So remember way back when I shared my summer reading list? Well, I’ll be far far away from my computer for the next few days trying to finally get a start on it. It’s a good thing too since summer seems to be hellbent on coming to an end sooner rather than later.
See you in August!
July 27, 2009
Washington, DC
Here’s more in our continuing series of responses to the prompt: “Marching into battle—literally or metaphorically—what things might you carry? It’s your choice to tell or not to tell why you select what you do.”
Today we’ll hear from staff in the NEA’s Office of Communications.
From Pepper Smith:
I would bring assorted prayers from 1927 Book of Common Prayer, the Bible, AA Big Book, plus three pages of quotations on how to cope with fear.
Photos of my wife inside the Dalvey Pocket Compass she gave me.
The best toothbrush I can find.
Patagonia lightweight hiking socks.
Tiny Olympus Digital Voice Recorder
Encouraging letters from friends.
SAS Survival Guide
Hunting knife
Claritin
From Victoria Hutter
My stash of special cards and letters especially the one my dad wrote to me when he couldn’t travel to my college graduation. The voice mail messages left by my niece and nephew that I keep resaving. A pair of special order pointe shoes circa 1983. Copy of Upright Hilda and the manuscript for Dexter the Dragon both by Donald Hutter. The beanbag frog that used to sit on the back of my grandmother’s reading chair. The stenciled Sucrets box she painted for me that used to hold my hair pins, barrettes, and rubberbands. And lots and lots of photos.
From Adam Kampe
Swedish fish. As many packs of mint Stride as my pack could handle. A copy of Actual Air by David Berman to slow my mind down, a nano pod filled to the brim with podcasts to tune out the chaos, a copy of Chris Rock’s Rock This to keep me laughing all the way to the bank, a picture of the lake I practically grew up on, a picture of my family and best friends.
July 24, 2009
Washington, DC
Here’s more in our continuing series of responses to the prompt: “Marching into battle—literally or metaphorically—what things might you carry? It’s your choice to tell or not to tell why you select what you do.”
Today we’ll hear from Liz Mehaffey, Sarah Cook, and Laska Hurley of the NEA and Angharad Guy and Susan Chandler from Arts Midwest.
From Liz Mehaffey:
I would carry pens, journal, a safety kit, ipod that doesn’t need charging, and philosophy books so I can ponder what marching into battle really means.
Oh, and maybe my blackberry so I can tweet about the experience every few minutes.
From Sarah Cook:
The first thing that comes to mind is my grandpa’s “memoir.” We recently worked together to document his life stories. He was raised in Ohio on a farm, served in the military, and then continued the family farm his whole life. His words inspire and remind me of the values and work ethic of my family.
From Laska Hurley:
Here is a list of my going into battle kit:
1. Family photos
2. A map
3. Water tablets – don’t ever underestimate the state of good healthy drinking water
4. Gerber knife survival tool set
5. Two diplomatic passports – US and Swiss (One might work better than the other depending on which countries are in the battle.)
6. Computerized multi-language pocket dictionary
7. A giant empty duffle bag to carry all the cool crap, collected on the way
8. An ice cream machine with all the fixings – You can stop a war dead in its tracks by serving ice cream. (I’ll ask Amy to carry it. She’s bringing a load of stuff anyway.)
9. A Do-Over Button
10. Sure as hell won’t need my imagination…Between Amy’s imaginary friend and battle fatigue, I’ll be pretty exhausted to think much.
11. A shovel to dig trenches. I guess we’ll be supplied with thos. Also guns, tanks and stuf. I might want a horse and a cool outfit, something with a feathered hat. Maybe some of them cool boots and spurs.
I would carry a notebook and pencil, some stamped addressed envelopes, a photo of my beau, a necklace that my parents gave me for my 18th birthday and a copy of my favorite book.
From Susan Chandler:
I’d carry a photo of my daughter, husband, and me; and a small stone from Smooth Stone Beach on Lake Michigan, both of which would remind me of what’s good in the world.
July 23, 2009
Washington, DC
The title of Tim O’Brien’s novel The Things They Carried comes from the book’s opening section in which we are introduced to First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Dave Jensen, Ted Lavender, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Rat Kiley, Kiowa, and the narrator Tim. “The things they carried” is a refrain throughout the section, so we feel the literal and, ultimately, symbolic weight of what each man carries—or humps—as he makes his way through the Vietnam jungle. As O’Brien writes, “They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.”
I recently posed the same question to some of my colleagues: “Marching into battle—literally or metaphorically—what things might you carry? It’s your choice to tell or not to tell why you select what you do.” I’ll share their answers over a few posts starting with these from two of our lit staffers –Dan Brady and Amy Stolls (who by the way wrote The Big Read Reader’s Guide for O’Brien’s novel).
From Dan Brady:
I’m trying to think of something my wife gave me, some memento of home that might make me feel safe, but what actually comes to mind is an action figure of the Macho Man Randy Savage. For whatever reason, I’ve held onto this thing since I was a kid. It currently is tucked away somewhere in the back of my nightstand along with some failed poems and old notebooks. I don’t know if I could call it a talisman, but it’s something I can’t get rid of and maybe there’s a reason for that. If I wanted to invest it with some power, I could say it’s kept me safe this long, but ultimately I think it’s just nostalgia. Then again, nostalgia might be just what I need when soaked to the bone, pinned down in a Vietnamese jungle with the world setting itself on fire all around me. PS – Attached is a picture I took of [the action figure] last night after I saw your email.
From Amy Stolls:
I’d carry a copy of the reader’s guide for everyone in my platoon, because it’s the best piece of writing currently in existence.
I’d carry tweezers and a tiny mirror that says “you’re pretty.” I have a fear of being out in a jungle and not being able to pluck my eyebrows.
My lap top, new Iphone, and probably a Kindle. (In fact, I’m pretty sure the Kindle was developed for just this purpose. It fits nicely slipped in behind a round of ammo.)
Literally (the obvious) — a journal and pens, a few paperbacks, photos of loved ones, an audio of my seven-month-old giggling, an Ipod (with songs ranging from The Decemberists to Arvo Part to my dad’s banjo arrangements).
Literally (the not-so-obvious) — a plastic coin showing Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet holding hands, which I’ve had since I was 3 or 4 years old and have kept ever since as my own personal good luck charm. I sent it to my mom the day she was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. She’s currently in remission and thriving.
Metaphorically (the obvious) — my imagination and memory of every book, film, play, poem, painting, song, mountain, forest, café, meal, conversation, and personal encounter I’ve had that has made me feel human and lucky to be alive.
Metaphorically (the not-so-obvious) – my invisible friend. She’s been hibernating for about 40 years, but I bet I could convince her to go away with me.
This all, of course, on Day One. What heavy burdens I’d end up carrying all the days after I can only imagine (in part thanks to O’Brien)
July 22, 2009
Washington, DC
Marilynne Robinson was the guest of honor at Marshall Public Library's Big Read of Housekeeping, her first published novel.
Today I’m diving into The Big Read audio archive (again) to bring you author Bret Lott on Marilynne Robinson. (Lott, whose novel Jewel was an Oprah Book Club pick, currently serves on the NEA’s National Council on the Arts.)
“I’ve probably read [Housekeeping] seven or eight times. I use it for my classes. All my undergrads will read it [and] my graduate students will read it because it does precisely what I think a great book should do and that is to combine language and story. Too often, language can eclipse story and story can eclipse language but this one has both in equal measure.
When I wrote my first novel, there were many things in Housekeeping that informed it. My first novel takes place in western Massachusetts and there’s a lake that plays prominently in it. . . . [I]t’s one of these old 1930s-era reservoirs that were built by flooding towns in the floors of the valleys. There’s this real haunting sense, not even a sense, it’s just pervasive everywhere, the haunting. In fact, the lake is a character in the book, [representing] what’s beneath the surface. When I finally got to this part of the novel, I realized that . . . Housekeeping was why I was so enchanted with this idea of these villages at the bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir in western Massachusetts.“
Check out The Big Read Reader’s Guide to learn more about Marilynne Robinson and Housekeeping.
July 21, 2009
Washington, DC
Founded in 1683, Orange County, New York, is home to The Orange County Library Association, which hosted a community dance, presented a concert of music by Woody Guthrie, staged a reading of the novel, and convinced local antique auto aficionados to show off their period vehicles all to celebrate John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. In total, the library and its partners hosted more than 50 events for more than 1,500 Empire Staters.
Big Read Chairperson Madelyn Folino had this to say about their experience with The Big Read:
The choice of The Grapes of Wrath attracted readers who felt they had missed out by not reading this classic in their youth. The scope and variety of programs appealed to them and offered an easy entry into reading and talking about the book. It was also gratifying to discuss the novel with readers to whom it obviously meant so much. We were nervous about the reaction of potential readers to the heft and seriousness of the novel, but were congratulated repeatedly on choosing a book that is so relevant to current economic conditions and international concerns.
From top: A Grapes of Wrath display hosted by a local business in its downtown Warwick showroom; a staged reading of the novel was presented at three different Orange County locations; a marquee invite to The Big Read Woody Guthrie concert thanks to Middletown’s Paramount Theatre; Cornwall Public Library’s Tea & A Classic program featured period automobiles from the Model A Club of Newburgh. (All photos courtesy of the Orange County Library Association.)
July 20, 2009
Washington, DC
The three-peat Big Readers at the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute, Indiana, most recently hosted a celebration of Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. The library’s project comprised five libraries, including one in Illinois, and 21 schools ranging from elementary to college. Not only were 54 book discussions on the agenda, but the calendar of events also featured 31 public programs, including a Call of the Wild sinfonietta concert, an animal adoption event, and story times for young readers on everything from the Artic to wolves to the Iditarod.
From top: “John Thornton” and “Buck” were on hand to greet guests at The Big Party for The Big Read kickoff event (photo by Mark Cameron); the library’s The Call of The Wild table took second place in Arts Illiana’s annual TableScapes contest (photo by LeRaye Cameron); local artist Laura Mason sketched pets for guests at the kickoff event (photo by Mark Cameron).
July 15, 2009
Washington, DC
The University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) serves the state’s Rio Grande Valley, a largely Mexican-American region in south Texas. With a student body of approximately 18,000, many of whom are first-generation collegians, UTPA was one of the 208 organizations participating in The Big Read for the 2008-2009 grant cycle. The university’s Big Read of Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima comprised the four southernmost counties in Texas–Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy–home to 1.2 million potential Big Readers. By e-mail I spoke with Big Read organizer Dr. Steven Schneider, director of new programs and special projects for UTPA’s College of Arts and Humanities.
TBR: Why did UTPA choose to read Bless Me, Ultima?
Schneider: I selected Bless Me, Ultima for our 2008-2009 Big Read because it is a book that is “culturally relevant” for our community. Joan Parker Webster, in her book Teaching Through Culture, defines culturally relevant literature as literature in which “students can see themselves…represented accurately and respectfully.” With [the text in both] English and Spanish and its themes that focus around competing family values of the priesthood and the vaquero tradition, we thought this text would have great appeal to readers in the Rio Grande Valley. Our Big Read book selection had a tremendous response from our community and was widely read both in the public high schools and in community book discussion groups.
TBR: Why do you think Bless Me, Ultima is worth reading?
Schneider: Bless Me, Ultima is a “signal” text; it was written and published at the beginning of a new wave of Latino literature. It’s an important book for that reason and [because it] provides a window into Latino culture in the Southwest. It is also a universal story about a young boy, Antonio, who learns that the world is full of paradoxes and that he must take good from all his experiences.
TBR: What are some of the highlights from your Big Read of Bless Me, Ultima?
Schneider: There were several highlights, including teen discussion groups, mariachi performances, and a themed art exhibit based upon symbols and characters in the novel. The most impressive event though was our keynote panel at which three renowned scholars–Professors R.C. Davis, Mark Glazer, and Eliseo Torres–presented their critical perspectives on the novel. Professor Davis addressed the place of Bless Me, Ultima in American literature, Professor Glazer examined Mexican-American folklore references in the novel, and Professor Torres presented a rich discussion of the tradition of curanderas and the portrayal of Ultima in the novel.
TBR: Why did you choose Sun, Stone, and Shadows as the focus for your 2009-2010 Big Read grant?
Schneider: We selected Sun, Stone, and Shadows for several reasons. Because of our location on the Texas-Mexico border, there is great interest in Mexican cultural affairs. We wanted a book that would engage high school and college students, as well as families, lapsed readers and/or reluctant readers, and members of the Rio Grande Valley who may live in colonias or other underserved areas. We feel this collection of short stories will have great appeal to these groups and the availability of a Spanish-language translation is another important asset. We hope it will focus attention on U.S.-Mexico relations and serve as a unifying force.
TBR: Why should people in the U.S. be interested in a book of short stories by writers from Mexico?
Schneider: The year 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, which had a great impact in the Southwest and on the U.S. border with Mexico. We will be tying our Big Read programming to the annual UTPA celebration of books and arts called FESTIBA and to the commemoration of the Mexican Revolution. Several of the authors who composed the stories in Sun, Stone, and Shadows were impacted in one way or another by the Mexican Revolution. Readers on this side of the border will be interested in these stories because of the insights they share about our neighbors to the South.
TBR: What can we expect from your new Big Read?
Schneider: Our Big Read program begins in the fall with outreach to the public schools. Our kickoff will take place in late February with the greatest concentration of activities taking place in March 2010. We are planning our keynote panel and art exhibit for the last week of March to coincide with FESTIBA. We will be expanding our partnerships this time to include more museums and libraries. This year we will also be working with the Mexican Consulate to promote programs on both sides of the border.
NEA: What effect do you think The Big Read has had on your university?
Schneider: The Big Read has had a very positive impact on our university. The tie-in with FESTIBA has been phenomenal, and we have had strong support from our university administration. It has also created energy and enthusiasm in the English Department, where many faculty members adopted our book selection. The Big Read has also been an excellent vehicle for building bridges between the campus and the community as evidenced by our outreach and partnerships.
NEA: What was it like being at The Big Read orientation?
Schneider: The Orientation in Minneapolis was terrific! I was especially moved by the keynote speech given by Tim O’Brien and the newly released film of Rudolfo Anaya. I wish we had the video available last year. I especially enjoyed the session on community partnerships and culled some valuable lessons from the panel. Most importantly, I left inspired about the Big Read program and our continued participation in it.
NEA: What do you think is the importance of a program like The Big Read?
Schneider: The Big Read is a vital program, especially in a community like ours, where literacy rates are below the national average. It’s critical to find innovative ways to make reading exciting and important, and the Big Read accomplishes that!
(All photos by Tony Casas. From top: A Bless Me, Ultima display at the Edinburg, Texas-based Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, UTPA’s library partner for The Big Read; Dr. Steven Schneider at the spring kick-off event; Mariachi Juvenil performing at the Bless Me, Ultima kickoff.)
July 14, 2009
Washington, DC
William Michael Harnett, American, 1848-1892, "Mortality and Immortality" (1876). Oil on canvas. Roland P. Murdock Collection.
No man is an island, and neither is any Big Read. As any Big Reader will tell you, each project is all about partnership. Today I’m giving a shout-out to Wichita Public Library’s collaboration with the Wichita Art Museum, one of the many partners that is already working to make the city’s Big Read of Edgar Allan Poe a rousing success.
From July 19-November 15, the museum will feature an exhibition of “chilling works of art” from its collection of more than 7,000 objects. One of the included works is “Mortality and Immortality” by William Michael Harnett, an American (by way of Ireland) painter born just a year before Poe died, and best known for his trompe l’oeil still lifes.
Here’s a bit from museum spokesperson Crystal Walter: “One of our goals at the Wichita Art Museum is to broaden the horizons of the community. Both reading and art help expand the mind, so it was only natural that the museum would partner with The Big Read to help the people of Wichita expand their horizons and pick up a book. Mortality and Immortality, by William Michael Harnett, sets a chilling mood. Poe’s writings will surely give you a good evening of reading…. but probably not a good night of sleep.”
July 13, 2009
Washington, DC
One of the things about The Big Read that continually amazes me is the uniqueness of each and every project. There were 33 Big Reads on To Kill a Mockingbird in the last round, and not one project was the exact same as any other project. Sure they have things in common—not least of which is the novel—but each organization, and its many project partners, takes very seriously the expectation that its Big Read will celebrate the book but also, ultimately, celebrate the unique character of the community. Don’t believe me? Just click on one of the book titles to the right (under categories) to experience a little taste of the diversity of the projects we’ve been able to feature since we started this blog early last year.
To get back to Wilder, The Big Read program—and I think the one book-one community movement as a whole—is in many ways a “blank check” that each of The Big Read organizers and readers and event participants signs to make the project his or her own. Hmmm, come to think of it, that sounds an awful lot like the essential experience of reading a book.
(Since a picture’s worth a thousand words, this post features just a few of the many images from this year’s To Kill a Mockingbird Big Reads. From top: Ashley Horner’s entry for the altered books project hosted by Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association; a portrait by Barbara Parker of then-Senator Joe Biden with a copy of the novel for Piedmont Arts’ Big Read; and the rotunda of Kansas’s Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.)