Community Read 2019: The Witness Tree - Amy Pendino
Through the community read, audience members will hear Minnesota author, Amy Pendino, read an excerpt from her debut novel, The Witness Tree. They will then have the opportunity to partake in an author-led discussion. In addition, two of the library book clubs will read and discuss The Witness Tree prior to Amy's visit. We will also provide 30 free copies to community members to read in the month prior to Amy's visit, creating a shared reading experience across a broader section of our population.
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Participants will learn from the author how she put together a book that intertwines the past and the present. In having so many diverse individuals read the same book, participants will feel more connected and have a common point of communication with others who have read the book. Further, by reading a historical novel that touches on the generational impact of Midwestern small town living, immigration, and racism, participants will have a broader understanding of and compassion for those who come from diverse backgrounds. Writers and students in attendance will glean knowledge of the writing process, particularly in areas of research. Participant evaluations and anecdotal responses will be collected.
While 26 individuals attended the author event, an additional 17 engaged in scheduled book club discussions, and we know of at least 67 community members read the book. The Witness Tree was one of the rare community reads we've hosted where patrons felt compelled to comment on the book when they returned it. In fact, we had several patrons who had never attended an author visit who decided to come to Amy's presentation because the book spoke to them. Throughout the course of the community read, which began on October 1 with the distribution of books, we had ongoing conversation with patrons. Some of those centered around racism and immigration. Outside of planned events, several individuals reported engagement with other readers in the community that dealt with our past treatment and ideology of race and how that looks different--and similar--today, as well as how little and how much progress has been made, and what we have to do to ensure that we don't "teach" prejudice to younger generations who "don't see race." One attendee reported that her attitude had changed because of the program. Specifically, that she would "be more open to differing opinions." Another stated that what she loves about community reads is "all the conversation" it creates. A third patron wrote that "programs like this add to the quality of one's life." As the host of the event, this is exactly what we hoped would happen. Writers and students in attendance were able to ask how Amy chose certain aspects of her book to write about. Discussion took place regarding what a Witness Tree actually is and why it was important in the way the story unfolded. Further, Amy addressed the question of using real events, places, and individuals in writing fiction. The feedback further showed that hearing the author read excerpts from her book made a tremendous impact on their understanding of the book and their emotions toward the book as a whole. Some even changed their mind from "I didn't like the ending" to "I love this book now. Amy read it far differently than I was reading it on my own." Others who already loved the book stated that they had a "deeper understanding" and "greater appreciation" for the story. Book club discussions were robust and had a depth that often doesn't happen with casual reads. Some discussions centered on tolerance versus acceptance, and prejudging others based on our life experiences or expectations.
KJOE Radio, Friends of the Library, Pipestone Arrow, Public Access Channel, Pipestone Area School