Photos from Visit by Author Da Chen
September 2009

Da Chen, a New York Times bestselling author of a memoir of his life during the Chinese revolution, visited Bolton in September 2009 to kick off “From the Great Wall to Town Hall,” a series of programs from the Bolton Community Education Foundation connecting one of Connecticut's smallest towns with China, the world's most populous country.

Mr. Chen, author of several novels including “Colors of the Mountain,” which was read by many Bolton residents over the summer, attended a reception and book discussion on Sept. 14 at the Bolton Senior Center. More than 100 people came to hear him speak and sample delicious homemade Chinese appetizers.

Da Chen has been described as “an engaging, almost mesmerizing, speaker," and the story of his life is fascinating. He also is an expert on the traditional wooden flute and character painting, and he demonstrated both at the reception.

“Colors of the Mountain” is a classic story of triumph over adversity and a memoir of a boyhood full of spunk, mischief, and love. The novel was chosen for Bolton’s own “One Book Event” sponsored by Bolton High School and the Community Education Foundation, in keeping with ongoing efforts to bring an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and history to the Bolton community. This book was also required summer reading for high school students.

The next day, on Sept. 15, Mr.Chen visited Bolton High School to speak with some classes and to give a school-wide presentation.

Here are photos from this event:

	Da Chen holds the traditional bamboo flute that he played for the audience in honor of his late father.
	More than 100 people came to the Bolton Senior Center to hear the author speak about his books and his life.
	Da Chen signed books with Chinese character painting.
	Students learned some interesting facts about life in China from Mr. Chen at a school-wide assembly at Bolton High.