s adult and teen title.
The book by Naomi Benaron is about the horrors and complexities of the Rwanda genocide.
Benaron will discuss her book at 7 p.m. April 3 in the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., on the North Central College campus.
Tickets for this free event are available at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, or at all three Naperville Public Library buildings, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.; and 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.
During her visit, Benaron also will make presentations to area high schools.
The Rwandan genocide and the importance of family and hope are the two conflicting themes that see-saw back and forth in Benaron’s debut work of fiction.
This novel clearly depicts the violent civil war between Hutus-Tutsis but also lovingly describes the beauty of family and community.
Benaron was awarded the prestigious Bellwether Prize for her treatment of compelling social issues.
On April 6, Benaron, a triathlete and Ironman participant, also will participate in a fun run at the Naperville Running Company, 34 W. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Naperville.
Various routes of 3, 5 or 7 miles will start at the store at 6:30 p.m.
After the race, come back for treats, beverages and a book signing at The Naperville Running Company.
Her book will be available for sale before the run.
Donations also will be accepted.
As they have since the program’s inception in 2002, the goals of Naperville READS include engaging the entire community in reading and then discussing selected titles.
The program promotes the pleasures of reading as well as providing a way for all ages to discuss the issues and concepts involved in the selected titles.
Previous Naperville READS authors have included Luis Alberto Urrea, Antonio Sacre, Anthony Horowitz, Jon Scieszka, Neil Gaiman, Gary Paulsen, Gary Moore, Daniel Pink, Brian Selznick, Dan Gutman, Pete Hamill, Jerry Spinelli, Kevin Henkes, Tracy Chevalier, Yann Martel, Katherine Hannigan, Kate DiCamillo, Joseph Bruchac, Greg Mortenson, Jodi Picoult and Lisa See.
For more information about Naperville Reads, visit www.napervillereads.org.
Susan Greenwood is the community relations coordinator at the Naperville Public Library. Contact her at 630-961-4100, ext. 2223, or greenwood@naperville-lib.org.
