LA VETA- The Two Peaks One Book selection for this year is the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Published on March 14, 1939, the book depicts the hardships of the Great Depression of the 1930s. It is particularly relevant in today’s economic climate, as the book was written as a political treatise chastising individualist self interest and corporate and banking greed. The novel caused an immediate sensation, with close to half a million copies being sold by the end of the year, and libraries had waiting lists that were months long. Steinbeck himself became a public sensation. The book sparked tremendous controversy, and was banned and burned in several communities that figured prominently in the storyline. Others however, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, spoke out in its defense, and the novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1940.
It is not too late to get involved in the Two Peaks One Book program and experience this amazing novel for yourself. Copies are available at the La Veta library, and you can enrich your reading with the following activities:
Get into the feel of the 30s by coming to the La Veta Community Center on Thurs. March 5th from 6 to 8:30 pm for a potluck, (beverages provided) followed by square dancing until 8:30. Beginners are welcome.
On Sunday March 8 from 1 to 2:30 pm the library will hold a movie screening of John Ford’s The Grapes of Wrath starring Henry Fonda. This classic film was produced in 1940, holds well to the book, and was one of the most popular films of pre-World War II Hollywood.
The causes of the Great Depression will be discussed by economist Dr. Tucker Hart-Adams on Thursday March 12th from 7- 8:30 pm. Tucker Hart-Adams is the chief economist for US Bank in the Rocky Mountain region and President of The Adams Group, Inc., an economic consulting firm, since 1989.
Two Peaks One Book wraps up with a final book discussion on Sunday March 15 from 1- 2:30pm.
