Author Junot Díaz Holds Discussion in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Editor Addy Stupin with Author Junot Diaz
September 25, 2015
On September 20th Junot Díaz spoke for an hour, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Arts in Education Week, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.
His novel The Short and Wondrous Life of Oliver Wao won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Several book critics even deemed it, “the best novel of the twentieth century to date.” He has also written Drown and This Is How You Lose Her, both of which are acclaimed short story collections.
Díaz was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in New Jersey. His Dominican heritage was among the topics he discussed on Sunday and heavily influences his work. His heritage is evident through much of his worldview.
The discussion, which spanned over an hour, began with Díaz providing his personal political commentary surrounding Donald Trump and his outrageous comments on immigrants. He then read an excerpt from The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, before ending with a question session, in which the attendees of his talk were encouraged and able to ask questions.
Díaz was unafraid to speak his mind, not shying away from provocative questions and answering everything passionately and earnestly. “You have your conscience, I have mine,” he said.
Díaz’s style of speech and character were very rousing and unapologetic. He spoke colorfully, curses littering his impassioned talk. He also had a great sense of humor. One felt at ease and familiar with the author, while simultaneously intimidated by his intelligence, frankness, and unashamed ability to be his authentic self.
One attendee, a young girl who proudly announced she was in sixth grade, to which Mr. Díaz responded: “Shit,” asked what his inspiration for being an author was. He replied, “I don’t like writing that much, what I really love is reading.” He said being a writer was a great excuse to read more. Books both transform and transport.
Attending Mr. Díaz’s talk was a pleasure. It was entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking.
