Da Chen, best selling author of “Colors of the Mountain” and “Sounds of the River” to speak at Vassar College, September 23

Da Chen, best selling author of "Colors of the Mountain" and "Sounds of the River" to speak at Vassar College, September 23

Da Chen, a China-born, American author of several books including the New York Times Best Seller "Colors of the Mountain," will lecture on his writing and the transition "From Wall Street to Random House' at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23, in the Villard Room, Main Building, Vassar College.

Chen is this year's William Starr/Freshman Course Writer-in-Residence. His talk is free of charge and open to the public.

Chen is part of an expanding collection of authors writing in English, but with a distinctively Asian perspective and flair. His memoirs and first publication, "Colors of the Mountain" follows his childhood spent growing up in the village of Yellow Stone, during China's Cultural Revolution. He describes both the cruelties and luxuries that his place among the landowning class afforded him during the years under the infamous Red Guard, and depicts the country's fervent turn towards education after Mao's death in 1976.

First educated at the Beijing Language Institute, Chen came to the U.S. at age 23 to attend Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. He went on to attend Columbia Law School and then worked as a Wall Street banker for Rothschild, Inc. before becoming a full-time writer.

Chen has also published "China's Son", which describes his years spent in Beijing; and "Wandering Warrior," which has been optioned by Warner Brothers to be made into a major motion picture.

For additional information, call the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, September 23rd, 2002.