The Big Read: Fahrenheit 451, Fall 2008
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
Fahrenheit 451 is a compelling science fiction novel that tells a gripping, disturbing, and poetic story of a society gone awry in which firemen burn books and the state suppresses learning. Meanwhile, the citizenry sits by in a drug-induced and media-saturated indifference. More relevant than ever a half-century later, Fahrenheit 451 has achieved the distinction of being both a literary classic and a perennial bestseller.
The Big Read provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.
Full Schedule of events:
| Event | Hosts | When | Where | Details |
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| Banned & Burned: An Open Public Forum on Censorship | Kristin vanNamen, in partnership with WordSpace | Tues. Sept. 30, 7 PM | Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth St., Dallas, 75214 | FREE
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| "Banned Book" Week provides the platform for a round-robin reading and public discussion regarding the role of books, censorship, and intellectual freedom in America against the visionary backdrop of Fahrenheit 451. Join members of the community by picking up a book from our available selection and reading an excerpt or sharing your insights. Books will be available at the library to facilitate discussion. Led by writer and educator (UTD, UTA) Kristin S. vanNamen. | ||||
| The Big Read Two Day Read-a-thon of Fahrenheit 451 | Fri. Oct. 3, 7 - 11 PM & Sat. Oct. 4, 7 AM - 11 PM | Java Ranch, 200 S. Collins St., Sunnyvale | FREE, but have a cup of joe! | |
| One great book and a gourmet cup of coffee. Join members of the community for this two-day Read-a-thon. You can stop by, pick up your FREE copy of Fahrenheit 451 (while supplies last), and order your gourmet to go, or enjoy a bit of leisure reading in this hometown java-inspired venue. | ||||
| Kick-Off Talk and Reception | featuring Karen Joy Fowler | Tues. Oct. 7, 7 PM |
Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave, Mesquite | FREE
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An evening with New York Times Best-Seller Karen Joy Fowler, author of Artificial Things, Black Glass, and The Jane Austen Book Club, which was recently adapted to film. She is the recipient of the Nebula Award, World Fantasy Award, Commonwealth Award, and the Samuel Goldwyn Award for Screenwriting. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the reception. |
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| Science Fiction Authors Panel | Thurs. Oct. 9, 7 - 8:30 PM | Mesquite Library, North Branch, 2600 Oates Dr., Mesquite | FREE | |
| Science fiction authors will discuss topics and themes in relation to the genre of science fiction. | ||||
| Movie in the Park: Fahrenheit 451 | Sat. Oct. 11, Dusk | City Lake Park, 403 S Galloway Ave., Mesquite | FREE
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| See the 1966 film adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 at City Lake Park. Enjoy a book fest and free concessions; bring lawn chairs and blankets. Fahrenheit 451 Readers Guides and Audio Guides will be available while supplies last. | ||||
| Writers' Block/Professor's Corner: Ray Bradbury | Led by Prof. John Lewis | Sun. Oct. 12, 1 - 3 PM | Paperbacks Plus, 6115 La Vista Dr., Dallas | FREE |
| The Writer's Garret's Writers' Block features John Lewis, Ph.D., leading a talk on Fahrenheit 451 as a part of The Big Read: Mesquite. Lewis is a former SMU Associate Professor of English and the film critic for the Dallas Observer for over 20 years. | ||||
| The Big Read Movie Matinee: Fahrenheit 451 | Mon. Oct. 13, 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM | Mesquite Arts Center,1527 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite | FREE
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| Watch the 1966 film adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 at the Mesquite Arts Center. The Arts Center will provide free Fahrenheit 451 Readers Guides, Audio Guides, popcorn, and lemonade - or you can bring your own. | ||||
| Panel Discussion: François Truffaut's Fahrenheit 451 | featuring Prof. John Lewis | Wed. Oct. 15, 7 PM | Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite | FREE
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| Prof. John Lewis, Ph.D. will lead a panel discussion of François Truffaut's film adaptation of the novel. | ||||
| Readings by the Young Lone Stars Writing Contest Finalists | Winners of the Young Lone Stars Contest | Mon. Oct. 20 -Wed. Oct 22, 7 PM | Starbucks, 1645 Town East Blvd., Mesquite | FREE |
| Finalists of the Young Lone Stars Writing Contest will be reading their essays, poems, and works of fiction created in response to Fahrenheit 451. | ||||
| Inspired by Bradbury: Presentation & Panel Discussion | John Cordova | Thurs. Oct. 23, 7 PM | Mesquite Library, North Branch, 2600 Oates Dr., Mesquite | FREE
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| Graphic novelist David Hopkins will present the very personal and professional ways in which Bradbury and his work have inspired new generations of writers and readers over the years, including Bradbury's role in the early history of comic books. Hopkins is a comic book writer, an essayist, and a regular contributor to D Magazine and the Smart Pop Series from BenBella Books. Moderated by John Cordova. | ||||
| Round Table Discussion: Speak Up and Speak Out! The Readers Respond | Thurs. Oct. 30, 7 PM | Java Ranch, 200 S. Collins St., Sunnyvale | FREE, but have a cup of joe!
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| We want to hear from you, the reader. Join us for a round table discussion. Tell us your thoughts and opinions, debate the major themes, or come in to listen to this lively conversation that is sure to be in motion. Discussion led by local science fiction writer/reader Patrick Holmes. | ||||
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Mesquite Arts Council/Arts Center is sponsoring Mesquite's The Big Read in partnership with Mesquite Fire Department; Mesquite Independent School District; Public Libraries in Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Dallas, and Balch Springs; members of the Mesquite Rotary Club; and The Writer's Garret. The Mesquite Arts Council is funded in part by the City of Mesquite-Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds, Members, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Texas Historical Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and First State Bank. Media sponsorships include The Dallas Morning News, Mesquite News, KERA 90.1, WRR 101.1, and KEOM 88.5.