Santa Monica Citywide Reads

Citywide Reads Nook Drawing

2011-03-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last week the Santa Monica Citywide Reads nook drawing winner was selected. Those who attended a discussion of Wench were eligible to win.

And the winner is... Robbie Jones of Santa Monica. Congratulations Robbie! And a big thanks to all those who took park in Citywide Reads 2011.

Final Week of Citywide Reads!

2011-03-10T11:46:00.001-08:00

Citywide Reads wraps up this Saturday, March 12, but not to worry -- there are still a couple of events remaining.

This year's Citywide Reads pick, Wench, a tale of four slave mistresses taken by their masters to a resort in free territory in pre-Civil War America, has inspired strong feelings in our readers, who have attended Citywide Reads book discussions this year in higher numbers than ever. There is still one more Wench discussion planned, for Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. in the Main Library's Multipurpose Room. Please join us!

Those interested in African American history won't want to miss "The Clayton Collections Alive," also happening on Saturday, March 12, at 3 p.m. in the Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium. Join Larry Earl, Jr. from the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum in Culver City as he takes us back in time to meet African American poet Phillis Wheatley, and to learn about the struggle for civil rights from the collections housed within this amazing local resource.

About the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum: In the early 1960s, Librarian Mayme A. Clayton, Ph.D., began collecting documents, books, photographs, films and memorabilia chronicling the experience of Americans of African descent. Dr. Clayton collected everything from rare books, to movies, to handwritten slave records. In 2006, the MCLM found a permanent home in Culver City, where researchers may accessand study its rich resources. http://www.claytonmuseum.org/

Join us for these events on Saturday, and thank you for helping to make Citywide Reads a success!

Heidi Durrow's The Girl Who Fell from the Sky: Book Discussion and Author Event

2011-03-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

A Citywide Reads volunteer wrote the following summary of her experience at the special discussion of Heidi Durrow's The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, as well as the lecture by the author which followed the discussion:

On March 2, a group of adults and teens attended a special Citywide Reads discussion at the Main Library to talk about the novel, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow.

The thought provoking discussion filled more than an hour of exchanges and engaging commentary, with the discussion often centered on the teenage protagonist and her emerging identity. Questions flew back and forth about various characters and the unfolding mystery that wove through the story. Broader issues surfaced like how do we come to know ourselves and how long does the journey take - all of which brought us back to Ms. Durrow's novel and the burning question: when will Rachel know herself? For that question, we later asked the author if there is a sequel forthcoming; she replied that she is currently working on other projects. The group viewed clips from three films that explored themes of identity: Persepolis, The Secret Life of Bees, and The Namesake.

Later in the evening Ms. Durrow gave a reading from her book that moved the audience to another level of understanding identity, as her voice lifted the prose from the page and we wrapped our hearts around the words.

Several people spoke highly of the Citywide Reads program and how much they loved the variety of books chosen over the years. They enjoyed the books on so many levels - reading the novels, discussing the issues, and hearing the authors' perspectives. Check out the Santa Monica Citywide Reads events and discussions through March 12, and join other readers who are talking about issues that rise off the pages of novels and engage us in conversations with one another.

Reminder: Dolen Perkins-Valdez Event This Saturday!

2011-02-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

Join us this Saturday, February 26, for a special Citywide Reads author event. The program begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library's MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Writer Dolen Perkins-Valdez will present an engaging reading and discussion her novel Wench. Seating is on first arrival basis. Tickets are free and available at 1:00 p.m. the day of the event. One ticket per person, and you must be present to receive a ticket.

Highlights from our Roots panel

2011-02-23T15:16:00.001-08:00

As those of you who've been following us know, we followed up our special Citywide Reads screening series of Alex Haley's Roots with a cast panel discussion, featuring original cast members from that landmark miniseries. Cast members who joined us were (l to r) Beverly Todd (who played the adult Fanta), Lynne Moody (who played Irene), and surprise guest Georg Stanford Brown (who played Tom).

Entertainment journalist Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn did a fantastic job interviewing the panel and moderating audience questions. Cast members discussed their experience with Roots, how they came to the project and how it impacted their lives and careers both in the immediate timeframe at which it aired and from the longview over 30+ years later.

If you missed it, we're sorry you did, and we hope you'll remind yourself not to miss any of our future Santa Monica Citywide Reads special events. Coming up this Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., Wench author Dolen Perkins-Valdez will be joining us to share and discuss the book we're all reading together this year. It promises to be a fantastic event, and it's sure to be a full house. The program is free and tickets for auditorium seating will be released at 1:00 p.m. the day of the event. Seating is first come, first served. We hope to see you there.

Roots Panel Special Guests Announced

2011-02-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

Santa Monica Citywide Reads has now officially begun. It's day two of our four-week program, and 2011 is shaping up to be a banner year for Santa Monica's community reading program. In case you've not been paying attention, this year's featured book is the NAACP Image Award nominee, Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Wench is the story of four slave mistresses in the years prior to the Civil War. Piggybacking on the theme of slavery, we decided to look back at Alex Haley's landmark portrait of Americans of African descent, Roots. We started a six-day screening of the full miniseries yesterday, and that series continues through this Saturday afternoon. Following the final episode screening on Saturday, Feburary 19th, at 3:00 p.m., we're also hosting a very special discussion panel on Roots with original cast members from that landmark television event. The panel was originally planned to include LeVar Burton and Louis Gossett, Jr., but due to schedule changes that took them out of town on the date we had planned, both Mr. Burton and Mr. Gossett had to bow out. We'll miss them, for sure, but we've still got two cast members who will celebrate the legacy of Roots with us. And, appropriately enough, given that Wench is a story of four women, written by a female author, it turns out that our panel will be headlined by women.

The panel will be moderated by entertainment journalist Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn, and panelists will include actresses Lynne Moody and Beverly Todd. Other cast members may join us, but we won't know until the day of the program.

If you're interested in joining us for this panel, the program is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for the cast discussion and will be released at noon on Saturday, February 19th in the Main Library's north lobby. One ticket per guest, and guest must be present to receive a ticket. No prior reservations are available. The screening of episode 6 will begin at 1:00 p.m. in our Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium. Ticket holders may enjoy this episode's screening, or join us later for the panel. Following the conclusion of the episode 6 screening, at 3:00 p.m., the cast panel discussion will take place in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium as well. Remember: tickets are required for Auditorium seating for the cast panel, so be sure to stop by early and pick up a ticket before they're gone. Seating is first come, first served, until seating capacity has been reached.

The Main Santa Monica Public Library is at 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. If you need to reach us by phone, call (310) 458-8600, or you can find us on the web at http://www.smpl.org/.

Citywide Reads begins February 14th!

2011-02-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

We're right up to the start of Citywide Reads and looking forward to meeting all of you and discussing Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez in the coming weeks. Citywide Reads officially begins on Monday, February 14th, and our first discussion will be held Wednesday, February 16th, at 7:00 p.m. at our Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Avenue.

For those of you who are looking for a small taste of what you're in for, we hope you'll enjoy this brief excerpt from Wench.

Drayle did something that astounded his wife. Tired of sleeping on the storeroom floor with his new lover, he moved her into the guest bedroom across from his own. That was when Fran began to pinch Lizzie.

The pinches were hard enough to bruise. Fran did it secretly--in the kitchen, on the stairs, in the hallway, in the yard. She searched for new places, beginning with Lizzie's cheek. Then an arm. Thigh. Side. Shoulder. She seemed to relish discovering each new point of hurt. Sometimes Lizzie even caught the woman examining her body, as if searching for a new place. Lizzie tried to stay out of her way. Tried to bypass her in the familiar layout of rooms.
At night, Drayle came to her, but Lizzie didn't tell him about Fran's game. Instead, she made excuses for the bruises. She told him that colored people bruise easier than whites. This explanation seemed to satisfy him and he took care not to touch her in those places.
After two weeks, Fran grew tired of her pinches and left Lizzie alone. Lizzie was grateful and went out of her way to make Fran pleased. She cleaned the woman's room without being asked, ironed her clothes, and put extra sausage on the breakfast trays delivered to Fran in the morning.
The house slaves had accepted Lizzie as Drayle's woman, and they now looked to her to convince him of favors. If someone was sick down in the quarters, they asked Lizzie to whisper the news to him so the person would be granted a reprieve. Another time, Lizzie convinced Drayle to let the slaves have extra rations of meat. Each time Lizzie was able to redeem a request, the field slaves accepted her position a bit more.

Citywide Reads Special Event: Alex Haley's Roots

2011-02-09T11:20:00.001-08:00

Special events are an important component of our Santa Monica Citywide Reads program, and this year we're really excited about what we have in store for you. Our 2011 selection is Dolen Perkins-Valdez's Wench, the story of four enslaved mistresses in the decade prior to the Civil War. To coincide with the theme of slavery, we turned to what is surely one of the most well-known and high quality depictions of the topic in the past few decades: Alex Haley's Roots.

Beginning February 14, the Main Library will screen the entire miniseries of Roots in a six-day marathon of screenings. Episodes 1 through 5 will screen in our Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium at 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, February 14 through 18. The finale, Episode 6, will screen at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19. Following the final episode screening, at 3:00 p.m., we'll also present a very special discussion on the cultural impact of Roots, moderated by entertainment journalist Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn and original cast members from the miniseries. We're still putting the panel together, so we don't have guest names to announce just yet, but it's sure to be a truly special event, no matter what.

Note: tickets for the cast panel will be required, and are free to the public. Tickets will be released at noon, February 19th in the Main Library lobby. Only one ticket per guest, and guest must be present to receive a ticket. No reservations are available. Seating is first come, first served.

Win a Nook!

2011-02-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Join us at any of the Citywide Reads book discussions of Wench, February 16 through March 12, to enter your name in the drawing to win a Nook Color ebook reader.

Read the flier for official rules and restrictions.

The Library invites you to participate in the following facilitator-led public book discussions:
·Wed, Feb 16 at 7:00 p.m., Montana Branch, 1704 Montana Avenue
·Sat, Feb 19 at 12:30 p.m., First AME Church, 1823 Michigan Avenue
·Tues, Feb 22 at 7:00 p.m., Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
·Sat, Feb 26 at 11:00 a.m., Café Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Boulevard
·Mon, Feb 28 at 1:30 p.m., Senior Recreation Center, 1450 Ocean Avenue
·Sat, Mar 5 at 11:00 a.m., Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main Street
·Mon, Mar 7 at 2:00 p.m., Tudor House, 1403 Second Street
·Sat, Mar 12 at 1:00 p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard

Hot Off The Presses!

2011-02-03T21:53:00.000-08:00

Just a quick entry to congratulate Dolen Perkins-Valdez! We just got word that in the next issue of The New York Times, the trade paperback release of Wench will make its debut at #16 in their best seller list. We hope we had a little bit to do with that. We know lots of you are picking up copies at the library, at your local bookstore, and we're looking forward to reading and discussing it with all of you very soon.

Get Your Copy of Wench Today!

2011-01-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Santa Monica Citywide Reads is now in full swing.
Books are available at the Main and branch libraries, as well as bookstores everywhere. In case you've not been paying attention, this year's selection is Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

Wench is the story of four slave mistresses in the pre-Civil War era. The paperback edition of Wench was officially released this past Tuesday (January 25th) and we're hoping Dolen will get a strong response from readers.

In the build-up to the paperback release, The Washington Post just published a very interesting article on Dolen and her book. Those interested can read it here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/21/AR2011012102960.html

The beautiful photo posted above comes courtesy of the Washington Post's Mark Gail.

And, remember, you can always find out more about our Citywide Reads program at the Library's website: http://www.smpl.org/cwr

And the nominees are...

2011-01-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

Just as we're officially kicking off Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2011, we've gotten great news from the NAACP Image Awards. Our selection for 2011, Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, was just nominated for two awards in the NAACP's literature categories: Best Novel and Best First Novel. Needless to say, we're very proud of Dolen and rooting hard for her to take home an award or two.

And the news gets even better. Heidi Durrow's The Girl Who Fell from the Sky was also nominated for Best First Novel. Five months ago, when our selection committee met to make our 2011 selection, both Wench and The Girl Who Fell from the Sky were among our five finalists. Selection committee members were so impressed by both books, as well as a third nominee (Kathryn Stockett's The Help), that they asked us to spotlight those books in some way as well. In addition to reading Wench with all of you, we'll also be hosting two special bonus book discussions of The Help and The Girl Who Fell from the Sky during the latter half of Citywide Reads 2011. We weren't able to entice Kathryn Stockett to make a visit to Santa Monica for an author talk to coincide with our discussion of her book, but Heidi Durrow will definitely be visiting with us, immediately following our discussion of The Girl Who Fell from the Sky on Wednesday, March 2nd. And that's just two days before the NAACP Image Awards ceremony, so we'll get to cheer her on personally as well.

We're thrilled that both Wench and The Girl Who Fell from the Sky received nominations, and we hope you'll join us in reading and discussing both, and coming out to meet Dolen and Heidi. For a full listing of dates and times for our Citywide Reads discussions and special events, click through to our PDF resource guide: http://www.smpl.org/cwr/WENCH.pdf.

And be sure to check out the NAACP Image Awards website to see all of their nominees: http://www.naacpimageawards.net/42/nominees-and-honorees/

Check Out Our Resource Guide

2011-01-18T14:02:00.001-08:00

Check this out! Citywide Reads blog followers are among the first to see our gorgeous new resource guide for the Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2011 featured novel, Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. You can check out a PDF of the whole thing at www.smpl.org/cwr/WENCH.pdf. You'll get more info on the book, the author, a historical timeline of slavery, a few other reads we recommend, resources for more information, a few book discussion starter questions, and loads of info on our book discussions and special events. We'll talk more about those later, but be sure to check them out. Some of them are going to be really special.

We hope you'll join us. Books should start arriving at the Main Library and all branches during the week of January 24th. So be sure to stop by.

Chris Cleave passes the baton to Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2011-01-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

As we mentioned in our last post, Chris Cleave returned to the Los Angeles-area this past week, and just like the charmer he usually is, he took the time out to film a brief "passing of the baton" video to this year's Santa Monica Citywide Reads author and book, Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

Check it out here:

And be sure to start checking in with us next week as we start to roll out the schedule, details and more info on Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2011. We're officially less than a month away from the program's start and we're really excited. See you again soon!

Another chance to meet Chris Cleave, 2010 Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured author

2011-01-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

As we get ready to turn towards the 2011 Santa Monica Citywide Reads selection, we're taking one quick look back at our 2010 featured author, Chris Cleave. It's timely that we're doing so, as well, because Chris will be back in the Los Angeles area next week for two book tour appearances. We heard from many who missed their chance to see Chris when he visited with us at the Santa Monica Public Library in February 2010, so this might be a great chance to catch up with this absolutely delightful author.

On Wednesday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m., Chris will visit Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena to sign copies of his first novel, Incendiary. Details on his Vroman's appearance can be found here: http://www.vromansbookstore.com/chris-cleave

The following night, Thursday, January 13th at 7:00 p.m., Chris will visit our good friends Book Soup in West Hollywood, also to sign Incendiary. But we're sure he'll be happy to sign copies of Little Bee as well. More details on that signing can be found here: http://www.booksoup.com/Details.asp?ProductID=2119

If you have a chance to stop by and meet Chris at either of these events, tell him your friends at the Santa Monica Public Library sent you.

Win a Free Copy of Wench from the Author Herself!

2010-12-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Wench author Dolen Perkins-Valdez is offering a free autographed copy of the book and another prize to whomever is her 1,000th "Like" on Facebook!

Facebook members can "Like" her at this address:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolen-Perkins-Valdez/153145218813?ref=mf

NPR, Library Journal Choose Wench as a Best Book

2010-12-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

The secret is out! Wench is no longer a hidden gem. Library Journal, a respected trade publication, recently chose Wench as one of its top fiction books for 2010, calling it a "memorable and engaging debut [that] challenges readers to take a fresh look at the 'peculiar institution' of slavery." http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/newslettersnewsletterbucketbooksmack/887785-439/lj_best_books_2010_more.html.csp

National Public Radio also loves Wench, listing it on the NPR Web site as one of the best books of 2010 ("a fascinating and tragic story that is also a compulsive read") and recommending it as a Book Club Pick: http://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131734769/book-club-picks-give-em-something-to-talk-about

Looking for something good to read?

2010-12-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

There are still a couple of months before Citywide Reads 2011, but if you're looking for something good to read, check out Citywide Reads selections from past years.

Want more? A wealth of reading lists have been released in the past few weeks, including Amazon's Best Books of the Year, which includes Editors' Picks as well as Customer Favorites, Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2010, and the New York Times' 100 Notable Books of 2010.

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

In Good Company

2010-12-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

Way back in 1998, Seattle Public Library got the one city, one book concept rolling with their first Seattle Reads selection. Now we've found out that that estimable community reading program has tapped Chris Cleave's Little Bee for their 2011 selection, and we're thrilled that they've done so. Little Bee, as most of you know, was the Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2010 selection and it was a tremendous success for us, and Chris Cleave was a dream to work with. So, to Seattle, we say: Good selection!

And to Chris Cleave we send our heartiest congratulations.

For more on Seattle's program, visit: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_current_seattlereads

And for Santa Monica Citywide Reads, stay tuned here or visit: http://www.smpl.org/cwr/

Hardcover vs. Paperback: Which Image Do You Prefer?

2010-11-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

Which Image Do You Prefer?

Our Citywide Reads pick for 2010, Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s Wench, will soon be released in paperback (we’ll be giving out copies of the paperback starting in late January). The paperback cover, pictured at right, is obviously quite different from the hardcover jacket image, shown at left. Which do you prefer, and why? For those of you who have read the book, which do you think better symbolizes what the book is about? Please leave comments below.

Meet Dolen Perkins-Valdez, our Citywide Reads Author for 2011

2010-11-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

If you’d like to get an early start with Santa Monica Citywide Reads this year, take a look at author Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s website http://www.dolenperkinsvaldez.com/. You’ll find images of the Tawawa House resort, a brief biography of the author, a link to an NPR interview with Lynn Neary on NPR's Tell Me More, and plenty more to explore.

Be Part of Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2011

2010-11-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

Interested in talking about books? The Library is currently seeking volunteer discussion leaders for the Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured novel Wench, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Wench is the story of four slave mistresses in pre-Civil War America.

Volunteers must commit to leading at least one ninety-minute book discussion group, held at various venues throughout Santa Monica, between mid-February and mid-March 2011. Volunteers must also attend one of two discussion leader training sessions, scheduled at the Main Library on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, January 15 at 1:30 pm.

To volunteer and get more details, send an e-mail to libraryprograms@smgov.net or call/leave a message with Library Volunteer Services at 310-458-8646. For more information on Santa Monica Citywide Reads, visit www.smpl.org/cwr.

The Santa Monica Citywide Reads selection for 2011 is...

2010-11-02T10:45:00.001-07:00

WENCH by Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

WENCH follows the stories of four slave mistresses – Lizzie, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu – over the course of three summers in pre-Civil War America. Taken by their masters on holiday to Tawawa House, a summer resort in Ohio, the women encounter free blacks and whispers of the abolitionist movement and are forced to consider their lives, their positions back home, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Dolen Perkins-Valdez was inspired to write the novel when she came across a footnote about Tawawa House, a real resort, while researching her own doctoral thesis on slave literature. Wench was borne out of the author’s musings on why, when presented with the possibility of escaping into free land, some slaves would run, while others would choose to stay with their masters.

We're certain that WENCH should be a provocative and discussion-worthy book, and we're looking forward to reading it with all of you.

Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2011 will take place from February 14 through March 12, 2011, and will feature free public book discussion groups led by volunteer facilitators and held in libraries, bookstores, coffeehouses, and other venues throughout the city. Related special events, including an author talk with Dolen Perkins-Valdez, are also being planned. Stay tuned here or visit our website at http://www.smpl.org/cwr to keep up with the schedule as it develops.

Catch the Buzz, Live on TV

2010-02-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Tune in to Santa Monica's CityTV tonight at 7:00pm, for a one-hour, live discussion of our Citywide Reads book, Little Bee by Chris Cleave. This will be the fourth year of bringing the discussion to you live, in your own living room. The program will be hosted by one of our veteran book discussion leaders, Beverly Gray, with guests Max Diamond and Mary Menzel. This year, we'll also be welcoming Barry Kibrick, producer and host of Southern California’s premiere interview program “Between the Lines,” for a special appearance to provide his perspective.

The program will be aired on Santa Monica's CityTV, channel 16. For the first time ever, the program will also be carried live on LA36, cable channel 36 in the City of Los Angeles. If you'd like to participate in the book discussion, please call in with your questions during the 7:00-8:00 p.m. hour at 310-458-4950.

Oh, What a Day!!!

2010-02-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, was it ever a good day today at the Santa Monica Public Library! This afternoon, we welcomed author Chris Cleave to the Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, along with more than 150 readers, a pair of talented actresses, and it all added up to a spectacular Citywide Reads event.

Just prior to Chris' appearance, we put on a brief, but very moving staged reading of excerpts from Little Bee, which we called "The Voices of Little Bee." Actress Petal d'Avril Walker gave voice to Little Bee and actress and veteran audiobook reader Rosalyn Landor gave voice to Sarah. The result was fifteen minutes of theater that we think left author Chris Cleave, as well as the audience, both mesmerized and moved. The photo below features Petal, Rosalyn, Library Board President Edward Edwards (who scripted and directed this performance), and Chris Cleave. And we really want to thank Petal, Rosalyn and Edward for all their hard work in putting this unique and very special reading together.

Immediately following the staged reading, we welcomed Chris to the stage to discuss his book and we have a pretty strong feeling that audience members fell head over heels for this charming, gregarious and talented author.

Chris told three stories that inspired his decision to write Little Bee. While in high school, Chris was deeply affected when his school's principal shared a video with students of four young East Berliners risking life and limb to escape to the West. Video of that escape can be seen on Youtube in this German television video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUkimskFJ0w. Chris came away from that screening viewing those asylum seekers as heroes. However, by the time was 22, the world appeared to have changed. That summer, Chris was assigned as a day laborer to work at a newly-opened immigration detention center called Campsfield House near his U.K. home, and spent 3 days learning the stories of the refugees he met there from countries like Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Jamaica. At the time, he was struck by the fact that these asylum seekers were detained in prison-like conditions for indefinite terms, and treated as if they were criminals, when all they had done was flee horrific situations in their home countries. Finally, in 2005, he learned the story of Angolan asylum seeker Manuel Bravo. Bravo's story is a difficult one to hear, but there's a chilling account of it on Britain's Independent newspaper website, which you can reach via this link: http://bit.ly/cN1ai4. Finally prodded by Bravo's tale, Chris began interviewing refugees, doing independent research, and then spent roughly two years writing Little Bee. His intent was to take an unwieldy issue such as immigration and asylum and turn it into an intimate, accessible story that might challenge readers to think about the larger issue. As he pointed out to audience members, Little Bee is not his attempt to offer answers to such a challenging problem, but rather to start a debate.

For anyone who missed Chris' appearance with us, we're very sorry you did. But we definitely welcome you to join in on any one of our five remaining book discussions, or watch us on CityTV (Channel 16 in Santa Monica, and Channel 36 in Los Angeles) this coming Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm as we conduct a live, call-in discussion of the book. We also have a couple more related special events yet to come, including The Art of Storytelling on Saturday, March 6 at 2pm, in which veteran storyteller and artist Michael D. McCarty celebrates Little Bee's claim that even a sad story can be proof "that this storyteller is alive!"

For dates, times and venues for everything we still have in store, check out our resource guide, posted here: http://www.smpl.org/cwr/LITTLE%20BEE.pdf.

What's The Issue?

2010-02-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

We've made it through a couple book discussions now and one thing most readers seem most interested in discussing about Little Bee is the real-life issues it weaves into its fictional narrative. With Little Bee, the predominant issue would be immigration and asylum for refugees, and discussion participants definitely had a lot to say, both about the issues themselves, as well as how skillfully (or not) Chris Cleave handled those issues within his story. Discussion participants also cited other novels they've enjoyed that dealt with a specific issue well fictionally, books like our 2005 Citywide Reads selection The Kite Runner, as well as classics like The Grapes of Wrath. We'd definitely be interested in hearing what you think, so please take the time to join one of our other upcoming discussions.

You may also be wondering what that picture to the right is. On Wednesday afternoon, February 17th, several of our librarians swooped down on the Third Street Promenade for a "book mob" to promote Santa Monica Citywide Reads. Similar to "flash mobs," where a group of people converge, unannounced, on a given spot for a brief time to catch the public's attention, we dropped in on the Promenade during the Wednesday Farmer's Market rush and passed out coupons for Little Bee books, and conducted a few flash group readings of segments we love from the book. We definitely caught the interest of many passersby, and if any of those passersby was you, we hope to see you at an upcoming discussion or special event. In fact, we hope to see all of you.

Remember, this coming Saturday afternoon, we'll be hosting Chris Cleave himself for a special author presentation, as well as a special staged reading of excerpts from Little Bee by actresses Rosalyn Landor and Petal d'Avril Walker. The program starts at the Main Library at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 20th, and free tickets for Auditorium seating will be released at 12:30 p.m. We definitely advise an early arrival, as we think this one will be filled to capacity quickly.

See you then!

Meet Chris Cleave

2010-02-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers,

It's the eve of Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2010. Our program officially begins tomorrow, Friday, February 12th, and our first book discussion takes place Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Cafe Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Blvd. We definitely encourage those of you who've read the book early to stop by and let us know what you think.

But, as we're just about to kick everything off, we thought it a great to time to introduce you to the author we're celebrating this year: Chris Cleave.

We're excited to be working with Chris, who has proven to be a charming and lovely fellow, and we very much look forward to his appearance at the Main Library on Saturday, February 20th. The program will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with a special staged reading of excerpts from Little Bee, performed by actresses Petal d'Avril Walker (as Little Bee) and Rosalyn Landor (as Sarah). Chris will follow at roughly 2:00 p.m. and he'll definitely be taking audience questions, followed by a book signing. Tickets for this program will be released at 12:30 p.m. the day of the event, and we expect them to go fast, so arrive early.

Back to that introduction of Chris. Born in London in 1973, Chris spent his childhood in Buckinghamshire and the West African nation of Cameroon. A graduate of Balliol College, Oxford, he studied psychology, then ran through a series of smaller jobs. He eventually took up professional writing, first as a writer for London's Daily Telegraph, then on to his current weekly column on parenting for The Guardian newspaper. You can check out his column via his own website, http://www.chriscleave.com/, or directly on The Guardian's site, www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/series/down-with-the-kids.

In 2005, his first novel, Incendiary, was released to controversy and acclaim. The novel, about a London mother coping with loss of her husband and son in a terrorist bombing, went on to win numerous awards, including the Somerset Maugham Award and the Book-of-the-Month Club First Fiction prize. He followed that up in 2008 with the novel The Other Hand, which was released in the U.S. in early 2009 as Little Bee.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say about this year's featured novel, and we hope you'll come out on the 20th to meet Chris and share your thoughts with him as well. Chris tells us that he looks forward to meeting all of you.

Special Events

2010-01-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for these upcoming special events. We have a great lineup this year, with six events you won’t want to miss! It all begins on February 20, when the author will join us for a book discussion & signing.

The Voices of Little Bee
Saturday, February 20 at 1:30 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
As a special prelude to author Chris Cleave’s appearance, we present this special reading of passages from Little Bee, in which the voices of Sarah and Little Bee are brought to life by gifted local actresses, Rosalyn Landor and Petal d’Avril Walker.

An Afternoon with Chris Cleave
Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
The award-winning author of Little Bee presents a reading and discussion, followed by a book signing.

City TV Call-In Show
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm — Tune in to Channel 16
Can’t make it to one of our book discussions, or just looking for more perspective into Little Bee? Tune in to Channel 16 for a live, moderated discussion of this year’s featured novel, and feel free to call in with questions of your own.

Incendiary Book Discussion
Monday, March 1 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, Community Room
Published to controversy and acclaim in 2005, Chris Cleave’s first novel traces the tumultuous fallout for a London woman when her husband and young son are killed in a terrorist attack.

Movie Screening: The Visitor
Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
The story of Walter Vale (Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins), who returns home after a conference to find two illegal immigrants living in his apartment. These disparate characters come to know each other and affect each other’s lives in a story that is very similar to the themes of Little Bee.

The Art of Storytelling with Michael D. McCarty
Saturday, March 6 at 2:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
Storytelling lies at the heart of Little Bee. As Little Bee states, even a sad story offers proof that “this storyteller is alive.” Michael D. McCarty has been entertaining audiences through the art of storytelling for a long time now. Drawing on international folk tales and other storytelling techniques, Michael taps into stories that inform, educate, inspire and amuse.

Little Bee Book Discussions

2010-01-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

This year we will be hosting seven book discussions, led by trained volunteers, at locations around the city. Please join us for one (or more!) of these free public sessions. No registration is required; just bring yourself and your observations, thoughts, and comments about Little Bee.

Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 am — Café Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Blvd. (no permit required for Saturday parking)

Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm — Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave.

Monday, February 22 at 2:00 pm — Tudor House, 1403 Second St.

Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 am — Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.

Saturday, March 6 at 11:00 am — Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main St.

Monday, March 8 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Thursday, March 11 at 1:30 pm — Senior Recreation Center, 1450 Ocean Ave.

We hope to see you there!

Little Bee is our 2010 Title

2010-01-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Little Bee, by Chris Cleave, is the 2010 Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured title.

The second novel by emerging literary talent Chris Cleave, Little Bee is the harrowing and beautiful story of a teenage Nigerian refugee and a married pair of disaffected British journalists, whose lives and destinies collide in unexpected and shocking ways.

Touching on themes of immigration, family, infidelity and loyalty, the book deftly examines the intricacies of human connection and the sacrifices we all make to get by in life. The New York Times calls the book “immensely readable and moving…an affecting story of human triumph,” and The Chicago Sun-Times raves “Little Bee is a loud shout of talent.” Little Bee was shortlisted in 2008 for the Costa Book Award for Best Novel and in 2009 for Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book.

Thank You!

2009-07-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for all of your terrific book suggestions for Citywide Reads 2010. We will announce the featured title in September.

Reminder: Suggestions for CWR 2010 Due by June 30

2009-06-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

What will the featured book for Citywide Reads 2010 be? You are part of the selection process! Suggest a novel that is available in paperback and that you think would be of interest to the Santa Monica community and make for a great discussion. Email citywidereads@smgov.net, fill out an online survey at http://www.smpl.org/, or stop by any Santa Monica Public Library. The deadline for suggestions is June 30.

Take the Citywide Reads Survey

2009-04-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Tell us what you thought about this year's Citywide Reads.
Take the survey.

Thank You!

2009-04-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to all who helped make this Citywide Reads such a success! We had approximately 135 people attend a book discussion and over 3200 participate in a special event.

We will post a survey soon to get your feedback on this year's program, as well as ask you for suggestions for next year.

To check out what else is going on at the Library, visit www.smpl.org.

Last Events!

2009-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

We have one more special event and two more book groups left in Citywide Reads 2009. It's not to late to get in on the fun!

A special event on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm in the Main Library's Community Room:
Evidence of Things Unseen Book Discussion - Published in 2003, this novel by Marianne Wiggins was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Set between the World Wars, it follows a family as their lives are affected by science and the atomic age.

Two more Book Discussions:
Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in the Main Library's Multipurpose Room
Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in the Ocean Park Branch Library's Community Room

We hope to see you there.

Looking Back at Edward S. Curtis

2009-03-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Library was a great place to be last week, as we took the time to look back at Edward S. Curtis, the real life man who inspired Marianne Wiggins' The Shadow Catcher. On Tuesday evening, April 24th, an appreciative crowd joined us for a screening of In the Land of the War Canoes, a film about the Kwakiutl tribe of Vancouver Island, shot and released by Edward S. Curtis himself in 1914. Originally titled In the Land of the Head Hunters, the film was a combination of documentary and dramatic film, tying the narrative story of a young Kwakiutl tribesman who must battle an old medicine man to win back his bride to authentic documentary footage of Kwakiutl tribal customs and ceremonies. The film has since been added to the United States' National Film Registry, and is considered a first of its kind. If you were not able to join us for the screening, you can always check out the DVD at the library.

On Saturday, April 28th, we invited Curtis expert and scholar, Bruce Kapson, to the Library for an informative lecture that provided a wealth of background information on the legendary photographer. Audience members, many of whom had read the book, asked lots of questions about the real life man who inspired Marianne Wiggins' fictional characterization. Mr. Kapson brought along a stunning collection of vintage photographs, prints and original copper plate negatives for audience members to look at following his lecture. If you are interested in finding out more about Edward S. Curtis, Mr. Kapson assures us he would welcome visitors to his website, http://www.brucekapson.com/, where you can learn more.

Marianne Wiggins visits the Library

2009-03-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Marianne Wiggins visited the Main Library for a reading, discussion, and book signing. Her warmth and sense of humor charmed the crowd.

Some highlights from her talk:

If she had "hung the manuscript out to dry" for a year after she wrote it, she probably wouldn't have done the Curtis Edwards - Edward Curtis device. She said it was just her being a smarty-pants.

Wiggins couldn't get permission for some photos - such as Curtis as an old man and Clara. That's why she had to use the "found" photos.

She designed the book as well as wrote it. She worked hard on the layout and the photos.

Since she has been living in LA, she's been told that her writing has gotten a shot of adrenaline. She currently is working on a novel about the California Water Wars.

LA Writers Discuss Los Angeles Literature

2009-03-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Los Angeles Times book editor David Ulin hosted a discussion about Los Angeles Literature. The audience enjoyed listening to the authors discuss living in and writing about LA. Panelists Cecil Castellucci, Gary Phillips, and Nina Revoyr each had their unique take on the city. All expressed their appreciation for Marianne Wiggins' distinctive novel.

Call-In Discussion

2009-03-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Can't make any of our Citywide Reads discussions? No problem! Just tune into CityTV cable channel 16 on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. for a live, moderated discussion. Viewers can call in with questions or comments about Marianne Wiggins' The Shadow Catcher. The number to call is 310-458-4950.

In addition, you can email questions ahead to citywidereads@smgov.net or post a comment below.

Share your insights on this unconventional and compelling novel with host Beverly Gray, and special guests Max Diamond and Director of The California Center for the Book, Mary Menzel.

'Los Angeles as Literature' Panel Discussion

2009-03-19T13:19:00.001-07:00

Join us in the Main Library's MLK Jr. Auditorium on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. for the program
Los Angeles as Literature.

Los Angeles Times book editor David Ulin moderates this panel discussion about Los Angeles’ various incarnations in literature. Learn of Citywide Reads author Marianne Wiggins’ place in the canon of fiction about Los Angeles. Panelists include young adult writer and author of Beige Cecil Castellucci; author of the Ivan Monk mystery series Gary Phillips; and Nina Revoyr, novelist and author of The Age of Dreaming.

An Afternoon with Marianne Wiggins

2009-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., the Santa Monica Public Library is pleased to present a very special author talk with this year's Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured author, Marianne Wiggins. The talk, followed by a book sale and signing, will be held in the Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets for Auditorium seating will be released one hour prior to program.

In addition to "The Shadow Catcher," Marianne Wiggins is the author eight other novels and short story collections including the award-winning "John Dollar" and the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist, "Evidence of Things Unseen."

This year's event is sure to be a great one. We hope to see you there.

City Employee Discussion

2009-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

We had our first Citywide Reads discussion for City Employees last Wednesday during lunch. Twenty-six people, across numerous departments, met for a terrific discussion of The Shadow Catcher. We enjoyed it so much that we're thinking about starting a regular City Employee book group!

Want to See the Real Curtis?

2009-03-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

The following was contributed by a volunteer book discussion leader. As previously mentioned, our group of volunteers this year is fantastic! Check them out for yourself at one of our upcoming discussions:
Monday, March 9 at 2:00 pm, Emeritus College, 1227 2nd Street, Room 407
Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 am, Cafe Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Blvd (free street parking on Saturdays)

From Kristin:

After reading The Shadow Catcher, and the supplementary book about Edward S. Curtis (Shadow Catcher, The Life and Work of Edward S. Curtis by Laurie Lawlor) which was provided to me as a discussion volunteer, I was more intrigued about the photographer than the author. In my opinion, Wiggins told us plenty about the "fictional" Wiggins in the pages between the Clara and Edward story line. While Wiggins includes a few images of Curtis's work in the book, and a quick Google of Curtis will bring plenty more images of his photos right to your browser, I wanted more after reading all about him and being taken in not only by his photography, but also the controversy behind his work and his person. I wanted to see the actual images. Like Ansel Adams whose work, even in reproduction, never ceases to stop me in my tracks, details of photos taken when photography was in its pioneer days fascinates me much more than today's digital photography. Fortunately, I found out a few of Curtis's works and other events focused on him are just a hop, skip and a jump away from us.

The Getty Center has three Curtis' images in its collection. Unfortunately, these treasures are viewable by appointment only -- but it is easy to do! You can make an appointment (no fee!) to view the pieces by calling Paul Martineau at 310-440-7046.

You can see, by appointment, the complete collection of Curtis' 20-volume set at the Braun Research Library at the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Library system also has a copy of the volumes in its reference collection, and a presentation of resources on Edward S. Curtis and his work will be given on Thursday, March 12, from 12:15 - 1:00 pm by Eileen King, another Citywide Reads volunteer book discussion.

As part of the UCLA Film & Television Archive's 14th Festival of Preservation Curtis's film In the Land of the Head Hunters will be showing at the Billy Wilder Theater of the Hammer Museum on Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 pm.

Visit to experience the real Curtis', or at least the real pieces of his work ... getting to know and understand the man behind the work is another story -- one that we might have a glimpse into thanks to Wiggins.

We Mobbed!

2009-02-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, library staff members took to the streets to celebrate our upcoming Citywide Reads program. Armed with signs, drums, free copies of The Shadow Catcher, and resource guides, we headed to the Third Street Promenade. We gave away 40 copies of the novel within 20 minutes and then gathered for a group read-aloud at noon. Shortly after, in the tradition of a flash mob, we disappeared, hopefully leaving behind some community members who are excited about Citywide Reads. Many thanks to the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library for providing the copies of the novel and for the printing of the resource guide.

Book Mob!

2009-02-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

We are having a book mob to celebrate Citywide Reads!

We'll meet at the Third Street Promenade, just south of the Farmers Market, at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 25. Free copies of The Shadow Catcher will be given away and we'll have a simultaneous group read-aloud.

The book mob is based on the concept of a flash mob - a group of people who gather together suddenly and perform an unusual action.

Don't miss the fun!

Book Discussion Dates

2009-02-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

We had our training for our volunteer book discussion leaders for The Shadow Catcher and we are excited to have such an enthusiastic group! We hope you can attend at least one of the following book discussions, all led by volunteers from your community. No registration required.

· Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 pm Main Library Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
· Monday, March 9 at 2:00 pm Emeritus College, Room 407, 1227 2nd Street
· Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 am Café Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Boulevard (no permit required for Saturday parking)
· Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 pm Barnes & Noble, 1201 3rd Street Promenade
· Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 pm Montana Avenue Branch Library, 1704 Montana Avenue
· Saturday, March 21 at 11:00 am Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
· Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 pm Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 829 Wilshire Blvd.
· Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 pm California Heritage Museum Lawn, 2612 Main Street
· Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 am Main Library Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

See you there!

Los Angeles as Literature Panelists Chosen

2009-02-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

Writer and Los Angeles Times Editor David Ulin will moderate a panel discussion with three local authors on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library's MLK Jr. Auditorium.

Panelists will discuss Los Angeles' various incarnations in literature, in both a contemporary and historical context. Learn of Citywide Reads author Marianne Wiggins’ place in the canon of fiction about Los Angeles.

Panelists include young adult writer and author of Beige Cecil Castellucci, author of the Ivan Monk mystery series Gary Phillips, and Nina Revoyr, novelist and author of The Age of Dreaming.

Complimentary Copies Are Coming February 17!

2009-02-04T10:17:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday, February 17, all Santa Monica Public Libraries will have free copies of Marianne Wiggins' The Shadow Catcher for individuals who want to participate in Citywide Reads. At the Main Library, the books will be available at the first floor Information Desk. There is a limit of one book per person.

In the meantime, there are dozens of copies in the collection and the resource guide is now available at all branches and online at www.smpl.org.

Who is Edward Curtis?

2009-01-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

"All I want you to understand, before you read the book I've written, before you even spend another day entertainin gthe idea that Edward Curtis was a saint, or a poet, or hero, is that his life was long. His life was...complicated." -Marianne Wiggins

Photographer Edward S. Curtis, known as “The Shadow Catcher,” created a defining moment in American publishing history with The North American Indian, a collection of more than 40,000 images and rare ethnographic information on over eighty American Indian tribal groups. He spent thirty years photographing American Indian tribes west of the Mississippi, ranging from the Mexican border to the Arctic.

Born near Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1868, Curtis exhibited an interest in photography from an early age, constructing a camera and processing prints by the time his formal education ended with the sixth grade. He married and had four children after his family moved to Seattle. Following a chance meeting in 1898, on Mt. Rainer with a group of mountaineers, including experts in the areas of conservation, forestry, Indian ethnography and publishing, Curtis launched his North American Indian project.

Despite continued financial hardships during the thirty years it took to publish the twenty-volume The North American Indian, Curtis was able to employ technicians, scholars, and researchers to assist with collecting intricate details of past and present Native American cultures. His dedication to recording as much detail of traditional life as possible is evident; his work includes descriptions of dwellings, food, clothing, burial customs, games, and mythology. The final volume was published in 1930. Edward S. Curtis died in Los Angeles in 1952 at the age of 84.

About The Shadow Catcher

2009-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

In The Shadow Catcher, Marianne Wiggins combines fact with fiction, past with present, and words with images in the unconventional telling of two compelling stories, set nearly a century apart, yet seamlessly intertwined. In one narrative, a novelist named Marianne Wiggins has written a novel, also titled The Shadow Catcher, about the photographer Edward S. Curtis, who came to fame through his attempts to photograph Native American people before they vanished from the American landscape. Wiggins’ story takes a turn when she is called to the death bed of her father, a man she knows died when she was a child. In the other historic narrative, we follow the story of Clara Phillips as she journeys across America and into the life of Curtis, the enigmatic photographer she would marry.

For years, Marianne Wiggins toyed with the idea of writing a novel about Edward S. Curtis. She wrote and rewrote large chunks of her novel, but struggled to find the interior tension that would sustain the work. Finally, two revelations pointed out the direction she was seeking: the truth, and not the illusion, of his life and work, and its correlation with her own complicated history.In researching the legendary photographer, Marianne Wiggins discovered that the reality of Edward S. Curtis was often not what it seemed. While his mission was to capture an image of truth before it vanished into history, Curtis saw nothing wrong with dressing a Navajo as a Sioux or removing a modern artifact that might betray whatever historic “truth” he was trying to convey.

Curtis was an absent husband and father, and Wiggins came to realize how closely this absence paralleled the emptiness left behind when her own father committed suicide. Threading elements of her own life into the novel, Wiggins was able to weave its two disparate storylines into a single haunting portrait of family history and personal loss.

Get Involved!

2008-12-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

2009 is the year to get involved in Santa Monica’s Citywide Reads! Become a volunteer book discussion group facilitator.

Prospective discussion facilitators read the book selected for the program, and attend a two-hour training session February 5th or 7th. This year’s selected title is The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins. Trained volunteers commit to leading at least one hour-and-a-half book discussion group, scheduled at various venues in Santa Monica from March 7th through April 4th. For Information call the Library (310) 458-8646 or visit the Santa Monica Citywide Reads website www.smpl.org/cwr

Did You Know?

…About Book Clubs

- Benjamin Franklin led a book group in Philadelphia in the 1770s and book clubs flourished in nineteenth-century America.

- Nancy Pearl, executive director of the WA Center for the Book from 1993 to 2004, initiated the “One Book” movement in 1998. She’s also the model for the first Librarian Action Figure!*

- Only 6% of Americans say they participate in book discussion groups where difficult ideas are exchanged (Gallup Poll, Sept. 1999)

(*http://www.mcphee.com/laf/)

Mark Your Calendars : March 7 - April 4

2008-12-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

The dates for Citywide Reads 2009 are set! Free book discussions and special events are being scheduled for March 7 to April 4.

The Shadow Catcher is our 2009 Title

2008-10-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Shadow Catcher, by Marianne Wiggins is the 2009 Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured title.

In The Shadow Catcher, Marianne Wiggins intricately weaves two stories of family history, personal loss, and landscape. One narrative follows a fictional Marianne Wiggins who has written a book on Edward Curtis and is called to the death bed of her father, a man she knows died when she was a child. The other narrative follows Edward Curtis and his family, who traveled across North America to photograph Native peoples through his imagination and lens at the turn of the twentieth century. Photographs from the Curtis archives and the Wiggins family album add to this reflection of myths and truths.

When the Citywide Reads Advisory Committee met, we unanimously selected this novel. We loved it that it combined a historical fiction narrative with contemporary social commentary on Los Angeles. We look forward to some wonderful book discussions and we are already planning programs exploring Edward Curtis, Native American culture, and photography as well as hosting local author Marianne Wiggins.

There's Still Time to Suggest a Book for 2009!

2008-07-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

We are still accepting suggestions.

Did you love our selection and want more like it? Did you wish we had chosen something else? Now is your chance to let us know what you want to read with your community.

Book suggestions must be works of fiction that appeal to a variety of people. Appropriate titles should challenge yet be accessible and inspire discussion. Only novels available in a variety of formats such as paperback and audiobook will be considered. The deadline for suggestions is July 31, 2008.

Please email citywidereads@smgov.net, post a comment here, or stop by your local library to make suggestions.

Take our survey!

2008-06-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Citywide Reads Survey
Tell us how you participated in Citywide Reads 2008; give us suggestions for next year's Citywide Reads.

Jim Lynch Visits Santa Monica

2008-05-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

On a very warm afternoon last Saturday, Jim Lynch spoke to an enthusiastic audience of The Highest Tide readers. He read from his book, talked about his inspiration and experience of writing the novel, and answer audience questions.

Many thanks to Santa Monica College and Santa Monica College Associates and the California Center for the Book for making this event happen.

The Cover Me! Teen Book Cover Art Contest Winner Revealed

2008-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

The winner is Hannah, age 13. She created the cover shown below and stated, "The paparazzi made the comment 'the beach talks to Miles,' and Miles says in one instance, 'the beach is trying to tell us something.' My cover has a shellphone. It is supposed to be symbolic of the beach 'speaking' to Miles, and his special knowledge of the bay."

Congratulations, Hannah! She will meet Jim Lynch for lunch this Saturday before the author appears at 3:00 at Santa Monica College.

Author! Author!

2008-05-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Citywide Reads is in its closing week, and we've saved the best for last. The Highest Tide's author, Jim Lynch, will be making an appearance at the Santa Monica College's Pavilion (Gym) on Saturday, May 17, at 3:00 p.m. Admission is completely free and all ages are welcome. Jim will introduce and give some background on the book that's bringing us all together and audience members will have the opportunity to ask him questions. A book sale and signing will follow.

Parking at Santa Monica College on Saturday is free. The college's address is 1900 Pico Boulevard. We recommend parking in Parking Structure A (see map below), which is accessed off Pico Boulevard, near 17th Street. The author talk will take place in the Pavilion (Gym), which is located south of Parking Structure A, and can be found near the bottom center of the map detail posted below.

We hope you will join us!

Three More Discussions Left

2008-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's not too late! There are three more opportunities to participate in a Citywide Reads discussion:

Monday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library's Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 1201 3rd Street Promenade
Friday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. at It's A Grind, 602 Santa Monica Blvd.

A Unique Spot to Discuss the Book

2008-05-05T16:01:00.001-07:00

One of the things we're most excited about with this year's Citywide Reads series is the several new venues where book discussions will be held. Tying in beautifully with the marine-based themes of The Highest Tide, one the new locations is Heal The Bay's Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The discussion will take place Thursday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m., and discussion participants will get a unique after-hours tour of the Aquarium after the discussion. The Aquarium is located on the Santa Monica Pier, in the blue and white building beneath the carousel (the orange building).

For more information on the Aquarium, visit their website by clicking here.

Discussion Question: Could The Highest Tide Be Set in Santa Monica

2008-04-30T15:35:00.001-07:00

At all of the book discussions so far, participants have remarked on the sea and Puget Sound being a character in the book. Do you think this novel could have been set in Santa Monica?
Would the story be very different?

We invite your comments! Click on the comments link and type in what you think. You don't need to register with blogger, just make sure to type in the word verification.

Upcoming Family Friendly Events

2008-04-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Want to get the whole family involved with Citywide Reads?

The documentary Deep Blue will be screened on Tuesday, April 29 (with closed captions) at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 3 at 3:30 in the Main Library's Marting Luther King Jr. Auditorium. This breathtaking BBC film features underwater and seaside life and is appropriate for all ages.
Entertainer Paul Tracey is coming! He will be in the Main Library's Children Activity Room on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. with his eight-foot globe. Paul Tracey encourages children to care for our planet by using music.
Don't forget that entries for the Teen Book Cover Art contest are due on April 30. Teens, aged 13 to 18 or in grades 8 to 12, can design a cover for The Highest Tide. Entry forms are available at the Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library.

Learn about the Santa Monica Bay

2008-04-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 24, Heal the Bay teams up with the Library for another Citywide Reads program. The unique ecology of Santa Monica Bay will be discussed, with a focus on the causes and consequences of ocean pollution. Learn what you can do to decrease your impact on Santa Monica Bay. The program begins at 7:00 pm in the Main Library's Multipurpose Room.

We Got to Know Rachel Carson – the Quiet Rebel

2008-04-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

A very interested group attended our special Citywide Reads program on Rachel Carson on Tuesday night. Tara Treiber, the Education Manager for Heal the Bay, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, led us through the life and times of this pioneering scientist and environmentalist, and revealed background information on her leadership of the anti-pesticide movement. Growing up during the depression and going into “real” science during a time when women just didn’t do that, Rachel Carson became a hero to many, including Miles O’Malley, the protagonist in this year's Citywide Reads selection, The Highest Tide.

We got a real sense of Ms. Carson’s appeal when an audience member, Robert van de Hoek, informed us that he’d come all the way from Palos Verdes for tonight’s talk. Mr. van de Hoek, co-director of the Ballona Institute, shared a common concern for many of us in this area, the health of our bay. Fortunately, our next Citywide Reads special event will cover just that topic. Heal the Bay will discuss the Santa Monica Bay on Thursday night, at 7:00 pm in the Main Library’s Multipurpose Room. Join us to take part in this exciting event.

Call-In Discussion

2008-04-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Can't make it to one of our discussions? No problem. Just tune into Channel 16 for a live, moderated discussion of The Highest Tide on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30. Local author Beverly Gray, California Center for the Book Director Mary Menzel, and Citywide Reads Advisory Committee member Max Diamond will host the discussion.

A Beautiful Day for Seafood

2008-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day today, and a perfect time for our much-anticipated cooking demonstration from the Too Hot Tamales, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, owners and head chefs of our neighbor, Border Grill. Audience members started showing up well over an hour before the demo, and those who made it in time to taste some of the samples these sassy chefs had to offer were very happy they did.

Inspired by The Highest Tide's marine-based themes, Mary Sue and Susan put together a seafood based presentation, spiced with a healthy helping of fun and laughs. The recipes they demonstrated were a yummy shrimp ceviche; a delicious seared calamari entree with white beans, roasted red peppers and Spanish chorizo; and a creamy geoduck clam chowder. Audience members were treated to sample tastings of a refreshing minty lime cooler drink and the shrimp ceviche. Mary Sue and Susan also gave tips on how to run a sustainable kitchen, such as buying only domestic (vs. imported) shrimp. Some of the tips they offered can be found on the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, at http://www.seafoodwatch.org.

Susan Feniger explains how she likes things spicy. And she always insists on fresh ground black pepper. White pepper is a definite no-no in her kitchen.

Mary Sue Milliken eagerly watched the clam chowder, which was taking its time coming to a necessary boil.

Mary Sue holds up what has become the unofficial mascot of this year's Citywide Reads program, a geoduck (pronounced "gooey-duck") clam. To learn more about this enormous and very interesting sea creature, be sure to check out "Three Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam," a documentary we're showing at the Library on Wednesday, May 7th. For more information on that program, scroll down to our April 15th blog entry. We hope to see you there and at many more of our still upcoming Citywide Reads events and discussions.

The Highest Tide's Quiet Hero: Rachel Carson

2008-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of the things we're hearing most about The Highest Tide from readers is how believable and real Miles O'Malley's fictional world feels. One element that sticks out for many is Miles' reverence for real-life environmental hero, Rachel Carson.

From Chapter 5, in a scene where Miles and his teenage buddy Phelps are clamming together and Phelps is questioning Miles about Carson, there is this touching exchange:

"You know everything about her, don't you?" [Phelps asked.]

I didn't say anything for a couple beats. "I know she was brave and brilliant."

Brave and brilliant is definitely an assessment that many who know Rachel Carson would wholeheartedly agree with. At a time when women were often roundly ignored and disregarded, Rachel Carson made a significant mark on the scientific community and the world at large. A scientist, a biologist (both marine and land), and a writer, Carson is often credited with spearheading the modern environmentalist movement. Her books include The Sea Around Us, The Edge of the Sea, The Sense of Wonder, and the seminal environmental classic Silent Spring, which warned of the dangers of pesticides.

Yet there are many who don't know who Rachel Carson is, or know little about her. On Tuesday, April 22, we hope to change that with another of our Citywide Reads special events, "Getting to Know Rachel Carson." Tara Treiber, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's Education Manager, has graciously agreed to join us to lead this introduction, and we hope you can join us. The lecture gets started at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library's second floor Multipurpose Room. For more information, click here for a PDF of the flyer posted below.

3 Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam

2008-04-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

A last minute addition to our Citywide Reads lineup of special events is a screening of the documentary 3 Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam. Learn more about one of the sea creatures featured in The Highest Tide with the movie Entertainment Weekly calls, "A film for those who are fascinated by obscure cultural phenomena." Following the screening, producer and director Justin Bookey will discuss the film, whose subject is the world's largest burrowing clam. The Geoduck (pronounced gooey duck) Clam sports a neck three feet long, has a life span of 160-plus years, and is jokingly referred to as the Washington State Bird.

The film will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 in the Main Library's MLK Jr. Auditorium and will be followed by a discussion with Justin.

Santa Monica Explores Our Environment with Cousteau

2008-04-13T20:05:00.003-07:00

Citywide Reads had a fantastic kick-off event with a memorable afternoon with Jean-Michel Cousteau. One hundred and fifty people learned about our oceans and ways to help when he gave a presentation and answered audience questions.

After the presentation, attendees and numerous other library patrons learned even more at hands-on booths provided by the Ocean Futures Society, Catalina Environmental Leadership Program, and Ambassadors of the Environment. Cookies baked in a solar oven were a crowd pleaser!

Jean-Michel graciously stayed for over an hour answering questions and posing for photographs, here with librarians Julie and Erica.

Jean-Michel thanks his amazing, hardworking team.

Thanks also to the Environmental Programs Divison for sponsorship.

Citywide Reads Gets Spicy with the Too Hot Tamales

2008-04-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica Citywide Reads 2008 program is literally cram-packed with special events, and this year we’re adding a zesty new flavor to our menu of fun programs: a seafood cooking demonstration from Food Network TV hosts and local favorites, The Too Hot Tamales.

Inspired by the marine-based themes and the beach community setting of Jim Lynch’s The Highest Tide, Border Grill and Ciudad chefs and proprietors Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have put together a seafood cooking demo full of their signature authentic Latin flavors. They’ll show you how to create a simple but delicious shrimp ceviche appetizer, a spicy seared calamari entrée, and a rich and robust geoduck clam chowder. Don't know what a geoduck (that's pronounced "gooey-duck") is? Just stay tuned, and we'll have lots more on that in a future blog entry.

The Too Hot Tamales event takes place on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library’s outdoor North Entry Courtyard. The Main Library is located at 601 Santa Monica Bouleavard, and the North Entry Courtyard is off 6th Street, directly across from the YMCA. This event is free to all ages, and seating is first come, first served.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Is Coming!

2008-04-06T16:27:00.001-07:00

Jean-Michel Cousteau is coming to the library next Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the MLK Auditorium. He is continuing his father's legacy by addressing the issues of environmental education, ocean conservation, and sustainable education. Hands-on demonstrations and booths will be available after Mr. Cousteau speaks. All ages are welcome!

What's Your Favorite Citywide Reads Book?

2008-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Highest Tide copies are flying out of the library. We hope the entire community is gearing up for our best Citywide Reads yet. But before we begin this year's program, we are curious what you thought of previous programs. What was your favorite Citywide Reads book?

Were you riveted by a glimpse into Mao's China in Dai Sijie's Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress for our first Citywide Reads effort?

Did you feel the pride of Santa Monica when we read local author Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories, the fictionalized account of his experiences as a young man in Berlin during the period that led up to World War II?

In 2005, did you find Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, the story of the relationship between two boys of different social statuses, to be compelling?

Did you enjoy following the adventures of nine-year-old Oskar Schell as he attempted to learn more about a key found in his deceased father’s closet in Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close?

Were you swept up into the world of beautiful artist Clare and dashing time-traveling librarian Henry De Tamble in last year's The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger?

Or did you love them all?

Behind the Scenes: Book Discussion Leaders

2008-03-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Each year a team of trained volunteers lead our Citywide Reads book discussions. This trusty team of literary devotees work tirelessly to provide the most interesting book discussions around. Volunteers Tiffany, Jessica, Sarina, and Ivy are ready. Are you?

Citywide Reads at the Farmers' Market

2008-03-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

Did you miss us at Wednesday's farmers' market? Don't worry, you have another chance. We'll be at Sunday's market on Main Street. Stop by to chat about the Citywide Reads program and The Highest Tide!

Complimentary Books Are Here!

2008-03-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Stop by any Santa Monica Public Library and pick up a complimentary copy of The Highest Tide. All branches and the Main Library's first floor Information Desk will have the books ready to give out beginning Monday, March 24 while supplies last. Many thanks to the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library for sponsorship!

How Will You Participate This Year?

2008-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Citywide Reads schedule is out!

Discussions
Monday, April 14 at 12 p.m.Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m.Montana Avenue Branch, 1704 Montana Ave.
Friday, April 25 at 3 p.m.Cafe Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Blvd.
Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Ocean Park Branch, 2601 Main Street
Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Joslyn Park Craft Room, 633 Kensington Rd.
Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. Santa Monica Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk Below the Pier’s Carousel. The Aquarium will be open after its regular hours to host the discussion.
Saturday, May 10 at 1 p.m. Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 Barnes & Noble, 1201 3rd Street Promenade
Friday, May 16 at 2 p.m. It’s A Grind, 602 Santa Monica Blvd.

Special Events
Exploring Our Environment with Jean-Michel Cousteau
Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
Ocean explorer and educator Jean-Michel Cousteau addresses the issues of environmental education, ocean conservation, and sustainable living. Hands-on demonstrations and informational booths, sponsored by the Ocean Futures Society, Catalina Environmental Leadership Program, and Ambassadors of the Environment, will be available after the presentation.
Flavors of the Sea with the Too Hot Tamales
Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m. Main Library, North Entry Courtyard
Border Grill and Ciudad proprietors, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, better known as the Too Hot Tamales, present a Highest Tide-themed, seafood cooking demonstration.
Getting to Know Rachel Carson
Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium’s Tara Treiber presents an introduction to pioneering writer, scientist and ecologist, Rachel Carson, the heroine of The Highest Tide’s Miles O’Malley.
City-TV Call-In Show
Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Tune in to Channel 16 for a live, moderated discussion of The Highest Tide.
The Santa Monica Bay
Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Learn about the unique ecology of the Santa Monica Bay. This Heal the Bay presentation focuses on the causes and consequences of ocean pollution. The audience will discover what they can do to decrease their impact on the Santa Monica Bay.
Documentary Screening: Deep Blue
Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m., Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
You have two chances to check out this breathtaking BBC documentary on underwater and seaside life. The April 29 screening will feature closed captions for the hearing impaired.
Paul Tracey’s Little Blue Planet
Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Main Library, Children’s Activity Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Accompanied by an eight-foot globe, entertainer Paul Tracey encourages children to care for our planet by using music to draw attention to saving forests, inter-cultural understanding and endangered species.
An Afternoon with Jim Lynch
Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. Santa Monica College, Pavilion, 1900 Pico Blvd.
The award-winning author of The Highest Tide presents a reading and discussion, followed by a book signing. Co-sponsored by the Santa Monica College Associates.

Santa Monica, this is your Citywide Reads program. How will you participate?

COVER ME! Teen Book Cover Art Contest

2008-03-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

MARCH 15 to APRIL 30

Attention Teens!

Ever wished you could design your own book cover? Here's your chance! Show us your creative talents and design YOUR OWN cover for The Highest Tide by Wednesday, April 30.

Winners will be notified on or before Saturday, May 10 and will be invited to a private "meet and greet" with the author, Jim Lynch, on May 17. Participants MUST be teenagers, ages 13 to 18 or in grades 8 to 12.

Here's how to enter:

1. Pick up an entry form at any Santa Monica Public Library (Main and 3 branches) between
March 15 and April 30.

2. Fill out, sign, and date the entry form on or before the submission deadline: WEDNESDAY, April 30.

3. Drop off your completed entry form and artwork (which must be on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper) to the Youth Reference Desk at the Main Library or mail to:

Cover Me! Teen Book Cover Art Contest
Santa Monica Public Library c/o Erica Cuyugan
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Bookcrossing.com Books Are Being Released

2008-03-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Citywide Reads is partnering with www.bookcrossing.com to distribute The Highest Tide around the City. During the next week, we will register the books with bookcrossing and distribute them around Santa Monica. The books can be found by logging onto www.bookcrossing.com or people can find them serendipitously. The promotion is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Bookcrossing is a free site that registers books and then tracks them as they make their way around Santa Monica and perhaps the globe. The Highest Tide is available now at all of the branches and additional promotional copies will be given out beginning March 24.

Look around your local coffeehouse, laundromat, or even the DMV. You just might find a good book!

A Message from the Featured Author

2008-02-26T14:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Santa Monica Readers,

I am honored and delighted that The Highest Tide will be featured in your Citywide Reads program this year. The novel I wrote was inspired by the same ocean you marvel at. I hope you find The Highest Tide to be a fun and thoughtful read that perhaps reminds you of the time in your life when the world first came into focus. The variety and volume of the reaction to the book continues to amaze me. It will be performed on stage in Seattle this spring. The movie rights have sold as well, and a screenplay is in the works. I'm really looking forward to visiting Santa Monica on May 17 to talk with as many of you as possible about the novel. Meanwhile, thanks for reading it if you get the chance.

Best wishes,
Jim Lynch

Introducing the 2008 Title

2008-02-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

Jim Lynch's The Highest Tide is the 2008 Santa Monica Citywide Reads selection.

In The Highest Tide, thirteen-year-old Miles O’Malley spends one transformative summer navigating the mysteries of his beloved Puget Sound surroundings and his relationships with family and friends. We hope the marine setting, green emphasis, and universal coming-of-age theme, and high quality of writing will appeal to the Santa Monica community.