Big read kicks off

For the kick-off event of The Big Read in Blount County, the Center for Strong Communities presents a Lunch and Learn at Maryville College with a discussion about this year’s book selection, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
The community conversation with college faculty will focus on literary and cultural perspectives of Hurston’s 1937 publication. The program will be held Oct. 1 at House in the Woods on the Maryville College campus. Guests are invited to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for a casual lunch, with a $5 donation for those who wish to eat.
The program is open to the public, but the Center for Strong Communities asks that you RSVP, by calling (865) 273-8894.
The presentation begins at 11:50 a.m. and will be moderated by Rev. Dr. Billy Newton, with two speakers from the Maryville College faculty.
Dr. Kelly Battles, who teaches English and literature, will speak on narrative qualities of Huston’s writings and the idea of “voice” and “voicelessness.” Dr. Battles currently teaches Their Eyes Were Watching God in a literature class at the college.
Dr. Frances Henderson, who teaches political science and has a background in African studies and women’s studies, will discuss cultural issues, racial and feminist overtones, and the controversies associated with the book.
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 made possible by a grant to the YWCA Knoxville in conjunction with the Knox County Public Library.
Organizations participating in this year’s Big Read in Blount County include Blount County Public Library, Blount Education Initiative, Blount County Schools, Martin Luther King Center, Maryville College, Maryville Schools and Alice Burrows, community volunteer.
For further information about other Big Read programs or services, call the library at (865) 982-0981 or visit the Web site at www.blountlibrary.org or call Blount Education Initiative at (865) 273-1210.