English Department Brings Award-Winning Writers to GW’s Doorstep

Events on campus include readings with Lemony Snicket, Trey Ellis and more.

January 26, 2015

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For lessons in literature, George Washington University students do not have to rely on just books—they can meet authors in person through the English Department’s campus lecture series and public readings this semester. Several writers will come to campus through the Jenny McKean Moore Reading Series, led by Lisa Page, acting director of creative writing, and Jewish Lit Live, a class taught by English Professor Faye Moskowitz. 
 
George Washington Today produced a list of the upcoming events that bibliophiles and aspiring writers can look forward to this semester. Each is free and open to the GW community.
 
Feb. 5: Nick Kotz
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Marvin Center Amphitheater, 7-8:30 p.m.
 
The Pulitzer Prize winner and former Washington Post reporter will discuss “The Harness Maker’s Dream,” a new book that examines the journey of Ukrainian immigrant Nathan Kallison in the United States.
 
Feb. 19: Daniel Handler/Lemony Snicket
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Marvin Center Room 307, 7-8:30 p.m.
 
As Lemony Snicket, the author has written the best-selling series “All The Wrong Questions” as well as “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” His new book, “Why We Broke Up,” received the Michael Printz Honor for young adult fiction.
 
Feb. 26: Teddy Wayne
Presented by the Jenny McKean Moore Reading Series
Gelman Library Room 702, 7:30– 9 p.m.
 
Mr. Wayne is the author of the novels "The Love Song of Jonny Valentine" and "Kapitoil." He is also a columnist for the New York Times and McSweeney’s, and is a regular contributor to the New Yorker. His third novel will be published by Simon & Schuster in 2016.
 
March 3: Jean Korelitz 
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Marvin Center Room 301, 7– 8:30 p.m.
 
Ms. Korelitz’s novel “Admission” was turned into a romantic comedy directed by Paul Weitz and starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd. Her newest work, “You Should Have Known,” was published last March.
 
March 26: Tom Beller
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Marvin Center Amphitheater, 7– 8:30 p.m.
 
Thomas Beller is the author of “J.D. Salinger: The Escape Artist.” He is also a frequent contributor to the New Yorker, where he worked as a staff writer. He has written several books that include collections of short stories and essays.
 
March 27: Trey Ellis
Presented by the Jenny McKean Moore Reading Series
Gelman Library Room 702, 7:30– 9 p.m.
 
A D.C. native, Mr. Ellis is a novelist, screenwriter, essayist and playwright. He won a Peabody Award and Emmy nomination for his film “The Tuskegee Airmen,” and his 2003 comedy “Good Fences” was shortlisted for a PEN award.
 
April 9: Michelle Brafman
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Marvin Center Amphitheater, 7– 8:30 p.m.
 
Known for her novels and short stories, Ms. Brafman currently is working on her third book of fiction, “Status Change.”
 
April 23: Gary Shteyngart
Presented by Jewish Literature Live
Jack Morton Auditorium, 7– 8:30 p.m.
 
The journalist has written for the New Yorker, Travel + Leisure, Esquire, GQ, the New York Times Magazine and many other publications. He wrote his memoir, “Little Failure,” following the success of three acclaimed novels.