Darlington sponsors One Book/Many Voices
By Tannika King - Faculty
Over the past three years, Floyd County’s One Book/Many Voices reading initiative has brought renowned authors like Maya Angelou, Sherman Alexie and Paul Rusesabagina to our community. This year, the program will focus on Jay Asher’s novel, “Thirteen Reasons Why.”
“Thirteen Reasons Why” is a compilation of transcripts of audiotapes that 16-year-old Hannah Baker recorded before committing suicide, interspersed with the reactions of Clay Jensen, a high school classmate who listens to them. In addition to calling attention to teen suicide, this compelling story raises important questions about responsibility to oneself and others and the impact of every choice. The book offers great opportunities for meaningful discussion among high school and middle school readers as well as the greater community. Books are available for checkout at the Rome-Floyd County Library and for purchase at the library and Barnes & Noble.
Asher will speak at Georgia Highlands College’s Lakeview Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Sept 23. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Rome-Floyd County Library, the Greater Rome Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and Kroger. Area students are also encouraged to enter a writing contest sponsored by the Rome News-Tribune that is based on their experience reading “Thirteen Reasons Why.” Click here for more information on these and other upcoming One Book/Many Voices events.
Modeled after similar initiatives throughout the nation, One Book/Many Voices is designed to encourage reading, spark discussion and bring the community together through the reading of one great book. Organizers encourage local book clubs, schools, civic organizations and churches to host opportunities for discussion. Participating organizations and sponsors include 100 Black Men of Rome, Barnes & Noble, Berry College, Chieftains Museum, Darlington School, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Power, the Greater Rome Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, NAACP, Pepperell High School, the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, Rome-Floyd Communities in Schools, Rome-Floyd County Library, the Rome-News Tribune, and Shorter College.
