Vivian Gornick, a renowned author and critic, will speak as part of the Humanities and Sciences’ Distinguished Visiting Writers Series at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Beeler Hall of the James J. Whalen Center for Music.

Gornick will offer a public reading from her work and will host a discussion afterwards. Gornick is the author of eight books, one of which was nominated for a National Book Award and another for a National Book Critics Circle Award.

Sally Parr, assistant professor and chair of the writing department, said it was important for students to hear Gornick speak because she is an eloquent speaker and because she offers a different point of view than other writers.

“I’m thrilled that she’s coming,” Parr said. “I think the depth of [Gornick’s] honesty is what makes her writing so compelling to me.”

Parr said she is a fan of Gonick’s and has used the author’s work in her Women in Writing class. Parr said her students have responded positively to the readings and have come to appreciate Gornick’s views on solitude and on women in society.

Jack Wang, assistant professor of writing, said he has known Gornick by reputation for years and is excited to have her speak on campus.

“She’s known as a teacher in addition to a great writer, and part of the [series’] interest is always bringing in good teachers as well as prominent writers,” he said.

Wang said the series used to sponsor only one distinguished writer each semester, and decided bringing three might be more helpful and interesting for students. He also said the department was planning on only bringing one speaker next semester, but that it’s likely they will switch to the three-writer format permanently after that.

For more information about Gornick or the lecture series, contact Dr. Jack Wang at 274-3439 or [email protected].