Author Deborah Larsen Click on image to download print-quality version

GRANTHAM, Pa. (Aug. 17, 2006) — Deborah Larsen, local author of the critically-acclaimed novel “The White,” will present a free lecture at Messiah College on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in Brubaker Auditorium in the Eisenhower Campus Center on the college’s Grantham campus.  “The White” has been selected as the common reading text for all first-year Messiah students based on the novel’s themes of transition, transformation, acceptance and community.  Larsen’s lecture will be followed by a book signing and reception with the author in the Larsen Student Union Building. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required and may be obtained by calling the college’s ticket office at (717) 691-6036.

About Deborah Larsen and “The White”

As the Merle S. Boyer Chair in Poetry, Deborah Larsen currently teaches creative writing at Gettysburg College.  She has also served as a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University and a Wallace Stevens Fellow at Yale University. Larsen’s first novel, “The White,” depicts the true story of Mary Jemison, an adolescent forced from her comfortable home and into the hands of a Native American Indian tribe. Larsen powerfully expands upon Jemison’s courageous adaptation to the people and customs of her foreign environment.  “The Washington Post” called “The White” a “curious and fascinating work” and noted “its precision and concentration come close to poetry.” 

In 2005, “The White” was selected for the One Book, One Community program which aims to unite residents in six central Pennsylvania counties by encouraging everyone to read the selected book.

In addition to “The White,” Larsen has authored a collection of poetry, “Stitching Porcelain,” and a recently-released memoir, “The Tulip and the Pope,” which tells of her experience in a convent and her decision to leave.  “The Tulip and the Pope” has been selected as National Public Radio’s Favorite Book of 2005.

About Messiah College’s Common Reading Program

Messiah College’s common reading program began in 2004 to foster a spirit of community among first-year students and faculty.  The first text selected for the program, “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” by James McBride, was an overwhelming success. Messiah College employees, alumni and parents were also invited to read “The White” along with students. The book will be used as the basis for discussions during first-year student orientation as well as in all first-year seminar classes, a required writing class at Messiah College.

About Messiah College

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,900 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.

# # #