Dr. Alyce R. Baker will discuss the writings of Toni Morrison at the next Stevenson Library Book Talk.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison will be the subject of the upcoming Book Talk at Lock Haven University. The popular Book Talk series, sponsored by the Stevenson Library, will feature LHU author Dr. Alyce R. Baker. The talk, followed by an open discussion, will be Wednesday, November 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 in the meet-and-greet area of Stevenson Library. The public is invited to this free event. Refreshments will be served.

Toni Morrison is the first black woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. She is best known, perhaps, for her novel “Beloved,” which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize and was made into a critically-acclaimed movie starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Other books include “The Bluest Eye,” “Sula,” and “Song of Solomon.” She has also written works of children’s literature, drama, non-fiction and other genres. On the official web site of the Nobel Prize, Morrison is noted for “her epic power, unerring ear for dialogue, and her poetically-charged and richly-expressive depictions of Black America.”

Dr. Baker, Assistant Professor of English and English Education Coordinator at LHU, has been focusing on Toni Morrison’s works since she was an undergraduate. In her Stevenson Library presentation, Dr. Baker will discuss her book, “Toni Morrison’s Novels: The Grotesque as Social, Cultural and Political Aesthetic.”

Dr. Baker earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Shippensburg University, her Master of Science in Education from The Pennsylvania State University, and her Ph.D. in Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“The Book Talk series highlights Lock Haven University faculty to the community,” says Associate Professor Brian M. Ardan of the Stevenson Library. “It’s a great opportunity for faculty to see what their peers are doing, and a great opportunity for interaction between faculty and students.” Rick Lilla, Professor, Department Chair, Media Librarian, added, “Each Book Talk is like a mini Celebration of Scholarship for faculty. They have an opportunity to present an academic product—a book—in a comfortable setting that encourages discussion.”

The Stevenson Library Book Talk Team consists of Brian Ardan, Rick Lilla, and Bernadette Heiney, Information Technology Technician. The team hosts one Book Talk each semester, featuring the work of a current or emeritus Lock Haven University faculty member.