Go Big Read Programs at the Library

Go Big Read, UW–Madison’s common book program, is an extended invite to students, faculty, staff, and community members to read and discuss the chosen book. This year’s book titled A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki is “a powerful story about the ways in which reading and writing connect two people who will never meet. Spanning the planet from Tokyo’s Electric Town to Desolation Sound, British Columbia, and connected by the great Pacific gyres, A Tale for the Time Being tells the story of a diary, washed ashore in a Hello Kitty lunchbox, and the profound effect it has on the woman who discovers it.”

This year, campus and high school classrooms, work spaces, and public library discussion groups all over Madison are participating in Go Big Read. Additionally, UW–Madison Libraries are sponsoring multiple events to celebrate and discuss this book. Keep reading for more information about how to attend these thought-provoking programs!

A Tale for the Time Being: A Panel Discussion
Tuesday, October 22
5:30 pm
Memorial Library Commons, Room 460 Memorial Library, Memorial Library

UW-Madison faculty share perspectives on Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being. Speakers include: Timothy Yu, Associate Professor of English and Asian American Studies and Director, Asian American Studies Program; Leslie Bow, Professor of English and Asian American Studies; Morris Young, Professor of English; and Jan Miyasaki, Lecturer in Asian American Studies. Join us for refreshments after the event.

An Evening with Ruth Ozeki

Monday, October 28
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Varsity Hall, Union South

This is the public presentation by A Tale for the Time Being author Ruth Ozeki. This event is free and does not require tickets in advance. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

You are also invited to suggest a question for Ruth Ozeki here! (Questions are due by October 23rd)

Friends of the UW–Madison Libraries Book Discussion
Tuesday, November 5
6:00 pm
Memorial Library Commons, Room 460 Memorial Library, Memorial Library

Join us for a moderated discussion about this year’s Go Big Read book selection “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki. This is a powerful story about the ways in which reading and writing connect two people who will never meet. Japanese tea and refreshments will be available.

For more information about any of these programs, contact gobigread@library.wisc.edu or (608) 265-2755.