On Friday, March 16, some of Ms. Fiedler’s senior English students went to an author talk in Half Moon Bay. The students along with Ms. Fiedler and other community members listened to An Na read an excerpt from her book A Step From Heaven, and participated in a question and answer session.

In her book, An Na talks about her life, but with fabricated stores of a depressed father and a very low-income family, so that her story would not be an autobiography. She wanted to create a story that people from different cultures can relate to and think, “me too.” That is one of the most important elements she took into consideration while writing A Step From Heaven. “A story is not complete, I feel, until the reader can connect” she says. Na also read a small excerpt from Wait For Me, her first book, which focused on the relationship between two sisters who are both broken in their own ways. Along with reading parts of her book, she told her story of growing up in San Diego and her desire to be free from her strict parents –the main motive to move away and rebel against her parents’ desires of her being a doctor– to become an author.

This experience was not only enjoyable for the students that participated, but it also opened up a door to experiencing and learning new things. It’s an amazing experience to be able to come face to face with an author. A Step From Heaven was one of my favorite books, and I’m happy she answered the questions I was wondering about. I’d definitely go to another author talk” senior Samantha Wong said. Ms. Fiedler is proud of her participating students and is overjoyed that they took the time to connect with such an amazing author.

An Na is currently working on her third book titled The Fold which will be available next year. “Reading is breathing. My 6th sense. Every day I read to explore, learn, grow, understand, and connect to others and the worlds beyond.” An Na said.