"A Novel Idea... Read Together"
Through “A Novel Idea… Read Together,” thousands of Deschutes County residents share the common bond of reading
a selected book and participating in related cultural and literacy events each spring. This program is supported 100% by
donations and grants.
Deschutes Public Library proudly announces the 14th annual celebration of “A
Novel Idea…Read Together,” the largest community read program in the state of Oregon. Each year “A
Novel Idea” brings together thousands of Deschutes County residents to read, discuss and attend a variety of free
cultural and author events at the Library’s six branches and at partnering businesses. With this year’s selection
of
Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi
, the Library anticipates the highly successful program’s continued growth.
“Once again the ‘A Novel Idea’ selection will take us to new places and times,” says Community Relations
Manager Chantal Strobel. “Books selected in the past have taken readers from Afghanistan to the Manhattan, and Papua
New Guinea to Japan, as well as to time periods that span centuries. Homegoing promises to not only take readers
to new places, but to bring new ideas and topics into the conversation,” she continued.
“The growth of ‘A Novel Idea’ has been remarkable,” says Strobel. “Back in 2004, our first
year, we were thrilled to have 600 people participate. Last year we had more than 6,000 people take part. It’s really
a testament to the community’s commitment to literature as well as to their growing desire to be life-long learners.”
“A Novel Idea” kicks off on Saturday, April
8, at 2:00 p.m. at the East Bend Library with a conversation exploring cultural appropriation, led by artist
and speaker Jason Graham (aka, MOsley WOtta). What follows is four weeks of
programs that explore and expound upon the themes
and ideas found in Gyasi’s widely acclaimed novel.
“The free programs are designed to enhance the readers’ experience by providing a common forum in which they
can discuss ideas, discover culture, create art and explore similarities and differences in a safeand neutral environment,”
says Liz Goodrich, lead project coordinator for “A Novel Idea.” “This year we’ve curated a range
of historical and cultural programs that look at the role of storytelling in Ghanaian culture, the experiences of black
pioneers in early Oregon, the transatlantic slave trade, African American literature, and so much more. We of course include
book discussions and documentary film screenings, as well,” says Goodrich.
The events culminate with a free presentation by author Yaa Gyasi Sunday, May 7, at
4:00 p.m. at the Bend High School Auditorium.
A book signing follows Gyasi’s presentation. Tickets are required for the free event and become available on April
15 at www.dplfoundation.org or at any Deschutes Public Library.
Reader’s guides will be available at each of the public libraries in Deschutes County beginning March 22. Free book
club kits are available upon request—and while supplies last—by calling 541-312-1032.
About the Book: Homegoing
The New York Times bestselling novel Homegoing begins with the story of two half-sisters, separated by forces beyond
their control: one sold into slavery, the other married to a British slaver. Homegoing traces the generations of
family who follow, as their destinies lead them through two continents and three hundred years of history, each life indelibly
drawn, as the legacy of slavery is fully revealed in light of the present day.
About the Author: Yaa Gyasi
Yaa Gyasi was born in Ghana and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds a BA in English from Stanford University and an
MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she held a Dean’s Graduate Research Fellowship. Her short stories
have appeared in African American Review and Callaloo. Homegoing is her debut novel.
About the Donors
“A Novel Idea” is made possible by generous donors: Oregon Cultural Trust, Capsugel, Oregon Arts Commission,
The Bulletin Oregon Humanities, The Roundhouse Foundation, William Smith Properties, Pacific Power Foundation, the E.H.
and M.E. Bowerman Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, and The Friends Organizations of the Deschutes Public
Library. This program is supported by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust. Deschutes Public Library Foundation receives
support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the state of Oregon and the National Endowment for the
Arts.
For more information about A Novel Idea, please contact Liz Goodrich at (541) 312-1032 or
lizg@deschuteslibrary.org.
Past "A Novel Idea" Selections
Page Last Modified Wednesday, March 8, 2023