The Literary Value Nearly Approaches the Moral Value

From Maud, we learn that the New York chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is sponsoring a benefit reading tonight at Maharaja (230 E. 44th St). Authors scheduled to attend include Meena Alexander, Jessica Hagedorn, Meera Nair, Akhil Sharma, and Suketu Mehta, who has written eloquently about the tsunami's aftermath. Before the authors read, though, experts on the relief efforts--including United Nations Development Programme regional deputy director David Lockwood--will update attendees on what is being and remains to be done to help the survivors of this tragic event. Most of the $20 admission will go directly to relief efforts.