This year’s Big Read selection is Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by cartoonist Roz Chast, a deeply personal memoir about facing her parents’ final years. The Wichita Public Library and partnering organizations are putting on events throughout March and April, starting with the kick-off on March 12 at the Advanced Learning Library. From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. there will be music, dance, art and free copies of Chast’s memoir while supplies last. More Big Read events are at bigreadwichita.org.
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Tallgrass Film Association and Wichita State University are hosting a mini film fest with similar themes to Chast’s memoir. It starts with the romantic drama The Notebook on March 16. Next up is the sci-fi drama Robot & Frank on March 23, and on March 30 there’s the comedy The Farewell, which tells the story of a Chinese family dealing with the imminent death of their sick grandmother. All screenings start at 5:30 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library. Free tickets can be reserved at bigreadwichita.org.
KMUW is also partnering with the library to present a special Big Read edition of Wichitalks. Even when there’s a theme — like this year’s focus on death and end of life — you can never know what stories to expect. Ten presenters will give quick talks — just 5 minutes each — on something they’re passionate about. I imagine there will be a few tearjerkers. It’s at 2:00 p.m. on April 2 at Roxy’s Downtown. Click here for details.
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Music: "Slotcar" by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
CC BY NC