On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Villanova University Community will welcome author Reyna Grande to campus. Grande, author of the 2015-2016 One Book Villanova selection The Distance Between Us, will participate in several events on Sept. 10, including a book signing at Falvey Memorial Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Speakers’ Corner on the first floor. The book signing is open to the public. See below for the detailed schedule of events during the author’s visit.

4:40 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Author’s Book Signing,  Falvey Memorial Library’s Speakers’ Corner

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner with Author and University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS in the Dougherty Dining Hall

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Author’s Lecture, followed by Q&A, Villanova Room, Connelly Center

Reyna Grande offers us a glimpse into her life as a young Mexican girl in her book, The Distance Between Us. In doing so, she gives us the unique opportunity to witness what challenges the children of immigrants often faced when their parents left them behind in Mexico in pursuit of a better life in the United States. Growing up poor and without the guidance of her parents by her side, Grande describes how she was forced to rely on her siblings for strength. With their help and her own firm determination, Grande was able to achieve success despite her difficult upbringing. This honest and at times heartbreaking personal account highlights many issues related to immigration that are relevant today.

The Distance Between Us is the University’s 11th annual One Book Villanova selection. The program celebrated its 10th anniversary last fall with a visit by author Wes Moore, whose book The Other Wes Moore was highlighted on campus with special events throughout the academic year. One Book selections are chosen in order to stimulate close examination of a book and inspire discussion within both the classroom and community on topics that are relevant in society today. The One Book Villanova committee’s co-chairs are Terry Nance, PhD, assistant vice president, Multicultural Affairs (recently promoted to associate vice provost of diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer) and Jeffrey (JJ) Brown, director of student development. The Co-Chairs in addition to a committee of various faculty and staff members from all areas of the University choose the One Book Villanova selection each year.

Still need a book? Copies of The Distance Between Us can be purchased for $8.00 from the Center for Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student Involvement, or can be ordered online by cash or check. Visit this page for more information.

Following her book signing in Falvey, Grande will be giving a public lecture in the Villanova Room in Connelly Center. This talk by Grande will serve as both the kick-off and the keynote lecture of our St. Thomas of Villanova weekend on campus, which is a celebration marked by service to the surrounding communities. Make sure to be a part of these landmark campus-wide events!

Article by Regina Duffy, writer for the Communication & Service Promotion team and Library Events and Program manager.