Our Views: Book details Cajun life
 |
| Advocate Columnists |
 |
Print
Email
Save
Reprints
Twitter
Share
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
We like the idea of everybody in a community reading and sharing the same book. We’ve noticed, though, that the books selected for these kinds of programs tend to be a little medicinal. They’re usually earnest titles about important subjects that one feels inclined to read out of civic obligation, not sheer pleasure.
Not so with “Poor Man’s Provence,” which has just been selected as this season’s title for Baton Rouge’s One Book/One Community program. Written by syndicated columnist Rheta Grimsley Johnson, “Poor Man’s Provence” recounts community life in Johnson’s adopted hometown of Henderson, La.
Johnson writes with affection for Cajun country, although like any mature love, her admiration for the region also acknowledges its faults. But Johnson’s book typifies her breezy, conversational style, which makes it ideal as a light summer read.
One Book/One Community is supposed to get everyone in the community reading and talking about the same book. The idea is to promote reading and civic engagement. Sponsors of the local initiative are Baton Rouge Community College, East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Forum 35, LSU, NewSouth Books, Redstick Internet Services, Barnes & Noble and The Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition.
More information about the program is available at http://www.ReadOneBook.org.
Grimsley’s book celebrates the power of community. So does One Book/One Community, which is why we urge residents to participate.
 | ||||
| Most Popular | Most Emailed | Hot Topics | ||
