On Thursday, Sep. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Plaza, a kick-off celebration will be held to mark the beginning of an exciting year of events and discussions centered on the Book in Common at Chico State and Butte College this year, The Soloist. This book, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, explores topics such as homelessness, mental illness, and the power of music.
This is the inaugural post for this blog, which is dedicated to sharing ideas and connecting people across the community who have read the book and are moved to talk about the important issues that it raises. To that end, I ask for your comments on directions you'd like to see this blog take. Please post any suggestions you have. I will read all comments, and I hope you'll find this a good place for a lively exchange of ideas, insights, and practical advice.
About Me: Kristen Mahlis teaches in the Multicultural and Gender Studies Program at Chico State. She is writing a book on literature and the Haitian Revolution, and her scholarly work and teaching emphasize social justice.
One of the most important upcoming events is a Town Hall meeting focused on issues of homelessness and mental health in our community (Chico, Oroville, Butte County and environs). The goal of the TH is to inform, raise awareness and search for solutions to the problems we identify. The Town Hall will be held on the CSU, Chico campus in the BMU auditorium on October 14, 2009 from 6:30-9 pm. The Town Hall is being supported by funds form the California State University, CSU, Chico and a number of community organizations. For information check the Book in Common web site at www.csuchico.edu/bic.