Mshale, the Minneapolis-based “newspaper for African immigrants in the Americas,” recently ran an article about a recent appearance at M&Q by Maaza Mengiste. She visited in January to read from her first novel, Beneath the Lion’s Gaze. The article pointed out one of the many reasons we hold readings–promoting discussion.

Solomon Deressa said he came to the book reading to support Mengiste. Deressa said not many Ethiopians are open to have a discussion about the traumatizing conflict the revolution brought forth.

“I am an Ethiopian and I am here to support Maaza Mengiste,” said Deressa. “We need to see more of these stories being told.”

Read the whole story here.–David E