Pulitzer Prize Winner and Rutgers Alumnus Junot Diaz to Speak at Rutgers

The reading will include selections from the novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007). The novel tells the story of Oscar Wao, a Dominican teenager who buries his broken heart and frustration in science fiction novels and Star Trek action figures. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2007 National Book Critics Award for Best Novel.

The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing.

Richard Miller, chair of the English department, will lead the public discussion with Junot Diaz, author and poet.

Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick will introduce Diaz at the reading.

The public discussion is Monday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.

The reading is Monday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.

Both events will be held at the Rutgers Student Center, Multipurpose Room, 126 College Ave., New Brunswick

Admission is free and open to the general public for each event. Parking is available behind the Rutgers Student Center in Lot #30.

The Writers at Rutgers Reading Series fosters an exchange between well-known writers of diverse backgrounds and the Rutgers community. This year's series will feature readings by Junot Diaz, Oliver Sacks, Caryl Phillips, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Rebecca Solnit, Tina Chang, Brenda Shaughnessy and Tracy K. Smith.