Note: this is an announcement for a reading and book talk by Nicholas D. Kokonis that recently took place at our church. We are keeping it available for a time because this news release contains background information on Kokonis and his novel, Arcadia, My Arcadia. This novel is on our library's recommended reading list for the month.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George will host a reading by Nicholas D. Kokonis from his novel Arcadia, My Arcadia, at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24, in the church's Community Center, 35th and Cottage Grove,
Des Moines. This event is free and open to the public.

Arcadia, My Arcadia follows the journey of Angelos Vlahos, a young Greek peasant boy, from his remote village in the rugged hills of Arcadia to an urban high school and finally the larger world. Angelos is aided in his journey by the unfailing support of his family and two invaluable teachers. Kokonis comments: “I wished to pay homage to those dedicated teachers who patiently and compassionately mentor the disenfranchised new generations in one-room schoolhouses in every poverty-stricken corner of the globe.” This coming of age story celebrates the importance of tradition, family and education in molding a young life.

Nicholas D. Kokonis grew up in Arcadia, Greece in the 1950s and migrated to the United States in 1962 to pursue his studies in clinical psychology. Kokonis is a college professor and practicing psychologist. He and his wife Popi have three daughters and nine grandchildren and divide their time between the Chicago area and Arcadia, Greece.

This book talk will be especially interesting to educators and anyone who appreciates an uplifting tale that celebrates the limitless potential of each human being. English-language and Greek copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at the event.

The presentation and discussion should last about one hour, with light Greek refreshments following.

Advance copies of Arcadia, My Arcadia (ISBN 0-9754032-0-6) are available for $25 plus $4 shipping and handling from St. Basil’s Publishers, P.O. Box 1155, Deerfield, IL. 60015.

For more information, contact us at 515-277-0780 or email us.