Short story, book, and film discussion classes are scattered throughout the year to give you ample time for pleasure reading and viewing between each one. Pick a course or two to suit your literary tastes and register today!

Author Visit: Afabwaje Kurian

Before the Mango Ripens (2024)

Tuesday, May 6 • 10:00am-11:15am • Zoom •

Course 13157 • $30

In conversation with Anna Katsavos, Afabwaje Kurian discusses her debut novel, Before the Mango Ripens (2024). Longlisted for the Aspen Prize, Kurian’s work paints a nuanced portrait of life in a small Nigerian town in the aftermath of the Biafran War. This historical fiction set in the 1970s illustrates the hypocrisy and tensions between American Christian missionaries and the residents of Rabata as Nigeria teeters between post-colonial dependency and self-rule. Moving and bitingly humorous, the novel weaves together the characters' back stories and explores themes of faith, ambition, and betrayal in portraying a community at the precipice of change.

Session will be recorded and sent to enrolled students to view for up to one week.

Author Visit: Susan Dominus

The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success (2025)

Friday, May 9 • 10:15am-12:00pm • Beach Point Club • Course 13310 • $80

Meet New York Times journalist Susan Dominus for a discussion of her new book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success (2025) in conversation with Lori Rotskoff. Hear insights from scientific research into the ongoing “nature-versus-nurture” question in explaining the rare families that boast multiple children who achieve extraordinary success, sometimes in widely varied fields. Find out what can be learned about their struggles and the enigmatic, often disregarded role of sibling relationships. Inspired by the accomplishments of the legendary Bronte sisters, Dominus researched and detailed the stories of six remarkable families whose children achieved great success in their fields, from Olympic athlete to award-winning novelist to successful entrepreneur. Time will be reserved for Q&A.

Please note: Registration includes a signed copy of the book. This program begins with a hearty Continental breakfast in a club setting overlooking Long Island Sound.

Author Visit: Karissa Chen

Homeseeking (2025)

Monday, May 12 • 11:00am-12:15pm • Zoom •

Course 13158 • $30

In conversation with Anna Katsavos, Karissa Chen will discuss her debut novel, Homeseeking (2025). This epic depicts the lives of separated lovers across sixty years as war, famine, and opportunity take them from Shanghai to Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York, and their eventual reunion in Los Angeles. It chronicles the story of the sentimental Haiwen from his present to his past while tracing forward-looking Suchi’s life from her childhood to the present. This Good Morning America Book Club pick examines the experiences of the Chinese diaspora through an intimate story of family, sacrifice, loyalty, and love that transcends distance and time.

Session will be recorded and sent to enrolled students to view for up to one week.

Scarsdale Adult School | 914-723-2325 | P.O. Box 205, Scarsdale, NY 10583 | www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org

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