In South Florida, the Miami Book Fair and the Miami-Dade Public Library system are among the participants that will be offering free activities and presentations to explore themes from a selected book.
The Big Read 2024 is a yearly event by the National Endowment for the Arts aimed at broadening our understanding of the world, our communities and ourselves through books.
This year's Big Read programs are scheduled from March 1 through April 30.
So, what's this year's selection? Participants are invited to read “Circe,” a best selling and critically acclaimed novel by Madeline Miller, an epic tale of telling the story of the infamous Odyssey as a female hero. The book will also be given away at several of this year's events.
Wednesday, March 13 at 6 p.m.
First Draft: A Virtual Literary Social with Margot Kahn
Theme: “Wanting: Women Writing About Desire”
Kahn who is a biographer, poet and editor will draw on her national bestseller as well as “Circe” for the writing prompts during the workshop. RSVP here.
Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.
First Draft: A Virtual Literary Social with Tamiko Beyer
Theme: “Poetry as Spellcasting”
The author Beyer will lead you through the process of creating a poem-spell for protection and liberation using rituals of breath and writing to access creativity and intuition. You're encouraged to use a candle or incense, tea or other nourishment, and a Tarot or oracle deck. RSVP here.
Big Read events include book discussions, art workshops and essay discussions to be announced as the schedule evolves. The two-month event culminates with the story book picnic whose the location and date are yet to be announced.
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