In Chicago, Osama Alomar is a cab driver. In his home town of Damascus, he is an accomplished poet. Now, after years of living in obscurity, his flame has been rekindled by the excitement surrounding Fullblood Arabian, his recent collection of short stories. For this event, Alomar will talk with esteemed author and friend, Lydia Davis, whose most recent book of stories, Can't and Won't, was published earlier this year. Iceland's formidable Sjon joins the pair to discuss craft and the power of language.

In Conversation: Osama Alomar and Lydia Davis with Sjon

Amiri Baraka reads “Rhythm Travel” at the 2008 Beyond Margins Celebration.


Amiri Baraka Reads “Rhythm Travel”

The celebrated poet reads the seminal letter of political protest, in which she became the first and only person to date to refuse the highest honor bestowed upon an artist on behalf of the people. Background and discussion: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/16/adrienne-rich-national-medal-of-arts-letter/

Adrienne Rich declines the National Medal of Arts, 1997

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world.  Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.


In Conversation: Osama Alomar and Lydia Davis with Sjon

PEN America

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