print header, cpp news

CPP NEWS

"Crying in H Mart" Author to speak at Cal Poly Pomona

Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner
Photo Credit: Barbora Mrazkova, 2020

Michelle Zauner, author of “Crying in H Mart", will speak about her memoir and participate in a book signing at Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 11:45 a.m. in the Bronco Student Center, Ursa Major.

Zauner will participate in a guided conversation facilitated by Marimas Hosan Mostiller, an assistant professor in the Ethnic & Women’s Studies Department. The conversation will conclude with a book signing. Registration for the event is free and open to community members.

“Crying in H Mart" recounts Zauner’s journey of navigating the loss of her mother, while reflecting on her Korean heritage and the memories tied to food and family. The memoir is this year’s pick for the CPP Common Read, which brings the Cal Poly Pomona community together to discuss the same book.

Zauner, known as the lead singer of Japanese Breakfast, recounts her journey of navigating life after the loss of her mother, a central figure in connecting her to her Korean heritage. Through vivid descriptions of family memories and traditional Korean dishes, the memoir underscores the role food plays in preserving culture and cultivating connections.

FYE’s Common Read provides a unique opportunity for a shared campus experience, according to Dora Lee, assistant vice president of academic engagement and success. Since 2007, thousands of community members have participated in First Year Experience programs. Themes of past Common Read picks have touched on sustainability, inclusivity, first generation experiences and perseverance.

“We are thrilled to host Michelle at Cal Poly Pomona,” Lee said. “I’ve heard from many students, faculty and staff how much ‘Crying in H Mart’ has resonated within their own experiences. I know that this event will inspire some fruitful conversations.”

At the event, FYE also will announce the winners of the annual writing contest. For the contest, students responded to prompts that explored food as a symbol; resilience and growth; or identity, cultural heritage, and representation.

Approaching its 20th anniversary, FYE continues to grow its community. Each of the university's eight colleges have an FYE course, where students acclimate to the university and learn more about opportunities for their major.

To learn more about the First Year Experience Program, visit its website.