Special Event on Feb. 5th: The True History of the Game That Spread Communism: Link to Register
By Victoria Thiessen
Jan. 14, 2025: The Friends of the Bronxville Public Library are pleased to sponsor a special evening with local author Steve Landsberg, co-author of PING, a gripping and revelatory story that uncovers the shocking true influence of ping pong on global politics.
The author talk will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Yeager Room of the Bronxville Public Library. Landsberg will be interviewed by Bronxville resident Brian Fetherstonhaugh, CEO of the Longview Talent Group.
To register for this author talk, please click here.
Blending meticulously researched history with compelling family drama, PING reveals how a seemingly simple game became a powerful tool of propaganda and diplomacy. The historical fiction novel moves between 1950s Communist Europe, the historic 1971 U.S.–China thaw known as “ping pong diplomacy,” and the present day, exploring themes of truth, legacy, and the quiet forces that shape world events.
“Our goal was to educate and entertain,” said Landsberg. “We wanted to tell a story where the simple game of ping pong revealed something much bigger and surprising.”
In the early Cold War years, ping pong was far more than a pastime—it was a subtle weapon in the global struggle for influence, power, and ideology. The novel “ping-pongs” between the real-life political maneuvering of the 1971 diplomatic breakthrough and the fictional story of Jenny, a teenage ping pong prodigy grappling with the weight of her family’s past.
As Jenny confronts the towering legacy of her grandmother Miriam, whose life is rooted in Cold War tensions and the unexpected intersection of ping pong, antisemitism, and global diplomacy, she uncovers long-buried secrets that force her to confront her own identity and future. The result is a powerful exploration of how history echoes across generations.
PING is a Barnes & Noble Top eBook & NOOK Indie Favorite and is co-authored with Lisa Lucas, whose writing career spans magazines, newspapers, literacy, and public health. Her work has been recognized by The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews (starred), Publishers Weekly, and Indigo, and translated across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
Steve Landsberg is an award-winning advertising executive, writer, and entrepreneur. He is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Human Intelligence (H.I.), a New York–based marketing and branding firm, and previously Co-Founder of Grok, an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company. His creative work has been honored by Cannes Lions, The One Show, Clio, and Communication Arts.
PING is his first published book. The timely themes of PING resonate with renewed cultural interest, coinciding with the Dec. 25 movie release of Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow, which also explores the surprising cultural impact of ping pong.
This special author event offers audiences a fascinating look at how an unlikely game helped change the world—and how its legacy still reverberates today.
To register for this author talk, please click here.
Adult Education Directory
About the Bronxville Adult School & Contacts
The Bronxville Adult School is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1957 and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. The School "offers all adults of Bronxville and surrounding communities the opportunity for personal growth through life enhancing skills and provides cultural, intellectual and recreational stimulation at a nominal cost."
The Bronxville Adult School
(914) 793-4435
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bronxvilleadultschool.org
Bronxville Public Library
The Bronxville Public Library traces its origins back to 1875, when it was a small lending library housed in a room attached to the “Bronxville Model School.” The Library was officially chartered in 1906 and moved into the Village Hall Building. The needs of the library grew with the town and, in 1942, a new standalone building was erected, which is where the Library is today. Over the years, the Library was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the community.
The Library has wonderful resources for adults and children and offers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The Library also houses a fine art collection, consisting principally of Bronxville painters and sculptors.
The Library offers special events, art exhibitions, and programs for adults, young adults and children. All events are open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.
The Bronxville Public Library
914-337-7680
201 Pondfield Road (Midland Avenue & Pondfield Road)
http://bronxvillelibrary.org/
Iona University
At Iona, you’ll find bright, curious students eager to achieve for themselves, and for others. We foster both innovative, independent thinking and a deep commitment to community.
Iona’s unique locations offer the best of both worlds. Our New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses provide comfortable, intimate learning environments. At Iona, everyone knows everyone and faculty members and students work closely together.
With New York City less than half an hour away, students have unlimited options for career development and internship opportunities. Not to mention, access to some of the best cultural attractions in the world!
No two Iona journeys are alike. But they all have a few things in common. High-quality academics, outside-the-box thinking and dedication to helping others underscore every Iona experience.
Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence is a prestigious, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Founded in 1926 and consistently ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country,
Sarah Lawrence is known for its pioneering approach to education, rich history of impassioned intellectual and civic engagement, and vibrant, successful alumni. In close proximity to the unparalleled offerings of New York City, our historic campus is home to an inclusive, intellectually curious, and diverse community.
914-337-0700
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708
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