Catherine Hammond
This summer, New Adventures in Learning, a lifelong-learning program, presents a reading by Phoenix writer Andrea Avery. On July 12 at 10:00 a.m., the author will read from her memoir, Sonata: A Memoir of Pain and the Piano. The book chronicles Ms. Avery’s journey from promising classical pianist diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis to her rebuilding of a life filled with beauty and meaning. Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Eat, Pray, Love, says “Andrea writes like a clever, cunning, confident angel. She’s a natural, and her realness and grace are lovely to behold.” Other reviews call her work dazzling, inspirational and filled with wit. An interview and Q&A from the audience conclude the program. To buy the book in advance of the reading, check with your favorite bookstore. Ms. Avery holds an MFA from Arizona State University and teaches English in Phoenix.
Several other book-centered events also take place this summer at the Sun Lakes Center of Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Phyllis Lopp presents a three-part program titled “Carl Sandburg’s Life and Times” on July 23, 24 and 25 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. There are also two book clubs. The On-Going New Adventures Book Club, reading Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance, meets on July 2 at 1:00 p.m. The Award-Winning-Writers Book Club, reading Before the Fall by Noah Hawley, meets on July 16 at 1:00 p.m. New members of these book groups are always welcome.
In order to participate in any of these events reserved for New Adventures’ members, be sure to request a seat in advance. The early deadline for requests has passed, so some of these events may have a waitlist. For more information on signing up now, call 480-857-5500, go to http://www.newadventures.info or visit the Sun Lakes Center at 25105 S. Alma School Road, Sun Lakes, AZ.
New Adventures in Learning is a membership organization affiliated with Chandler-Gilbert Community College and has been encouraging lifelong learning since 1999. If you wish to join the organization or need to renew your dues at this time, the yearly fee is $50.00, paid to New Adventures, which covers participation until August 31, 2019, providing an extra semester’s membership. All currently-held memberships now expire on August 31, 2018, and members will receive their notices of renewal in a summer mailing. Add an additional $15 registration charge in a check made out to CGCC to participate in the summer semester. Please note that this process will change for fall registration.