All book clubs are invited to join in one great “extravaganza” discussion and exploration around The Soloist on Saturday, March 13 from 1pm to 3pm at the Dana Branch Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave. Special guest will be Lisa Jackert, MA, board-certified music therapist. Those not affiliated with any book club are also invited to the event, which is sponsored by Book Addicts Anonymous.
“Book Addicts Anonymous is a laid-back book club with as many men as women members,” said Mary Barton, founder of Long Beach Reads One Book. “When we decided to offer this event to the public, there were so many relevant themes it was a challenge to pick one that would make this a unique event.”
“As we looked at other Book Week events, we decided the music element combined with mental health were intriguing and relatively unexplored themes from The Soloist,” said Barton. “When Lisa Jackert agreed to discuss the topic, we were thrilled. She has tremendous background on both themes. So we designed it not only for readers, but for musicians and for people who just enjoy music.”
Time will be spent discussing the book, how it came to be written and published, the author’s style, the role of Long Beach in the book and more.
This event is also designed to raise awareness of local organizations that need assistance in dealing with the issues raised in the book. Attendees are requested to bring a non-perishable food item, which will go to Food Finders, and a gently read book which will go to “Send a Book on a Journey,” offering books to people experiencing homelessness. There is no admission fee. In order to have enough chairs and refreshments, RSVP is requested by calling (562) 433-0074.
