The Big Read 2013

Come Face to Face With Greatness. Read a Classic.

Experience the roaring twenties with The Big Read 2013 book, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Join the community in reading this classic now and discussing it during The Big Read, Feb. 1–March 2. Attend one of 29 programs centered around the book.

The Big Read is an effort to encourage our community to be productive, civically active and healthy. Good readers make that happen. Join your library and citizens across the county for this community reading experience and help combat the decline of civic, social, cultural and economic engagement that occurs when people spend less time reading.

Despite the fact that the book is a slim 200 pages, The Great Gatsby is still considered a touchstone of modern American fiction.

The Great Gala at The Great Overland Station

Embrace your inner flapper and join Topeka as we celebrate the end of The Big Read with our Gatsby inspired Great Gala.

KC Jazz Singer Angela Hagenbach Takes You Back to the 1920s

Jazz Artist Angela Hagenbach enchants audiences around the world, and on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 3–4:30pm, you can hear the story of The Great Gatsby through her live jazz performance at the library. No tickets required.

All Booked Up: The Great Debate over The Great Gatsby

Even the classics aren’t totally free from criticism. Librarian Kathy takes aim at The Great Gatsby, while her co-host Diana stands up for this novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Watch the gals disagree in this edition of All Booked Up.

If You Liked The Great Gatsby, You’ll Love These Reads

Here’s a book list for all you Gatsby lovers out there. Feed your hunger for the wealth and glamour of the Roaring Twenties with these read-a-likes to The Great Gatsby. You will find flappers have all the fun! It’s mostly fiction, but we threw a few nonfiction titles in there as well.

“Gatsby” Expert Kirk Curnutt Delves into Fitzgerald’s Life Feb. 17

The Great Gatsby, considered the “Great American Novel,” has been adapted for the big screen four times in the 20th Century, with a new version coming to theatres in May. Kirk Curnutt offers you a multimedia presentation Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1pm.

The Big Read 2013 Schedule of Events

The Big Read will move you beyond reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Attend one or more of these events to experience the Roaring ’20s, discover more about the author, enjoy amazing jazz from the era, learn about other interesting people from 20s, experience art from that time, watch a film or participate in a book discussion.

About The Big Read Book: The Great Gatsby

What makes up the American Dream? Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald certainly had an opinion of that dream in the 1920s. The Great Gatsby is his interpretation of it and its limitations.

Discussion Questions for The Great Gatsby

The Big Reads aims to have the whole community reading and talking about The Great Gatsby. Read through discussion questions for your book club’s discussion, or ponder your own answers to these questions while you are reading along with fellow community members.

About The Big Read

The community is invited to experience the Roaring Twenties by reading the “Great American Novel” The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald as part of The Big Read. Learn more about this community reading initiative.

Wonderstruck: The Big Read Book for Kids

Acquaint yourselves with The Big Read book for kids. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is set in the 1920s – just like The Great Gatsby – and it’s a journey of two lost children whose stories collide as they search for a place to belong. See if your child will be struck by the story. Synopsis inside.