The Big Read
It’s time for the BIG READ in our town. I have participated in this two other times. The first time we read ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ by Harper Lee. The second time, which was last year, we read ‘The Things They Carried’ by Tim O’Brien. I had read ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ before. I had not read ‘The Things They Carried’ before. Both were enjoyable. Our library hands out free copies of the book that is chosen at set times at every branch, right before the read starts, which is typically November. We also have events, talks and author visits. It’s usually a lot of fun.
The NEA BIG READ is: ‘ An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Showcasing a diverse range of contemporary titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives, the NEA Big Read aims to inspire conversation and discovery.’
You can read more on their website if interested:
http://www.neabigread.org/about.php
So on this chilly Monday morning, I grabbed my grandson, who is visiting, and headed to wait in line at the library to get my copy. While waiting in line with some older folks, a lady who recognized me from my teen years, she was a parent of a classmate, informed me of who she was and who I was, and then ignored me with all the other ladies in line. Everyone was talking about the other reads that had been done. I tried to politely join the conversation, but was ignored. The very nice man behind me said to me, “Honey, those ladies don’t like long-haired hippies……….time hasn’t changed too much. Don’t you let them bother you.” I smiled back. Another very nice gentleman was waiting by the door for the library to open and inquired if I was a worker, or if I knew what time it opened. I told him no, but I pretty much live here. He then explained he was there for a blood drive notice, he was dropping off a paper for a blood drive at the VFW. I informed him that blood donated, probably from a blood drive, save my life. I agreed to the hang of the paper up for him . There are good people. There are kind people. Be kind. Peace.
If you’d like to donate to the VFW
Help America’s veterans by making a generous donation to the VFW. Our programs support our troops while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.
https://heroes.vfw.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1993&ea.campaign.id=49903&ea.tracking.id=homepage
