Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, an acclaimed Houston author, will read from her newest book, “Oleander Girl,” at Lone Star College-North Harris on April 25 at 7 p.m. in room 101 of the Community Education Building. The community is invited to attend this free event, presented by the North Harris County Branch of American Association of University Women and students of the college.

“Oleander Girl” is a sweeping, suspenseful, coming-of-age novel about a young woman who leaves India for America and experiences adventures that transform her life.

Before Divakaruni’s reading and discussion, she will share the stage with Ratna Kumar, the founder of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts, who will present a classical dance performance. Kumar founded the first Indian dance school in Texas in 1975. She has been recognized as a cultural ambassador of Indian performing arts in the U.S.

Divakaruni is an Indian-American author, poet, and professor of writing at the University of Houston. Her works are largely set in India and the United States, often focusing on the experiences of South Asian immigrants. "One Amazing Thing" by Divakaruni was the initial Gulf Coast Reads project supported by libraries in the Houston area.

In 1995, Divakaruni’s short story collection “Arranged Marriage” won an American Book Award. Two of her novel – “Mistress of Spices” and “Sister of My Heart” – were adapted into films. “Mistress of Spices” was short-listed for the Orange Prize.

For more information about the event, contact Megan Franks at 281.618.5650.

Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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