One City One Book 2014

1C1B logo WebOne City One Book: Walnut Creek Reads is a “citywide book club” that encourages the community to read the selection and participate in a series of events that celebrate the book. The annual choice is typically announced in May-June and the community events are planned in the fall giving the community the summer months to read and enjoy the book. Now in its ninth year, One City One Book: Walnut Creek Reads is presented by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation and Contra Costa County Library. Please sign up for our e news below to learn more. Pastures of Heaven JS

Read the Book!: The Pastures of Heaven by John Steinbeck

To pay homage to Walnut Creek’s farming and ranching roots, this year’s selection for the One City One Book program is John Steinbeck’s The Pastures of Heaven. First published in 1932, The Pastures of Heaven is a short story cycle comprising 12 interconnected stories about a small, beautiful agrarian valley — similar to Walnut Creek in the early 1900s — located near Salinas and Monterey. The stories are written in classic Steinbeck style.  Throughout the book, Steinbeck explores themes familiar to his later works, such as farming in rural America, the importance of landscape, human frailties, and family and marital relationships. He also delves into controversial subject matter such as mental instability and the oppression of Native Americans.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

OPENING EVENT  “A Journey Into Steinbeck’s California” 

Steinbeck CaliforniaSusan Shillinglaw, Steinbeck Center Scholar in Residence Wed, Sep 17   7:00 pm Walnut Creek Library Susan Shillinglaw, author of 3 books about John Steinbeck, offers insight into how landscapes and townscapes influenced John Steinbeck’s creative process and how, in turn, his legacy has influenced modern California. Come learn more about Steinbeck’s California and how he came to write Pastures of Heaven. Seating is Limited. Registration opens on 8/23. shadelands_museumRanching in the Valley Sun, Sept. 21   12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Shadelands Ranch Museum: Living History Center Relive Walnut Creeks history! Families have an opportunity to look at life in the time of Walnut Creek’s beginnings. Free self-guided tours of the Shadelands house, and outdoor activities for children such as games and chores from that era. Light refreshments will be available for sale. Free parking is available in a near-by lot; follow the signs. Pastures of Heaven – Live: Scenes from Octavio Solis’ Play Mon, Sept. 22   7:15 pm Lesher Center for the Arts, Knight Stage Actors will bring to life scenes from Octavio Solis’ play based upon Steinbeck’s book. Tickets are $14. Call 943-SHOW or visit www.LesherArtsCenter.org Steinbeck Center logoDay in Steinbeck Country Wed, Oct. 1   7:30 am to 5:00 pm Steinbeck Center Join us for a docent-led tour of the Steinbeck Center, with a docent-led tour, followed by lunch at the Steinbeck House and a docent-led tour of the house. The $70 per person ticket includes museum entrance, lunch, and bus. Registration will be open from 8/23 – 9/23. BOOK DISCUSSIONS Mon, Sept. 29   10:00 am @ Rossmoor Tue, Sept. 30   7:00 pm @ Ygnacio Valley Library Join others who have read the book in lively discussions.

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