Ah, to be a young writer on the road, gathering experiences and seeing the world. This week, two young emerging German writers—Louise Kenn and Mücahit Türk—will offer an English language reading of their works on Saturday, March 7, at SLO’s History Center (3 p.m.; all ages; free).
The two writers are here “as part of a literary exchange called On the Road,” organizers explained, and they’ll “share their insights on writing, culture, and the art of storytelling. The reading will be followed by a reception and continued discussion celebrating the continuous student exchange since 1948 between San Luis Obispo High School and Eberhard-Ludwigs-Gymnasium in Stuttgart, Germany.”
On the Road is run by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the German Literature Institute Leipzig and under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ulrike Draesner. Part of the initiative Among Friends, a nationwide campaign to celebrate and strengthen transatlantic friendship, the program intends to expand horizons.
“What makes this tour stop on their month-long journey across America so meaningful is that dialogue isn’t staying in the big cities—it’s coming to our rural county where the conversation can be personal,” co-organizer Amy Kardel noted.
Kenn and Türk both study in Leipzig. Kenn works as a freelance author, writes essays, prose, and poetry. Türk writes prose, poetry, and plays. ∆
This article appears in March 5-12, 2026.