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Irving to speak in Aspen during Winter Words 2003

Naomi Havlen
Aspen Times Staff Writer

Author John Irving is scheduled for an appearance at the Aspen Writers’ Foundation’s Winter Words 2003 in February.

Irving, whose novels include “The World According to Garp” and “A Widow for One Year,” received an Academy Award for the screen adaption of his novel, “The Cider House Rules.” He will give a reading on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. in Paepcke Auditorium as part of the foundation’s winter series of presentations.

Lara Whitley, the foundation’s marketing and operations manager, said she does not know what Irving’s presentation will entail, but she expects it to be enlightening.



“With John, it’s always a wonderful surprise what he decides to entertain and engage us with,” Whitley said. “You never quite know ? he’s an artist. It may be something he’s working on. As prolific as he is, I’m sure he’s on to the next thing.”

Irving also spoke at the foundation’s Winter Words 2000, screening “The Cider House Rules.” Whitley said Paepcke Auditorium sold out for the screening.




“It was an overwhelming success,” she said.

The writers’ foundation has also added adventure travel writer Tim Cahill to this winter’s list of speakers. Cahill is a columnist and editor for Outside Magazine, and has written eight books, including the most recent “Hold the Enlightenment,” a collection of essays.

Whitley said Cahill began writing at Outside Magazine about 25 years ago, pitching a column about a regular guy on the road in far-flung destinations, a concept that became wildly popular with readers. Cahill has also written for Rolling Stone, Esquire, National Geographic and The New York Times Book Review.

“Among the outdoor folks here, Tim Cahill is a recognizable name,” Whitley said. “He’s a natural fit for us.”

Other books of Cahill’s include “Pecked to Death by Ducks,” “Jaguars Ripped My Flesh” and “Pass the Butterworms.” Cahill, who has never spoken at an Aspen Writers? Foundation event, will be reading and giving a talk on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 5:30 p.m.

In addition, author Ethan Canin will be appearing on Thursday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Paepcke Auditorium. Canin is the author of “The Palace Thief,” which has recently been adapted into a feature film, “The Emperor’s Club,” starring Kevin Kline, to be released on Nov. 22. Canin’s March 6 appearance will feature a screening of the movie.

“It’s obviously after the movie is released, but getting to hear from the person whose words were the original is always an added attraction to seeing the movie,” Whitley said. “From a personal art form as a reader to a visual art form on the screen, it will be a compelling presentation.”

Canin’s most recent novel, “Carry Me Across the Water,” is a New York Times Notable Book.

Other speakers for Winter Words 2003 include John Heminway, the author of several books on Africa, including “The Imminent Rains” and “No Man’s Land.” He will be speaking on Monday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. in the Given Institute and screening his film “The Africa Passion.”

Elinor Lipman, author of seven works of fiction, will be speak Wednesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. in Paepcke Auditorium. Lipman’s novels include “Isabel’s Bed” and “The Ladies’ Man.”

The Winter Words series is open the public. Tickets and season subscriptions to Winter Words 2003 go on sale Dec. 1 at the Aspen Book Store, Aspen Writers’ Foundation, Explore Booksellers, the Wheeler Opera House and online at http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com. Tickets are $15.

Call the Aspen Writers’ Foundation at 925-3122 for more information.

[Naomi Havlen’s e-mail address is nhavlen@aspentimes.com]

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