Kosciusko Literacy Services announced Dr. Elliot Engel will launch The Big Read in Kosciusko County.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Colleges, schools and the six county libraries are participating.
Community members are invited to read F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and join The Big Read events, including lectures, a speakeasy, book discussions, read-alike children's books, and a bus trip to Chicago.
On March 19 at 6:30 p.m., Engel will present "The Rise and Fall of F. Scott Fitzgerald" at Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center.
Engel reveals how Fitzgerald's turbulent life and brilliant novels perfectly captured the sensation and sadness of the Jazz Age. The entertaining lecture is free, but donations will be accepted. Following the lecture, a VIP reception will be available to those donating $15 to Kosciusko Literacy Services.
Cindy Cates, executive director of Kosciusko Literacy Services, said, "The free lecture is a way for KLS to express appreciation to the many supporters of literacy in Kosciusko County. If you have not heard Dr. Engel before, please come. You will enjoy his lively and dynamic talk on Fitzgerald."
Beginning in mid-March, Kosciusko County will celebrate "The Great Gatsby" with a full calendar of events, beginning with Dr. Engel's lecture. The community is invited to join book discussions at the county libraries or coffee shops. EdCom Expo projects on themes related to "The Great Gatsby" will be eligible for special awards. The Kosciusko County Jail Museum is featuring fashions of the Roaring '20s. Check www.kcread.org for the calendar of events. Copies of the book, bookmarks, audio guides and readers' guides are available in bright yellow bins throughout Kosciusko County.
Originally from Indianapolis, Engel now resides in Raleigh, N.C., where he has taught courses at N.C. State University, University of North Carolina and Duke University. Engel earned his master's degree and doctorate as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at UCLA. While at UCLA, he won the university's outstanding teacher award. In addition for his scholarship and teaching, he has received North Carolina's Adult Education Award, North Carolina State's Distinguished Outreach Professorship and the Victorian Society Award of Merit.
In addition to 260 lectures a year covering more than 50 literary topics, Engel has published seven books, both in England and the United States. Engel has written three plays, which have been produced during the last five years. PBS Television stations around the country aired Engel's mini-lecture series on his favorite author and literary hero, Charles Dickens.
Since 1982, Engel has led more than 1,000 travel enthusiasts to more than 20 countries to enjoy learning vacations.
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. Additional local funding is provided by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko County REMC Operation RoundUp and the Dekko Foundation.
