The Reading Public Library will present a program featuring best-selling author Dion Leonard sharing the tale of “Finding Gobi, the True Story of One Little Dog’s Big Journey.” The story sharing and book signing will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 12 pm in the Children’s area of Main Library, 100 S. Fifth St., Reading.
In 2017 their story became a New York Times and Sunday Times Bestseller and has now been published in 23 languages worldwide and counting. Dion and Gobi’s heart-warming and inspiring true story has appeared on television around the world. Now they are making special appearance for Reading Public Library in November.
Finding Gobi is a memoir based on an international news story, centered around Dion Leonard, an ultramarathoner who befriends a stray dog in China’s harsh Gobi Desert. The young dog, who later earned the name “Gobi,” proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages, and past the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles of the 155-mile race.
Before Dion could take her home, Gobi went missing in the sprawling Chinese city where she was being kept. With the help of strangers and a viral, global outpouring of assistance on the internet, he tracked her down, reuniting forever with the amazing animal that changed his life and has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The impact and inspiration from this story has led to the development of a movie in production with Hollywood for a 2023/24 release.
Jennifer Bressler, Assistant Director for Public Service, from Reading Public Library said “We are so excited to be hosting Gobi and her human Dion Leonard at the Reading Public Library! Thanks to the generosity of the United Way and their Early Literacy grant, we are able to share the truly inspiring story of this pup’s journey overcoming all odds to find her way home.”
This program will introduce the audience to Dion and Gobi in person. The event is free of charge and pre-registration is not required. Free parking is available behind the library on Wood Street. A book signing will also be available. For details on the event contact Reading Public Library on (610) 655 6350.