(Sundance, UT ) January 15, 2007---- The Sundance Resort presents its 2007 Tree Room Author Series on Fiction and Politics/Humanities. This year marks five years of the Author Series.
The Series on Fiction presents such authors as Greg Mortenson, author of “Three Cups of Tea;” Leslie Marmon Silko, “Ceremony;“ Joe Hill, “Heart-Shaped Box.
On the afternoon of September 2, 1993, Greg Mortenson realized that he had failed in his attempt to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. But disappointment was the least of his problems. Emaciated, exhausted, thoroughly disoriented, and suffering from edema, his grip on life was loosening. He was taken in and nursed back to health by the impoverished populace of a remote Pakistani village. Grateful, he promised to return someday to build them a school. “Three Cups of Tea“ is the story of that promise and the story of how one man changed the world, one school at a time.
Tayo, a young Native American, has been a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, and the horrors of captivity have almost eroded his will to survive. His return to the Laguna Pueblo reservation only increases his feeling of estrangement and alienation. While other returning soldiers find easy refuge in alcohol and senseless violence, Tayo searches for another kind of comfort and resolution. Tayo’s quest leads him back to the Indian past and its traditions, to beliefs about witchcraft and evil, and to the ancient stories of his people. The search itself becomes a ritual, a curative ceremny that defeats the most virulent of afflictions -- despair.
Judas Coyne was a collector. The bizarre, the uncanny, the grotesque. A cookbook for cannibals. A used hangman’s noose. A snuff film. Many of these objects were gifts from the black-clad fans who made his metal band a legend and made him rich. But not all. When his personal assistant told him there was a ghost for sale on the Internet, Jude knew he had to have it for his private collection, didn’t think twice. He should have. Jude has spent a lifetime evading ghosts -- of an abusive father, of the bandmates he betrayed, of Anna, the suicidal girl he loved and abandoned. But this spirit is different. This one means to chase him to the edge of sanity.
Best-selling novelist Sue Monk Kidd shares her collection of early inspirational writings---tracing her growth as she experienced the joys, difficulties, and rewards of being daughter, wife, mother, nurse, and spiritual seeker. This collection of non-fiction writings will provide insight into this popular writer, delighting fans of her international bestselling novels The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair.
Tony Zinni has served on the frontlines of war and peace--as a Marine in Vietnam, commander of troops in the Middle East, and diplomatic envoy. His wealth of experience provides fascinating insight into how the world works and a sweeping vision of America’s role in it. Zinni argues that the roots of the world’s growing turmoil are not being addressed and that America’s aggressive confidence is making it worse--with potentially devastating implications for the safety of Americans. From the foxhole to the White House, Zinni’s first-hand experience informs his view of how America can promote a more stable and peaceful world through realism and pragmatic cooperation with other peoples and states.
Fast food has become a veritable American institution, with restaurants serving a quick bite in every strip mall and roadside rest area across the country. But, according to Fast Food Nation, the fast food establishment has been serving up much more than just cheap hamburgers and greasy fries. In compelling fashion, author Eric Schlosser traces the growth of fast food chains after World War II and condemns the industry for giving rise to such cultural maladies as obesity, classism, American global imperialism, and environmental devastation.
“The Courage of Our Convictions“ is Hart’s call to action–a clear-eyed and plainspoken manifesto that urges a return to the principles bequeathed to the party by its great twentieth-century presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s commitment to a single national community, where no American would be left behind; Harry S. Truman’s internationalism, which preserved democracy after World War II and led eventually to the defeat of communism; John F. Kennedy’s ideal of civic duty and service to the nation; and Lyndon B. Johnson’s insistence on equality for all our citizens.
In the ancient days of hunter-gatherers, a wrong food choice could be one’s last, as a poison mushroom or toxic root could kill the most discriminating omnivore. Today, according to Botany of Desire author Michael Pollan, we face comparable dangers in the midst of plenitude. Pollan notes that Fast-Food America is experiencing what can only be described as a national eating disorder. With compelling precision, he describes how parallel food chains (industrialized food, alternative or "organic" food, and home-gathered food) reflect differences and similarities in our ecology of eating. A fascinating look behind the labels.
“We are proud to announce these topics as part of our 2007 Tree Room Author Series,“ said Chad Linebaugh, Sundance Co-General Manager.“ Sundance is honored to welcome these authors to Sundance, who offer insight into a part of our culture that has such a powerful effect on our lives.“ To bring these award-winning authors to Utah, Sundance is once again partnering with The Spotted Frog, in Park City, Utah. “As an independent bookseller, we are delighted to partner with Sundance for the Tree Room Author Series,“ said Karen Dallett, owner of The Spotted Frog. “This allows us to bring highly-acclaimed authors and spotlight their unique ideas in a relaxed and intimate setting.“
Subscriptions can be purchased in advance for $450. Subscriptions include all five authors, and are available immediately. If available, single tickets will be priced at $95 per person. Tickets include the lecture and discussion and a signed copy of the author’s book and brunch in the award winning Tree Room and gratuity. Alcohol is not included. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are available by calling the Sundance Activities Desk at 801-223-4567.
Nestled at the base of 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogos, Sundance is a 6,000-acre community preserve dedicated to maintaining the balance of art, nature and community. Sundance offers diverse mountain recreation experiences and encourages the cultivation of art and self-expression, as well as the preservation of the land. Created by Robert Redford, Sundance is a haven for discovery and inspiration. The Sundance family of companies includes the Sundance Village, Sundance Institute, Sundance Channel and Sundance Catalog. For more information on Sundance, call 801-225-4107 or visit our website, www.sundanceresort.com.