Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Reconnaissance Expeditions


Even if you've just begun reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I don't think I'm spoiling anything when I say that Oskar and his father enjoyed playing a game on Sundays together called Reconnaissance Expedition, sort of an advanced knowledge quest designed by Oskar's father with clues that would take Oskar to visit different people and places. 

In the spirit of the novel, several participating locations have developed their own Reconnaissance Expeditions for Gulf Coast Reads.  Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library has designed a photo quest of  local history.  Several branches of the Brazoria County Library are featuring scavenger hunts, including one for kids.  The Katy Branch Library has hidden clues based on the book throughout the library for a month long game. 

Their first clue: 

Oskar carries several things with him on his reconnaissance expeditions. One thing in particular gives him security and confidence. What is the object?

Can you figure it out?

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Gulf Coast Reads Begins

GCR LogoFor book people, having the opportunity to share a good book with a friend or two is one of the many pleasures that come with the reading life. Imagine what it would be like to share one with thousands of friends. Several local library systems and community partners are doing just that.

Today we are kicking off Gulf Coast Reads 2012. During the month of October, we are encouraging everyone to read Jonathan Safran Foer's bestselling novel, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and to join us for book discussions, movie screenings and many other special events inspired by the novel; capped off with a conversation and book signing with the author on October 27.
Unknown Object
Harris County Public Library, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Houston Public, and Montgomery County Libraries are all participating, so there's sure to be something fun and interesting going on at a library near you. Below are just a few of the programs we have planned.

Katy Branch Library
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Scavenger Hunt.
A new "reconnaissance expedition" is released every Monday. Complete all four to reveal the location of a final clue.
All month. Deadline for completion: Saturday, October 27.
Adults
Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Digital Scrapbooking
A 50+ program teaching how to using iPads to put together digital scrapbooks.
Tuesday, October 2
Cover Art: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Seniors
Brazoria County - Freeport Library
Breakfast with a Hero
Have breakfast with a first responder
Tuesday, October 9
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Children
Fort Bend - George Memorial Library
Extremely Live and Incredibly Close: A Readers Theater
Students of Main Street Theater will present a performance-based workshop that consists of a staged reading of selected passages from the novel
Saturday, October 6
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
All ages
Northwest Branch Library
Gandhi Celebration
Enjoy food, books, and films celebrating the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi.Photograph of Jonathan Safran Foer
Saturday, October 13
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
All ages
Kingwood Branch Library
Crisis Events and Stress Management Responses
Dr. Thomas Shane will discuss our psychological and physical responses to events like the September 11 attacks and suggest ways to manage the stress they cause.
Monday, October 15
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Adults
Montgomery County - Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library
Third Thursday Reader Group: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Thursday, October 18
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Adults
Barbara Bush Branch Library
Telling Your Story Through Scrapbooking
Presentation and hands-on activities for ages 12 and up. Tell your story through scrapbooking. Topic: Your Favorite Trip Bring 3 to 5 photos to build a page. Presenter is Sandy Kippes.
Saturday, October 20
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Ages 12 & up
Houston Public - Central Library
Gulf Coast Reads Closing Celebration
A special day of activities including a performance by Main Street Theater, and a conversation and book-signing with the author of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer.
Saturday, October 27
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
All ages

All events are free and open to the public. Keep up-to-date on all things Gulf Coast Reads on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gulfcoastreads