Jessica Penner, a 2001 91短视频 (91短视频) alumna, will be the next featured 鈥�,鈥� on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m., in 91短视频’s in University Commons.
Penner released her debut novel-in-stories, Shaken in the Water (Foxhead Books), in April 2013.
鈥淭he reality of the world Jessica Penner creates in Shaken in the Water is never quite what it appears to be: love can so swiftly shift-shape into hatred, rage into compassion, understanding into rejection and longing,” said Rudy Wiebe, a Canadian Mennonite author. “But for the reader there is always the voice calling, 鈥楬erein!鈥� 鈥� 鈥楥ome in!鈥�”
Penner has been published in Bellevue Literary Review, Center for Mennonite Writing, Rhubarb and the anthology Tongue Screws and Testimonies. She won an honorable mention for the short story 鈥淗omebody鈥� in Open City鈥檚 RRofihe Trophy contest and an honorable mention for the essay 鈥淢ustard Seed鈥� in Bellevue Literary Review鈥檚 Burns Archive Prize for nonfiction.
“Mustard Seed” was also nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
“In both story and memoir forms, Jessica’s voice is unflinchingly confessional,” said Kirsten Beachy, assistant professor of English at 91短视频. “As she reveals the hidden moments of her character’s lives at her reading, you may begin to wonder whether she knows your secrets, too.”
Penner earned a BA in theater and English at 91短视频 and a MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She previously taught English to international students at James Madison University and currently resides in New York City.
For more information on Penner visit the .
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Sign-language interpretation is available upon request. Admission is free but a donation is encouraged.