Reception for Author of What Is the What, Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng

Friday May 11th
6 pm Reception Nightbird Books
7 pm Reading Fayetteville Public Library

What is the What
Valentino Achak Deng

Valentino Achak Deng will be in Fayetteville this Friday, May 11th. At 6 pm you will have the chance to meet with him at a reception at Nightbird Books. At 7 pm, he will be speaking at the Fayetteville Public Library.

What Is the What, co-written by Dave Eggers, is the novelized autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, from his pre-war life in Marial Bai, to his resettlement in the United States. Separated from his family, Valentino becomes a refugee in war-ravaged southern Sudan. His travels bring him in contact with enemy soldiers, with liberation rebels, with hyenas and lions, with disease and starvation, and with deadly murahaleen (militias on horseback)-the same sort who currently terrorize Darfur.

Valentino will be discussing his life described in the book as well as his efforts to raise funds for his home country.

All of the proceeds from What Is the What will go to aiding the Sudanese in America and Sudan. Created and overseen by Valentino, the Foundation's first aim will be the rebuilding of his hometown of Marial Bai, in southern Sudan. Every purchase of the book constitutes a donation to The VAD Foundation.

Valentino Ackak Deng Foundation