Library launches annual town-wide reading event
By GuestBy Bernard Mendillo
In 1939, the Gallup Poll asked Americans, “Have you read Gone with the Wind?”
About 88 percent of people said they had. The gang at Gallup knew this couldn’t be right and realized it was the way the question was phrased that was the problem. Obviously, people were embarrassed to admit they hadn’t read it. So they changed it to: “Are you planning on reading Gone with the Wind?” That time about 22 percent of people said yes. By asking if they were planning on reading it, they gave the respondent power and took away fear.
In that vein then, I admit I haven’t read Lessons in Chemistry — yet.
I plan on reading it by the end of April so that I can fully participate in and enjoy Canton Reads 2024. (I have seen the wonderful series on Apple TV, so feel free to cheat. But — let’s face it — it’s not the same as reading the actual book, and people I know who have read the aforementioned book tell me that the TV series does depart in many ways from the novel.)
At any rate, it’s sure to be a fun thing to do.
“We are excited to announce that the Canton Reads book this year is the bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus,” announced Library Director Andrea Capone. “Read the novel and meet Elizabeth Zott, a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention in 1960s California, whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. And we’re happy to present a full slate of fun and informative events at the library — all free of charge — in May.”
Many copies of Lessons in Chemistry are available to borrow at the library, and the book is also available to purchase on Amazon.
A complete and detailed listing of free events can be found on the Canton Public Library website (library.canton.ma.us), where you can also register for any events you’d like to attend.
“We love how this works,” said Carolyn Elkort, community outreach librarian, who heads up Canton Reads. “We encourage the entire community to come together through the reading and discussion of a common book. I like to think of it as a four-week celebration of the joy of reading. We do all we can to offer a wide variety of programs that will be interesting and informative — which are inspired by the themes and issues of the book — from teaching chemistry to making bread. We really try to cover a lot of ground.”
Highlights of Canton Reads events in May include:
* Sourdough Starter Workshop with Sourdough Brandon on Wednesday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Learn how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter.
* Introduction to Induction Cooking with Chef Tom on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Induction cooktops are the next generation of electric stovetops. They are more energy efficient, faster, and safer than traditional coil burners.
* Cookbook Club featuring Lessons in Chemistry: The Unofficial Cookbook — Motherhood and Molecules: Nourishing Tales from Elizabeth’s Kitchen, from the ‘Perfect’ Lasagna, Chicken Pot Pie, the Garden Galette and Many More on Tuesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
* Book discussions on Monday, May 20, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m.
* Retro Polatin Band presents “Swingin’ 60s: Women Find Their Voice” on Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. When it comes to the early days of rock ’n roll, some of the most pioneering and powerfully influential figures were women.
* Women in STEM with Professor Tracy Rosebrock on Tuesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. An assistant professor of biology and health science at Stonehill College, Dr. Rosebrock is a scientist and public health professional with 20 years of experience in the biological and epidemiological bases of infectious diseases. She has uncovered novel mechanisms of bacterial and viral pathogenesis, discovered new diagnostic criteria, and quantified the effectiveness of combinatorial antibiotic therapies for tuberculosis.
* Delvena Theatre Company’s production of Meet Julia Child! on Thursday, May 30, at 1 p.m. in the Community Room. A live performance featuring Lynne Moulton as Julia Child on the set of The French Chef, doing what she did best!
“We’re so happy that Canton Reads has become an annual event,” said Elkort. “Each year it’s different, presenting new ways to enjoy reading.”
“Not only does it get people to read, which is always a good thing,” added Capone. “It also brings the community together.”
Everyone is encouraged to read Lessons in Chemistry and to take part in as many activities as they can.
(I’m happy to report that I now own a real copy of the book, which means I’ve got to get cracking. I wonder if they have Cliff Notes?)
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