
Hastings Reads is a community-wide reading program that seeks to encourage reading and discussion of books and the ways in which they can help us understand the lives and experiences of ourselves and others.
This year’s highlighted author is Kao Kalia Yang.
Learn more about Hastings Reads.
About the author
Kao Kalia Yang was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to America at age 6. She is the author of “The Latehomecomer," “The Song Poet," “Yang Warriors," “Where Rivers Part," and eight children's books. She also coedited “What God Is Honored Here?" and is the author of a collective memoir about refugee lives called “Somewhere in the Unknown World."
She is a librettist for The Song Poet Opera (commissioned by Minnesota Opera). Yang's work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Chautauqua Prize, the PEN USA literary awards, the Dayton's Literary Peace Prize, as Notable Books by the American Library Association, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, the Heartland Bookseller's Award, and garnered four Minnesota Book Awards.
Hastings Reads events
Pleasant Hill Evening Book Group
Discuss a variety of great books with other members of the community. This month's title is "Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother's Life" by Kao Kalia Yang. New members are welcome. For adults.
Pleasant Hill
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6–7 p.m.
Paj Ntaub Bookmark
Learn about the rich tradition of Hmong Paj Ntaub (pronounced: pan-dow) or "flower cloth" embroidery. Learn and practice traditional needlework techniques to create an embroidered bookmark. All skill levels welcome. Presented by Textile Center. Registration required. For adults and youth ages 14 and older. Sponsored by The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library.
Pleasant Hill
Thursday, Feb. 13, 6–7:30 p.m.
Registration begins Jan. 16.
Author Talk: Kao Kalia Yang
Join author Kao Kalia Yang as she discusses her recent books "Where Rivers Part" and "The Diamond Explorer." For youth ages 14 and older and adults. A Hastings Reads event.
Hastings Arts Center
216 Fourth St. E., Hastings
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30–8 p.m.
Hastings Reads is planned and sponsored by:
- The Hastings Reads Committee
- Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Gift Fund
- Hastings Public Schools
- Hastings Community Education
- Hastings YMCA
- Hastings AAUW – American Association of University Women
- The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library
- KDWA Radio