EAST LANSING, Mich. — Community members are invited to meet Saroo Brierley, author of “A Long Way Home,” as he kicks off the 2017 One Book, One Community (OBOC) program with a special visit to the East Lansing-Michigan State University community this August.
“A Long Way Home” is a #1 international bestseller based on the true story of author Saroo Brierley’s incredible journey from India to Australia and back again. After becoming lost from his family and home at the tender age of five, Saroo struggled to survive on the notoriously rough streets of Calcutta before being adopted by a loving Australian couple. Raised in their caring home, Saroo’s past slides away, but is never truly forgotten. As he grows into adulthood, he feels he is a person of two worlds - one of which is lost to him. Remarkably, Saroo finds his way back to his childhood village and birth family as a young man using Google Earth maps and bits of fragmented memory.
Saroo’s story is one of determination, the unfailing love of family and the universal need to know our origins. His story became a media sensation and led to his book, “A Long Way Home,” and the Oscar-nominated film, “Lion,” starring Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara.
There are two opportunities for community members to see Brierley during his visit to the East Lansing-MSU community:
An Evening with Saroo Brierley; Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
Saroo Brierley will be traveling from Australia to kick off the month-long 2017 OBOC program with a special community talk on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. Following Brierley’s remarks about his book and his real life experiences, there will be a question-and-answer session moderated by East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows and a book signing.
- Attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is FREE.
*The kickoff will also be streamed live, archived online and available via an on-demand playback at https://livestream.com/msualumni/aLongWayHome courtesy of the MSU Alumni Association. The on-demand playback will require a password. Contact OBOC at onebookmsu@gmail.com for more information.
MSU Academic Welcome Featuring Saroo Brierley; Monday, Aug. 28 at 9 a.m.
Brierley will speak to the incoming class at the MSU Academic Welcome on Monday, Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, 1 Birch Road. Admission is FREE and the public is welcome to attend.
Other OBOC Events
In addition to the kick-off events, a number of additional events have been planned that tie into the theme of this year’s OBOC program: “Lost & Found: A Journey of Self Discovery.” Community members can find 2017 OBOC event details at http://www.onebookeastlansing.com/166/2017-Calendar-of-Events.
About the Program
The annual OBOC program, sponsored by the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University, encourages the city-university community to read the same book and come together to discuss it in a variety of settings. The 2017 program sponsors ($500+ donations) include the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library, the Michigan Humanities Council, Janice & Dave Dressel, Karen & Jerry Jennings and Sam & Kerry Singh. Special thanks to the 2017 Friends of One Book, One Community as well: http://www.onebookeastlansing.com/176/Donate.
Media Interviews with the Author
Members of the media interested in scheduling an interview with author Saroo Brierley prior to his visit to the East Lansing-MSU community can contact East Lansing Communications Coordinator Mikell Frey at (517) 319-6873 or mfrey@cityofeastlansing.com.
For additional information, visit www.onebookeastlansing.com.
This project is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.