CultureAll's Open Book Program

Open Book is a community project that creates connections and builds social cohesion through story sharing where People are “Books”, and You are a “Reader.”

Books are our neighbors from diverse backgrounds who are willing to share their personal experiences and their defining moments. Readers are people who are interested in hearing stories that are real and  life changing. Johnston Library is pleased to host James Hmohmo and Manar Yaseen.

James grew up in a large Burmese family and now lives in the United States. He is starting his own family as a newly married man. He is a leader in the Mara community of Burmese refugees, publishes articles in his own language, and is employed as a case worker for the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Des Moines.

Manar Yaseen is a passionate individual who proudly expresses her Islamic faith and Palestinian culture. She earned a BA in Biochemistry, Cell, & Molecular Biology at Drake University. Outside of academics, Manar is an accomplished martial artist. In her free time, Manar’s creativity flourishes through storytelling, writing novels, short-stories, and poetry. Her passion for storytelling extends beyond the written word. She finds joy in exploring various forms of media, such as watching anime, playing video games, and engaging in the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons.

The Open Book story sharing format sets aside debates and agendas. It turns “sound bites” and rhetoric into something more tangible. Through the experience, both Books and Readers discover they have much in common despite their differences. And the experience triggers new, positive connections. So get curious and get ready to learn. Registration is required for this free event.