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BOOK READINGS AND EVENTS - 2006 |
- December 3, 2006 (Oak Park, IL): Friend of the author, Prof. Alexander Karanikas passed away (click here for complete news piece).
- November 5, 2006 (Houston, Texas): The author gave an invited presentation to the "Arcadians of Texas." He was given a memorable reception.
 Hon. Stelios Gavriil, Consul General, honored author Nikos Kokonis with his presence at the Houston, TX presentation on Nov. 5, 2006.
 Author with organizer of the Houston, Tx event, Mrs. Vasso Jacomides and her husband Mr. Nikos --and other dedicated local Arcadians.
 Author Nikos Kokonis savoring one of the greatest surprises of his life--running into Mr. James (Jimmy) Petheriotes, uncle of film producer John P. Kousakis and a true philanthropist.
 Author reviews notes while waiting for his flight at O'Hare Airport.
- October 22, 2006 (London, Ontario, the "Forest City"): Before an attentive audience of 375 Canadian-Arcadians, including a large delegation from Toronto, Dr. Nicholas D. Kokonis gave an inspiring lecture on "Arcadian Ideal vs. Immigration Marvel" and presented his novel ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA. He was an invited guest of the Arcadian Society of London, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary since its founding.
Suggesting that we pay less attention to myths and legends, which do not always tell the whole truth, Kokonis attempted to undo the "Arcadian myth," according to which Arcadia was a sylvan paradise. "Arcadia was never an earthly paradise," he said. "If it was, were we all immigrants like a fool Adam to leave it behind? Even in ancient times, Arcadia was a poor country and its people, in their search for a better life, sailed to distant lands, including Sicily, Byzantium, Crete, Cyprus and Egypt. They succeeded because they exhibited remarkable traits: Love for work, entrepreneurial spirit, industriousness and courage."
"This tradition continues to our day," Kokonis said, "with contemporary Arcadians distinguishing themselves as exemplars of the Immigration Marvel."
The event, under the able leadership of Helen Verveniotis, President of the Arcadian Society of London, and her dedicated team, including Mary Singeris and John Liabotis, took place in the spacious Cultural Centre of the magnificent, newly erected Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The Hellenic Folklore Ensemble of London performed dances from the Arcadian region of Greece.
 Author Nicholas D. Kokonis addressing an enthusiastic audience.
 The Hellenic Folkloric Ensemble surrounded by Fr. Elias Drossos, Mr. John Liabotis, former president of the Society and author Nicholas D. Kokonis.
"Dear Niko,
Your presenation was most enjoyable. Your presence, however, was even more enjoyable. May God bless you and your family with health, happiness and prosperity always. Take care and God Bless!!
Yours in the service of our Lord,
+Fr. Elias Drossos, Parish Priest
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community
of London & Vicinity"
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- July 5, 2006 (Tripolis, Greece): The author has been invited to present to the Arcadian Society.In addition to presenting his authentic novel, Dr. Kokonis will give a brief bilingual lecture on "ARCADIAN IDEAL OR IMMIGRANT MARVEL?" and reflect on personal and family values, which constitute the cornerstone of his much-praised novel.
 President of the Arcadian Society of London (Ontario), Mrs. Helen Verveniotis (with her husband Peter) and former president, Mr. John Labiotis, visited with author Nicholas D. Kokonis in Tripolis this past summer to discuss program details.
- September 8, 2006 (Tripolis, Greece): The author was interviewed by Mr. Antonios Gargasoulas, publisher of ARKAS newspaper, for upcoming feature article.
 Author Nicholas D. Kokonis with Mr. Antonios Gargasoulas, publisher of ARKAS newspaper.
- June 27, 2006 (Burbank, CA): Producer John P. Kousakis, with roots in Arcadia, informed the author of his strong interest in taking the story of ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA to the big screen. "I would very much like ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA to be one of my stable productions," he wrote to the author. "The most important reason is my quest to tell a story about my proud heritage. Your story, most certainly, has struck a deep vein in my heart."
- June 7, 2006: (Athens, Greece): The author visited with Angelos Sorogas at the GREEK-AMERICAN UNION in Athens, Greece, to discuss matters of publicity regarding the upcoming Greek edition of ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA.
- May 19, 2006 (Wilmette, IL): Prof. Alexander Karanikas (right) and author Nicholas D. Kokonis visited with Christopher (Xenopoulos) Janus (whose novel "Miss 4th of July, Goodbye" was made into a movie) to discuss movie rights and scenario possibilities regarding ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA.
- May 18, 2006 (Oak Park/Bannockburn, IL): English professor and poet Alexander Karanikas and author Nicholas D. Kokonis team up to write script based on ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA for potential film. "I identified very strongly with Angelos," Karanikas said, "for I survived similar problems growing up poor in a Yankee town. For one as Americanized as myself, the work by Kokonis revived and reaffirmed for me the delightful ethnic details of what it means to be Greek. It's been a great privilege for me to adapt for the screen such a vibrantly beautiful book as ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA."
 A stroll in Bannockburn
 Professor Karanikas' typewriter Pecking away at his computer
- May 16, 2006 (Chicago, IL): The author had a luncheon meeting with lawyer Konstantinos (Dino) Armiros (left) and Alexander Karanikas to discuss preliminary casting matters at the GREEK ISLANDS restaurant in Chicago.
- May 15, 2006 (WINNETKA, IL): Christina Sofiakis, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Mia magazine (www.miawoman.com), interviewed author Nicholas D. Kokonis for an upcoming piece regarding the values in Arcadia, My Arcadia.
- May 16, 2006 (Chicago, IL): One of life's most touching moments for a writer must be when a reader expresses his appreciation for what he thought was a good read. One of these moments for author Nikos Kokonis came when a respectable gentleman introduced himself with utmost grace and said: "Every time I read Arcadia, My Arcadia I weep. It touches me deeply. We all are like Angelos Vlahos. Thanks for telling his story. This is the legend of millions and millions of immigrants!"
 Author with book fan Mr. G. Konstantopoulos
- April 14, 2006 (Chicago, IL): Nicholas D. Kokonis' novel ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA was showcased at a recent Alumni-Faculty Authors Forum sponsored by Roosevelt University's Alumni Weekend 2006. Members of the university's faculty and administration offered their congratulations and best wishes to the author. "I am immensely impressed with ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA," Dr. Charles R. Middleton, president of the university, said. "It touched me specially with its rare authenticity and elegance of style. Besides, it is truly inspirational!"
 Roosevelt University president, Dr. Charles R. Middleton, with author Dr. Nicholas D. Kokonis.
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"I've never
read a book like Arcadia, My Arcadia."
Alex
Rigopoulos,
Supreme President,
Pan-Arcadian Federation |
"Atlas
carried the world. Angelos Vlahos must carry his family on his back."
Author |
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