Homeless Bird

From: Vermont Public Radio
Series: Camel's Hump Radio
Length: 28:28

A young Indian woman tries to find her own life and fulfill her dreams, despite the traditions that keep her from them. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Homeless Bird
From: Vermont Public Radio

Camelshumplogo_small Bill Harley introduces an excerpt from HOMELESS BIRD by Gloria Whelan. Homeless Bird takes place in contemporary India, but it’s a world away from the one we know. Thirteen year old Koly does her duty and honors her family by going forward with an arranged marriage. But things don’t turn out the way they’re supposed to and Koly’s skill at embroidering and her personality lead her through some very tough times. She hopes to fulfill her dreams, despite the traditions that keep her from them. . Each episode of Camel's Hump Radio features a compelling excerpt from a book, read by a professional actor and accented with original music. Our goal is to air an excerpt that hooks the listener into the story and ends with a finish that leaves them wanting to read the rest of the book. A companion website allows listeners to learn more about the featured books, authors and provides additional related material.

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Piece Description

Bill Harley introduces an excerpt from HOMELESS BIRD by Gloria Whelan. Homeless Bird takes place in contemporary India, but it’s a world away from the one we know. Thirteen year old Koly does her duty and honors her family by going forward with an arranged marriage. But things don’t turn out the way they’re supposed to and Koly’s skill at embroidering and her personality lead her through some very tough times. She hopes to fulfill her dreams, despite the traditions that keep her from them. . Each episode of Camel's Hump Radio features a compelling excerpt from a book, read by a professional actor and accented with original music. Our goal is to air an excerpt that hooks the listener into the story and ends with a finish that leaves them wanting to read the rest of the book. A companion website allows listeners to learn more about the featured books, authors and provides additional related material.

Broadcast History

One of fifteen episodes featured in Season 6 of Camel's Hump Radio, produced by Vermont Public Radio.

Bill Harley hosts Camel's Hump Radio, a half-hour weekly stand-alone program. Each episode features a compelling excerpt from a book, read by a professional actor and accented with original music. Our goal is to air an excerpt that hooks the listener into the story and ends with a finish that leaves them wanting to read the rest of the book.

The series is produced by Vermont Public Radio (VPR). Host Bill Harley is a singer, storyteller, author and playwright who performs for family audiences nation-wide and is known to millions through his commentaries on National Public Radio (NPR). He has twice received Grammy nominations for his spoken-word recordings.

Harley introduces each book and offers background information about the story for listeners. A companion web site (www.camelshumpradio.net) allows listeners to learn more about the featured books and authors and provides additional related material. Posters and bookmarks can be downloaded from the site. In Vermont, school and public librarians promote the broadcast to their students via the posters and bookmarks.

Series airs Sundays at 7pm on Vermont Public Radio. KTNA/Alaska airs the series bi-weekly Thursdays at 6:30pm.