Reading Together features a wide variety of programs, including films, exhibits, expert presentations, author visits, and more.
All events are free and open to the public, except as noted*.
Wednesday, February 29, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Dr. Karen Vocke, Western Michigan University associate professor of English education, literacy, and language brings parts of Urrea’s novel to life as she weaves together the literary elements of Nayeli’s story with the realities of immigrant life and the need to belong.
Theme:
Book as Literature
Thursday, March 1, 10:30 am, Oshtemo Branch Library
Examine the origins and development of the main Hispanic population groups in the United States including Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American, and Dominican American. Focus on recurring themes in U.S.-Latino poetry, short stories, and novels.
Themes:
Mexican Culture
Book as Literature
Thursday, March 1, 6:30 pm, Portage District Library
Examine the origins and development of the main Hispanic population groups in the United States including Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American, and Dominican American. Focus on recurring themes in U.S.-Latino poetry, short stories, and novels.
Themes:
Mexican Culture
Book as Literature
Friday, March 2, 6 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Enjoy art work by students from El Sol Elementary, a Kalamazoo Public Schools bilingual (English and Spanish) magnet school serving students in K-5. May also feature Latin American music and dance.
Theme:
Mexican Culture
Friday-Sunday, March 2-4, open hours, Barnes & Noble
Shop at Barnes & Noble during this B&N Bookfair to support Reading Together. A percentage of all net sales at any B&N store or online will be donated for future Reading Together author visits.
Monday, March 5, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
See digital design and photography projects inspired by Into the Beautiful North created by KRESA Education for the Arts students taking the Design for Digital Media class.
Themes:
Mexican Culture
Book as Literature
Tuesday, March 6, 2:30 pm, El Sol Elementary School
Una conversación en español con el autor Luis Urrea sobre sus pensamientos acerca de la diversidad dentro de las culturas latinas en los Estados Unidos.
Tuesday, March 6, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium
Hear Urrea’s reflections on his experience both as a writer and as someone who considers himself “dual culture.” Featuring the music of local Tex-Mex band Los Bandits de Michigan before and after the formal program. Open seating, no ticket required. Books for sale and signing at event.
Wednesday, March 7, 12 pm, Kalamazoo College, Light Fine Arts Building, Recital Hall
Hear Luis Urrea discuss national identity and borders, particularly from his perspective as a dual-culture writer. Learn about his support for the librotraficante movement currently underway in the American Southwest
Monday, March 12, 12 pm, Online at mLive
Join Linda Mah, former Kalamazoo Gazette Arts & Entertainment editor, now the Gazette’s community engagement specialist, and Yvonne Zipp, a Gazette business reporter and a fiction critic for the Christian Science Monitor, to chat about Into the Beautiful North.
Themes:
Book as Literature
Mexican Culture
Immigration
Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 pm, Oshtemo Branch Library
WMU anthropology and environmental studies professor Sarah Hill talks about the challenges of life in modern Mexico, revealing the extent of violence and corruption fueled by the drug trade, and examining the political and social impact of garbage.
Themes:
Mexican Culture
Immigration
Tuesday, March 13, 7 pm, Public Media Network (PMN) Television
Cross Cultural Experiences: Luis Alberto Urrea in Kalamazoo
Watch Luis Alberto Urrea’s March 6th talk at Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium on Public Media Network (PMN) television, Charter TV™ channel 95 or AT&T U-verse® channel 99.
Wednesday, March 14, 1 pm, Public Media Network (PMN) Television
Cross Cultural Experiences: Luis Alberto Urrea in Kalamazoo
Watch Luis Alberto Urrea’s March 6th talk at Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium on Public Media Network (PMN) television, Charter TV™ channel 95 or AT&T U-verse® channel 99.
Friday, March 16, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Watch the 1960 movie classic that inspired Nayeli to head north in search of men who will return to protect her village, Tres Camarones. Stars Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and Robert Vaughn.
Theme:
Book as Literature
Monday, March 19, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Listen to members of the Michigan Organizing Project’s Immigration Task Force share their experiences as new immigrants to southwest Michigan.
Theme:
Immigration
Monday, March 19, 9 pm, Public Media Network (PMN) Television
Cross Cultural Experiences: Luis Alberto Urrea in Kalamazoo
Watch Luis Alberto Urrea’s March 6th talk at Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium on Public Media Network (PMN) television, Charter TV™ channel 95 or AT&T U-verse® channel 99.
Wednesday, March 21, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Enjoy Sierra Negra’s extensive repertoire, crossing boundaries and blending Latin styles. They’ve earned a loyal following making music for the Hispanic community across the U.S. Recent recordings include “Nunca Me Dijiste Adios” and “No Puedo Olvidar tus Besos.”
Theme:
Mexican Culture
Thursday, March 22, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Discuss how the movie The Magnificent Seven ties in with the themes of Into the Beautiful North. Led by Miranda Howard of the Kalamazoo Film Society.
Theme:
Book as Literature
Monday, March 19, 9 pm, Public Media Network (PMN) Television
Cross Cultural Experiences: Luis Alberto Urrea in Kalamazoo
Watch Luis Alberto Urrea’s March 6th talk at Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium on Public Media Network (PMN) television, Charter TV™ channel 95 or AT&T U-verse® channel 99.
Tuesday, March 27, 6:30 pm, Eastwood Branch Library
Hear award-winning author Bonnie Jo Campbell and literature expert Susan Ramsey discuss the characters of Into the Beautiful North and how they help move the novel’s narrative.
Theme:
Book as Literature
Wednesday, March 28, 6 pm, First Baptist Church
Step into the culture of Mexico through food. Savor traditional Mexican dishes created by area cooks. Drop by any time during the event; bring the family!
Theme:
Mexican Culture
Tuesday, April 3, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Public Library
Meet residents of Kankakee, Illinois, the community that features prominently in the culmination of Nayeli’s journey. Hear about their community’s successes and challenges in serving the needs of immigrants. Learn about services offered to immigrants in Kalamazoo.
Theme:
Immigration