DC Public Library discussion

Today is the first day of DC Reads! Our book this year is Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. DC Reads is a DC Public Library literacy program that promotes reading for pleasure by having city-wide celebrations focusing on one book. Our goal is to appeal to a wide audience--high school students and adults of all ages--to generate in-depth questions and discussion. DC Reads uses various artistic means to discuss, display, entertain and celebrate the joy of reading.

There will be a lot of DC Reads events all over the city From October 15 - November 15. I've listed some highlights in our Library News thread, including Dr. Nafisi's readings, but you can see them all on the library's calendar.

This is a space for us to discuss Reading Lolita in Tehran together.

Kate's right about DC Reads, the goal is to appeal to a wide audience, and as far as appealing to a wide audience, Reading Lolita in Tehran fits the bill.

There are so many different ways for us to approach this book. We can discuss the importance of classics like Lolita, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, and works by Henry James. We can discuss the importance (to all of us) of book groups and literature in general. We can discuss the political implications of this book: the importance of freedom of the press and the written word; or gender roles in transitional societies like Iran and others; or gender roles in our own society.

This discussion is wide open, and we encourage everyone to post what this book made them think and/or feel about any of these topics and more.

Bring on the discussion; any and all topics will be entertained!

Just a reminder that Azar Nafisi will be at the West End Library for a reading and book signing tonight at 6:30.

Also, for anyone who missed Persian chef Najmieh Batmanglij at MLK last night, check out the recipe for the delicious pistachio and pomegranate meatballs she served.