October 1st-31st, 2009
One Book One Community
Presents
by Ray Bradbury
Available at Manhattan Public Library:
Regular Print
Large Print
Audio Compact Disc of Radio Play
Book Discussion Kit
Also available at participating local book stores:
Dandelion Wine: A Nostalgic Romp
By Marcia Allen, Collection Development and Processing Manager, MPL
The 2009 book selection for Manhattan's One Book, One Community reading program is Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. One Book is a month-long community-wide event for adults and older teens, held during October, and will feature conversations, book discussions, and programs that complement the book and its rich themes. Members of the One Book selection committee feel that this book is one that will resonate strongly with the people in Manhattan.
In 2000, the National Book Foundation awarded Ray Bradbury the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Bradbury's masterpiece, Dandelion Wine, written in 1957, is a semi-autobiographical novel brimming with the joys of childhood and set in fictitious Green Town, Illinois (a replica of Bradbury's own Waukegan), during the summer of 1928. Young Douglas Spaulding, who has just escaped the cares and routine of the school year, has before him all the freedom of a childhood summer. His adventures allow us to relish small town daily life in the past. There are strong references to passing time, as Douglas enjoys a summer relatively free of responsibility but also realizes that this is a fleeting time in his life. His thoughts turn to age and death, just as other older characters in the book worry about lost youth.
In an introduction to the book written by Bradbury in 1974, the author alluded to the memories of his youth that he had saved up, hoping to "contact the older person I became to remind him of his past, his life, his people, his joys, and his drenching sorrows." Bradbury also referred to the book as a celebration of both life and death.
Please join with others in the Manhattan community as we explore Bradbury's past and perhaps our own. Experience the humor of a child's observances, as well as newly discovered sadness. Chuckle at Bradbury's clever literary allusions and marvel at a delightful and nostalgic read. Grab a copy of Dandelion Wine and let's learn what makes this book a perennial favorite.
Discussion Questions
About the Author
Ray Bradbury Read Alikes (PDF file)
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629 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Flappers, Flyboys, and Flivvers: 1928 in Riley County
Cheryl Collins of the Riley County Historical Museum
Tuesday, October 6
7:00 p.m.
Morning in Kansas
Ralph and Mary Ellen Titus offer background and context for Ken Davis' 1952 novel, "Morning in Kansas," a fictionalized memoir of Manhattan in the first half of the 20th century.
Sunday, October 11
2:00 p.m.
Manhattan Discusses “Dandelion Wine”
Marcy Allen, Collection Development Librarian MPL
Tuesday, October 20
7:00 p.m.
Events are held in the library auditorium and are free and open to the public.