The Big Read: New Orleans
By Kristen on Aug 18, 2009 in Life - a little bit better, Literary News
I so excited that the city of New Orleans has chosen Their Eyes Were Watching God, one of my favorite novels (to teach as well as read), for their next Big Read pick! I recently received an e-letter describing this new endeavor:
The project, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Musuem and Library Services, and Arts Midwest, is designed to encourage reading of classic novels. The Southern Food and Beverage Museum and the New Orleans Public Library have joined together to create a series of unique programming around the novel. This Week with Zora is the vehicle that will bring this news to you.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts. It is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.
The Big Read provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a book within their communities. The initiative includes innovative reading programs in selected cities and towns, comprehensive resources for discussing classic literature, an ambitious national publicity campaign, and an extensive website providing comprehensive information on authors and their works.
I just loved introducing students to Hurston’s unique blend of poetry and prose, Janie’s indomitable spirit, and a place (Florida) that will stay with you forever. The hurricane scene is so powerful and frightening, too. For more on why I love this novel, check out my review…
Welcome back!
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