During November Hope College is sponsoring a community-wide reading and discussion of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Among events featured are a lecture by Hope College history professor Fred Johnson, a discussion of the book by a panel at Hope Church, and a showing of the film based on the book.
Hope College associate professor Fred Johnson will open the Big Read with a keynote address in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall on Monday, November 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Titled, “Bathing in the Sunshine of Despair,” his lecture will examine the historical reality that was the foundation and setting for To Kill a Mockingbird.
On Wednesday, November 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hope Church Judy Parr will moderate a discussion of the novel. Whether you are a teenager or a golden-ager, whether you’ve read the book or are beginning to read it, all are invited to learn more about this masterpiece of American literature. Come with your questions and your comments. We will consider what made the novel an immediate and long-time best seller, examine its themes of innocence and experience, justice and injustice (and more), and reflect on the book’s continuing relevance into twenty-first century America.
On Tuesday, November 11, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. the Knickerbocker Theater will show the film version of To Kill a Mockingbird staring Gregory Peck. The free film will be followed by discussion at Hops at 84 East 8th Street.
If you are interested, read To Kill and Mockingbird and attend events of Holland’s Big Read. For more information about other Big Read events in Holland, click here.
~Judy Parr, Adult Education Ministry