Nov. 1, 2010 - In culmination of the One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern read of "Burro Genius," author Victor Villaseñor will visit Bakersfield for two public events Nov. 9 and 10. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, he will give a free talk at CSUB's Icardo Center about his childhood memoir "Burro Genius," which the community has been reading during the past two months. Then, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, he will give a free talk at the Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave., about his latest book, "Crazy Loco Love," a memoir of his adolescence.

CSUB is bringing the acclaimed California author to campus as part of its Runner Reader program, which encourages freshmen students to read and discuss a common book so they can bond over the shared experience. Here are just a few remarks students have written on a wallboard dedicated to the book:

• "This book makes me feel like I am in the story. I can feel and see what he goes through."
• "I love this book! I'm laughing and crying out loud!"
• "I love it because it takes you to a whole different way of thinking about life."

As a memoir of growing up the child of Mexican immigrants in Southern California during the 1940s and '50s, "Burro Genius" includes many diverse themes, including culture, immigration, education, literacy, learning disorders, religion, grief and childhood development. It is as much a commentary on the education system that discriminated against Spanish speakers - and failed to recognize the author's severe dyslexia that made him seem like a "stupid Mexican" - as it is a story of family, culture, heritage and coming of age.

Russo's Books will sell copies of Villaseñor's books at both speaking engagements, and is co-sponsoring the library event. Access CSUB's Icardo Center from Roadrunner Drive off of Camino Media; parking in Lot I is free.

For more information about Victor Villaseñor's visit to CSUB, contact Jennifer Baldwin at 661-654-2138 or jbaldwin5@csub.edu. For more on his visit to the Beale Memorial Library, call the library at 661-868-0745.

Note: The CSUB-Antelope Valley English Club is hosting Victor Villaseñor for a talk and book signing at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, at the Palmdale Holiday Inn, 38630 5th Street West, Palmdale. Seating is limited to the first 100 people. For more information, contact Kristal Metzger at 661-952-5012.