There are few people alive today who endured the atrocities of the Holocaust. Psychologist Dr. Edith Eva Eger, a 92-year-old survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, is one of them.
Eger is the author of “The Choice: Embrace the Possible,” a New York Times bestselling memoir. Throughout her life and her psychology practice, Eger has found that her experience living through the horrors of war has inspired her to help others deal with trauma and loss. Her story and the stories of her patients affirm that, despite circumstances, all of us have a choice to forgive and to heal.
The book is Colorado Mountain College’s selection for this year’s Common Reader. Now in its 13th year, the college’s community reading program brings together faculty, staff, students and community members to read and to attend author talks.
Books are available at local libraries and bookstores and online and Eger will give free presentations at two locations in October, at CMC Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs (Oct. 9) and at Battle Mountain High School in Edwards (Oct. 10). Both talks are at 7 p.m.
The Oct. 9 Spring Valley talk will be livestreamed at CMC campuses and through the college’s website. Check with your local campus for event updates.
Additional events
Several additional events at CMC campuses are also taking place around this year’s Common Reader.
At Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge, the campus invites students, faculty, staff and community members to the Finkel Auditorium to attend the livestream presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. A follow-up guided discussion will take place on Oct. 11 at the campus for CMC faculty and staff.
At Colorado Mountain College Leadville, the college will host in the Climax Molybdenum Leadership Center, room 401, a free public viewing of Eger’s livestreamed author’s talk on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
In addition, CMC Leadville is pairing its International Film Series with the Common Reader throughout October. All films will be at 6 p.m. in the Climax Molybdenum Leadership Center, room 401. Students can register at the films. The cost for the series is $10.
The films are:
- “Life Is Beautiful” – Oct. 4
- “The Wanted 18” – Oct. 11
- “Waltz with Bashir” – Oct. 18
- “Exodus” – Oct. 25
- “Yentl” – Nov. 1
For more information, go to Common Reader: “The Choice” or call 800-621-8559.