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Autism Memoir Author Marian Schembari to Visit Owens Community College April 21-22

Marian Schembari, author of “A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole,” will visit Owens Community College on April 21-22 as the featured author for The BIG Read, the college’s annual campus read event now in its sixth year.

Schembari’s book recounts her journey through a lifetime of social isolation, sensory overload and masking her autism before receiving a diagnosis at age 34. The BIG Read, which centers each year on a unifying theme, has spent the 2025-26 academic year exploring the themes of neurodivergence, identity and belonging through Schembari’s work.

“I’m beyond excited to come to Owens. They’ve done such an incredible job not only advocating this book, but their neurodivergent students and programming as a whole. I’m such a fan of everything they’re doing and it’s an honor to be included in all the important conversations happening at Owens this year,” Schembari said.

Schembari will appear Tuesday, April 21 at two locations: the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus at 10 a.m. and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library at 6 p.m. Both events will include a book discussion and signing. The Toledo-area Campus presentation will also be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person at this link.

Special commemorative bookmarks will be available at both events, with each purchase including a copy of “A Little Less Broken.”

On Wednesday, April 22, Schembari will lead a hands-on writing workshop in the CFPA, guiding participants through exercises in personal narrative, reflection and finding their authentic voice on the page.

“The BIG Read moves our campus and community to a collective experience centered around a unifying theme that challenges us to think beyond our own perspective and see the rich diversity of the world,” said Jen Hazel, event organizer and professor of English. “Reflection, connection and a deeper understanding occurs in the classroom, events and community engagement each academic year.

“This vision is brought to life through Marian’s book, where she candidly explores neurodivergence, identity and belonging, thus inviting her readers to do so with her.”

Schembari’s visit closes out a full year of programming tied to her book’s themes. Earlier in April, Owens hosted its fifth annual Autism Awareness Week, and the student art exhibit “The Faces Of” continues through the end of the month in Heritage Hall. Monthly book club discussions have taken place at offices and locations across the college throughout the year.

Hazel and fellow event organizer Jane Berger, Owens director of Library Services, also host a weekly show on Owens Community College Radio called “Let’s Talk BIG with Jane and Jen.”

For more information on The BIG Read, please visit owens.edu/humanities.