The Island of Sea Women Author Lisa See to Tour Maryland Virtually
Maryland Humanities’ Statewide Reading and Discussion Program Enters Thirteenth Year
(Baltimore, MD) – This year, 2020 One Maryland One Book author Lisa See will make virtual visits to Maryland to discuss her book, The Island of Sea Women. Maryland Humanities, which coordinates One Maryland One Book, has partnered with organizations across the state for six virtual events October 4–7. All events are free. Participants must register to receive a virtual event link.
The Island of Sea Women follows the decades-long friendship of two haenyeo (female divers) from Jeju Island in Korea. The book was chosen by a committee of librarians, educators, authors, and bibliophiles in February from more than 165 titles suggested last fall by readers across the state for the theme, “Friendship.” In 2019, The Island of Sea Women made the New York Times’ list of best sellers.
See says: “I’m thrilled and honored that The Island of Sea Women has been chosen as the 2020 One Maryland One Book selection. This has been a trying year and some of us have sustained terrible losses. I’m proud of the way we’ve had to come together in our families, communities, and states. Books have always given me joy, solace, and courage. Now we have the opportunity to come together to have a shared reading experience. I hope the sea women that I wrote about—their physical and emotional bravery—are as inspiring to all of you as they have been to me. I’m so looking forward to our events and meeting all of you. We’re going to have fun!”
Lindsey Baker, Executive Director of Maryland Humanities, says: “We are truly pleased to bring Lisa See to Maryland in a manner that is safe for all to enjoy. We’re looking forward to delving further into this rich, multifaceted novel with readers across the state. The book’s themes of friendship, sacrifice, and family will resonate with readers across the state.”
About the Book
The Island of Sea Women by New York Times bestselling author Lisa See chronicles the lives and friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju. They become the closest of friends. However, their differences are impossible to ignore: Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother’s position of leading the divers; whereas Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator and will forever carry that mark. From the Japanese occupation of the 1930s and 1940s to World War II to the Korean War, events will push their seemingly unbreakable bond to its breaking point. This beautifully written and thoughtful novel shines a light on the remarkable haenyeo culture and two women who are a part of it. Readers won’t soon forget the journey of Young-sook and Mi-ja’s friendship.
About the Author
In her beloved New York Times bestsellers, which include Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, China Dolls, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Lisa See brilliantly illuminates the immigrant experience and the indissoluble bonds between women. Her newest novel is a story of family secrets and female friendship on a remote Korean Island. The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce and unforgettable women divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. Her first book, the national bestseller and New York Times Notable Book, On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family, traces the journey of her great-grandfather, Fong See, who overcame obstacles at every step to become the 100-year-old godfather of Los Angeles’s Chinatown and the patriarch of a sprawling family. See was the Publishers Weekly West Coast correspondent for thirteen years, and her articles have appeared in Vogue, Self, and More.
2020 One Maryland One Book Author Tour
Sponsored in part by Harford County Public Library
Co-host: Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
Sunday, October 4
7:00 p.m.
Co-host: Kent County Public Library
Monday, October 5
7:00 p.m.
Co-host: Howard County Library System
Tuesday, October 6
11:00 a.m.
Co-host: Calvert Library
Tuesday, October 6
7:00 p.m.
Co-host: Harford County Public Library
Wednesday, October 7
2:00 p.m.
Co-hosts: Carroll County Public Library, Frederick County Public Libraries, and Washington County Free Library in partnership
Wednesday, October 7
7:00 p.m.
About One Maryland One Book
When we read a great book, we can’t wait to share the experience and talk about it with others. That’s one of the joys of reading.
In that spirit, through our Maryland Center for the Book program, Maryland Humanities created One Maryland One Book (OMOB) to bring together diverse people in communities across the state through the shared experience of reading the same book. We invite readers to participate in book-centered discussions and related programs at public libraries, high schools, colleges, museums, bookstores, and community and senior centers around the state.
One Maryland One Book is a program of Maryland Center for the Book at Maryland Humanities.
Want to discuss the book now or get updates on upcoming events? Join the conversation on the Maryland Center for the Book Facebook page. Connect with Maryland Humanities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
One Maryland One Book is presented in partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library and is sponsored by The Institute of Museum and Library Services via the Maryland State Library as well as PNC Foundation and BGE, with additional support from M&T Bank, an anonymous donor, and the Citizens of Baltimore County.