SoIN Big Read Discussion

The Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana (AASI) along with various regional partners will held a press conference to kick off the SoIN Big Read at 11 a.m. Oct 5th at AASI, 820 E. Market St. in New Albany.

“We are thrilled to kick off the SoIN Big Read with our partners, The Floyd County Library, Jeffersonville Township Public Library, Harrison County Public Library, Jeffersonville Public Art Commission, and Community Action of Southern Indiana,” said AASI Executive Director Brian Bell. “The SoIN Big Read will promote a regional community reading event of The House on Mango Street.”

Over 1,000 copies of the much-heralded novel, which was written in 1984 by Sandra Cisneros, will be distributed at no cost at locations throughout Southern Indiana. Each SoIN Big Read partnering organization will host book-related programming, including book discussions, workshops, and podcasts with the intention of fostering engagement and discussion of the book.

“The House on Mango Street approaches the complexities of living life and growing through struggles of cultural, social, and gender challenges. It is a book for everyone,” Bell said. “We have chosen this title because of its broad spectrum of relatability to a diverse community. The sharing of stories that expose struggle and aspiration in everyday life connect us and strengthen community. This is our intent with our Big Read.”

Two large community projects – Hashtag Trees and Dream and Anchors Project – centered around the book will take place over the next few months. For more information about the SoIN Big Read, visit www.soinbigread.com.

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