Hugo Lit Series: Dorothy Allison, Stephen Elliott, and Kirsten Lunstrum, with music by Levi Fuller

The event features author of “Bastard Out of Carolina” Dorothy Allison, TheRumpus.net founder and author of “The Adderall Diaries” Stephen Elliott, and Hugo instructor and writer of “Swimming with Strangers” Kirsten Lunstrum, with music by Levi Fuller. All will perform original pieces commissioned by Hugo House on the theme "The Paper Chase."

Theme: The Paper Chase
Many Americans believe in the Horatio Alger myth, as if all it takes is hard work, determination, and courage to be the next Bill Gates. In fiction, a little elbow grease can make billions, or at least middle class respectability, but in real life, most of us fall somewhere between making do and ditch-digger, no matter our luck and pluck. Was George Carlin right when he said, “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it”? Or is our country’s bootstraps ethos the reason why we rise and shine? Can we ever stop trying to keep up with the Kardashians and just be happy with what we have, whether we’re moving on up or not?