The Big Read

The Big Read is taking place this month! As a community, Redwood City is reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. This program is presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the biggest local sponsor is Montalvo Arts Center. They have really gone all-out in presenting this event. There are copies of this book all over the city, in shops and restaurants, and even randomly placed on park and bus benches. The idea is to give out the book for free, have people read it, and pass it on. I found out about it last month and so Lance and I grabbed copies and got to reading. I had never read the book before, but it had been on my "want to read someday" list from way back. I even had an old copy of it in a box of books. We both finished it in time for the kick-off gala at the old restored courthouse in downtown Redwood City last Friday night. It was a very nice reception with lots of local names. The mayor, former mayor, city council members, and even Assemblyman Ira Ruskin were in attendance. There was food and music and, in keeping with the theme of the book, a booth where you could write down and submit a personal rememberance of a time when you personally felt censored. Our attendance was somewhat spur-of-the-moment, so unfortuantely I didn't have my camera on me, but the restored courthouse was spectacular.

There will be over 40 events this month related to The Big Read, including drop-in book discussions, screenings of the film, an interview with Ray Bradbury via satellite, and a street fair at Courthouse Square on the last day fo the month. How exciting to live in a city participating in this event!! Find out more info at The Big Read.