Learn at Lunch with Ernest Thompson

Washington College’s Academy of Lifelong Learning is excited to bring you a special Learn at Lunch on January 18, 2023. Our speaker will be the internationally acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, director, actor, and lyricist Ernest Thompson. Mr. Thompson’s most enduring work is the play On Golden Pond. Mr. Thompson also was the screenwriter for the movie adaptation of the play, for which he won an Academy Award. His credits also include a Writers Guild Award, a Broadway Drama Guild Award for best play, two Golden Globes, a Tony nomination, and a British Academy Award.

Mr. Thompson will be speaking about his recently released debut novel, The Book of Maps. The novel depicts an out-of-work filmmaker who, together with his ten-year-old son, embark on a cross-country trip. Set in 2002, the book relives a time that, even after 9/11, seems innocent now. While the book details their hair-raising adventures, the crux of the story is the strong father-son relationship. The book is described as “irresistibly moving, ridiculously funny, reflective and inspiring.” We are excited to hear more from the writer himself, who will also be available for our questions.