Salman Rushdie book discussions are part of 125th celebration The University of North Dakota 125th Anniversary Great Conversations committee will present three book discussions on Sir Salman Rushdie. Rebecca Weaver-Hightower, assistant professor of English, and Brian Schill, lecturer in the honors program, will lead the conversations about Rushdie’s award winning novels, including “Midnight’s Children” and “Satanic Verses.” Both are well versed in the writings of Rushdie. Books are available through local bookstores and libraries. Book discussions will be held: Focusing on “Midnight’s Children”: * Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Barnes & Noble Coffee Shop. Parking available on-site. And a book discussion focusing on “Satanic Verses” * Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Empire Arts Center Gallery, downtown Grand Forks. Parking available off-street, or ramp on Fifth St. and Kittson. Sir Rushdie will be in Grand Forks for the UND 125th Anniversary’s Great Conversation Series and the 2008 Writer’s Conference at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. As the opening speaker for the 2008 Writers Conference, the Great Conversation offers an opportunity for attendees to participate in a dialogue with Sir Salman Rushdie. Following a reading by Sir Rushdie from his works, Professor Rebecca Weaver-Hightower will facilitate the discussion between Rushdie and the audience. The focus of the discussions will come from his novel, "Midnight’s Children" (1981) which catapulted him to literary fame. This work won the 1981 Booker Prize and, in 1993, was awarded the Booker of Bookers as the best novel to have received the prize during its first 25 years. It still receives accolades for being Rushdie’s best, most flowing and inspiring work. For more information on the UND 125th, visit 125.und.edu. For more information on the 2008 Writer's Conference, visit www.undwritersconference.org. -- Benjamin Klipfel, Marketing Coordinator, UND 125th Anniversary, benjamin.klipfel@und.nodak.edu, 7-0857