(Posted September 3, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Marion Winik, a frequent commentator on National Public Radio's program "All Things Considered," will lead a public book discussion on the three books selected for Juniata College's summer reading program at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Science Center.

The event and discussion is free and open to the public.

Winik, author of "The Lunch-Box Chronicles," will moderate a public discussion of the books chosen for the college's summer reading assignments; Jill Ker Conway's "The Road from Coorain;" Thornton Wilder's "The Bridge of San Luis Rey;" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

"In the past we have done a single book, but these three were chosen because one of the themes running through all three selections is how fate can turn on seemingly innocuous events that have long-lasting consequences," says Sarah Clarkson, director of academic services and coordinator of the reading program.

Winik is a regular contrbutor to "All Things Considered" and writes a regular column for newspapers around the nation. She also has written "Telling," "Rules for the Unruly" and "First Comes Love."

At Juniata, she will visit several classes during the day and then moderate the public book discussion. The reading program at Juniata is unique because the project is open not only to incoming freshmen, but also Juniata faculty and staff, families of Juniata students and members of the Huntingdon community.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.