Author panel explores stories of immigration
The universal themes of cultural heritage and personal identity will be explored in "Human Library: Stories of Immigration," presented by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton, from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
Local authors Uma Girish and Paul Burzawa will lead an evening of conversation and share personal stories of immigration as told through their published works.
The authors will explore the meaning of home and what it means to be an American, while still maintaining your cultural heritage. Burzawa is of Greek heritage, and Girish was born and raised in India. Audience members will also be invited to share their own stories. Register at www.ahml.info, call (847) 392-0100 or at the library's Info Desk.
Author Paula Burzawa spent 10 summers visiting the ancient village of Vassara, Greece, before turning 21. Born of Greek heritage, traveling to her ancestral land has been the basis of her writing, documenting unique insights into her mother's and grandmother's homeland.
Her first novel, "Seasons of Sun," earned the Editor's Choice Award, Rising Star Award and Reader's Choice Award. In 2015, Burzawa released its prequel, "Tasso's Journey," a historical tale of her maternal grandfather during the final days of World War II and the beginning of Greece's civil war. Burzawa lives in Arlington Heights.
Uma Girish is an award-winning author, grief guide, and certified dream coach. Her books include a transformational memoir, "Losing Amma, Finding Home: A Memoir About Love, Loss and Life's Detours."
"Losing Amma" interweaves two cultures in a heart-rending narrative of losing a parent. Girish's writing has been published in seven countries and several of her short stories have won awards. She currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.
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