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. It is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is the book chosen for the Howell County project. Written in 1990, “The Things They Carried” is considered one of the finest books written about the Vietnam War. Merging memoir and fiction in interrelated stories, O’Brien examines the war from a variety of perspectives to make sense of his platoon’s experience. During the months of October and November organizations throughout the county will be participating in activities including library programs, community discussions, themed presentations, exhibitions and films. For a full schedule of events visit the web site at www.wpARTS.org.
