‘Monkey King: Journey to the West’ to be featured Big Read book

Purdue University’s Department of English is partnering with public libraries and other organizations to bring Julia Lovell’s translation of the timeless classic “Journey to the West” to local readers.

Shape-shifter, mischief-maker and kung-fu master, the immortal Monkey King doles out punch lines and punches in equal measure. His life of simian shenanigans is interrupted, however, when the Buddha orders him to accompany the monk Tripitaka and a band of unlikely allies on a journey from China to India to find sacred sutras for the Tang dynasty. Together, their trials narrate allegories of personal growth, spiritual awakening and intercultural appreciation. In whirlwind fashion, Julia Lovell’s adaptation of Wu Cheng’en’s “Journey to the West” presents the classic Chinese epic as a fast-paced adventure, filled with humor and heart. It is sure to captivate readers of all ages. 

The program begins Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. in the West Lafayette Public Library with a talk and Q&A, “5 Things to Know About ‘Journey to the West,’” with Li Wei, School of Languages and Cultures. Copies of “Journey to the West” are available at local libraries and bookstores.

The English department’s Big Read, now in its seventh year, promotes reading and discussion of timely, relevant works of literature. Over the last seven years, the Big Read program has distributed 10,000 books throughout Greater Lafayette and hosted 70 public events. Free copies of the text are being provided to high schools, public and community college libraries, and lifelong learning organizations thanks to the Harriet M. Crews and Sandra K. Biggs Endowment for the Department of English in Support of the Big Read.