One Book Holyoke Launches Reading Program Series

    This March 11th, One Book Holyoke will launch its third community-based reading program in which everyone in the city will be encouraged to read the same book over the coming months.

     The Care Center's grassroots reading program is a project that collaborates with many community groups and organizations* to encourage reading as well as foster community development through the lessons learned from the books.  The program spotlights literature as a universal art form that leads readers to the pleasures of imagination, creativity, and the thrill of learning. While reaching out to the city as a whole, One-Book Holyoke also targets adult new readers including immigrants and adults who are returning to school for basic literacy skills.

    All interested parties are encouraged to engage in this fun and educational project that crosses race, class, educational and economic lines.  Parents, especially are encouraged to bring their children and serve as examples of enthusiastic readers for the future generations.

    This year, the featured book will be When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago. Discussions, a film series, a dramatic reading and a visit by the author are some of the events scheduled during the 8-week reading period to encourage readers to reflect on the themes and questions raised by Santiago's work.

   When I Was a Puerto Rican, a classic coming of age memoir, speaks to the experience of cultural migration, adaptation and the struggles and challenges of assimilation. In this book, Santiago uses lyrical language to describe a Puerto Rican childhood that was full of tenderness as well as grim poverty.  

    Santiago is the author of three best-selling memoirs: When I was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman, The Turkish Lover; and of the novel, América's Dream. Santiago is also an award-winning screenwriter and essayist. Her adaptation of Almost a Woman for PBS Masterpiece Theatre: The American Collection won a George Foster Peabody Award.

    For a schedule of events or more information visit www.onebookholyoke.org. You may also contact Tzivia Gover, 532-2900 or info@onebookholyoke.org.

* The other organizations involved are Holyoke Community College and the Holyoke Community College Library, The Holyoke Public Schools, Juntos Adult Basic Education Collaborative/HPS and Pathways to Family Success/HPS, Career Point/HCC Adult Learning Center, Nueva Esperanza, Holyoke Public Library and the Friends of the Holyoke Public Library, Wistariahurst Museum and Enchanted Circle Theater.