Waterbury, Conn. – Naugatuck Valley Community College’s Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, Oonya Kempadoo has won the honor of her new book, “All Decent Animals,” being listed as number six on Oprah Winfrey’s 2013 summer reading list.

Kempadoo’s novel examines personal aesthetic choices and the island of Trinidad, touching upon conflicting cultures and creativity as Trinidad aims at ‘world class’ status amidst its poorer island cousins.

“All Decent Animals” and her other books, “Buxton Spice,” and “Tide Running” are used in several universities in the US, UK, Canada and the Caribbean. 

 Kempadoo said being recognized as one of Winfrey’s top authors is a great achievement, creating a welcomed bridge between her life in Grenada, and her readers in the United States.

“It is an honor to be listed in Oprah’s summer reading list considering how many great books are published each year,” Kempadoo said.  “I have felt isolated living in the Caribbean while being published in the US and UK but now look forward to being able to participate in literary discussions myself.”

 Kempadoo will arrive at NVCC to teach Caribbean Literature this fall, as the College’s new Fulbright Scholar. Her teachings will continue to internationalize NVCC by connecting academic, cultural, environmental and sociological studies with students by working on a writing project using commercial entertainment products.

Last year, NVCC’s first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Pascal Meccariello, of the Dominican Republic, enriched the College by teaching Ceramics and Caribbean Art and Culture. Kempadoo is one of approximately 800 outstanding foreign faculty and professionals who will teach and/or research in the United States through the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program in 2013-2014. The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings scholars and professionals from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities to significantly internationalize campuses and curricula. 

Those looking to enroll in Kempadoo’s class and other courses should visit: http://www.nv.edu/Academics/Records-Registration/itemId/2216/Fall-2013 or call (203) 596-2177.