By Corey Riner, Contributing Writer
Today, March 22, West Liberty University’s Hughes Lecture Series will proudly welcome its newest guest: New York Times bestselling author, Jeannette Walls. Throughout the lecture, Walls will discuss the many messages and teachings that came out of her own personal life story, chronicled in the bestselling 2005 memoir, “The Glass Castle.”
Parts of the lecture will include stories from Wall’s childhood, including the hardships mentioned in “The Glass Castle,” like dealing with poverty and the struggles of growing up around those who are afflicted with mental illness. Despite their dark tone, these messages will be used by Walls as empowering lessons of overcoming adversity and locating a silver lining among even the darkest of clouds.
The English department seems particularly excited about the lecture, as multiple professors have openly expressed their delight about the event.
Dr. William Scott Hanna, when asked about his opinion on the lecture, said, “We are extremely excited to be able to have Jeannette Walls to campus. It is a great opportunity for students to see how life and writing are so intimately connected. Since most of my students are reading ‘The Glass Castle’ this semester, it is also exciting for them to be able to ask Ms. Walls questions and meet her, as there will be a small, private student meet-and-greet in the afternoon for my writing students and students from other classes who are also reading the book.”
“In addition, it is exciting that the Hughes Lecture Series is able to provide such a quality speaker and author to address the community at large, as it is the spirit of the Hughes Lecture to provide an engaging and free event to the campus and surrounding community,” said Hanna.
The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 7 p.m. in College Hall.
Photo provided by Media Relations
