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Please enjoy these amazing stories from the community of Book-It patrons who have shared with us Book-It’s impact on their lives and our community.Have a story to tell? Email us at top20@book-it.orgYUM FOR THE MIND AND SOUL!
As a Library staff member I have read the books and participated in the Seattle Reads program from its inception, but I found this particular novel a disappointment on many levels. So I was not expecting much when I came to the show. Afterward, I couldn’t stop exclaiming about how much your production, with its skillful direction, inspired design and moving performances, improved my experience of the novel, revealing its essence in ways that mere reading could not. The whole cast turned in impressive performances, but Myra’s interpretation of the conflicted Judith was the most surprising, transforming my impression of an unlikable written character into a warm and sympathetic woman struggling with duty and desire.
Bravo, Book It! I continue as an enthusiastic fan, bringing new Seattleites in to experience your unique flair and supporting your work with regular donations. Your synthesis of books and theatre rivals the celebrated blends of chocolate and peanut butter or bacon and vodka. Yum for the mind and soul!
SNOW BOUND WITH BOOK-IT
Book-It has offered many great moments to me and my companions over several years of subscription. My husband John & I both have read widely and relished seeing some favorite texts brought to life. Book-It participation has brought many moments of joy and discovery, among which this one has special meaning.
Following an extended illness during which I regularly read to him, John died in early December 2008. I had tickets for My Ántonia in mid-month, but snowstorms canceled the performance, and I rescheduled for a few days later. That day brought more snowfall, but when I called the theatre I learned the show would go on. I bundled up and walked down the Queen Anne hillside to the theatre, joining a few other hardy souls in the lobby who, like me, would risk serious injury to come to Book-It! As we warmed up and made our way to our seats, someone told us that the weather over the recent days had stranded at least some of the cast, notably several young actors portraying the Shimerda children, in places near the theatre and away from their homes.
The rich story unfolded, bringing all of us into the lives of the inter-relating ethnic communities and families in their prairie struggles. The young voices raised in sweet singing of Bohemian Christmas carols during the performance brought rapturous tears to many eyes, even to those of us who observe non-Christian Winter Solstice rituals.
After the end-of-show applause died down, one of the actors invited the audience to join him in the lobby for a tot of Scotch, opening the bottle with a flourish and pouring a bit for those who had braved the elements to share the theatrical occasion. This ceremonial sip armed me to set out on the walk up the hill along car-free streets to my newly empty house, with the snow by now thickly falling and laying a quilt of quiet. As I walked past Kinnear Park in the hush, I heard the sound of distant voices lifted in song -- like those of the Shimerdas' caroling, not quite recognizable except in spirit. Though I don't have traffic with angels, I felt a sense of uplifting wings, and a moment that summoned up the promise of peace.
Thank you, all at Book-It.
Have a story to tell? Email us at top20@book-it.org
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