A guest column by Jud Ashman, Mayor of Gaithersburg.
Let’s take a quick break from politics and policy and talk about things that there’s at least a chance we can all agree on: what reading books can do for us and why you should join us at the Gaithersburg Book Festival (GBF) on May 20th.
If Adam were writing this piece, he would, no doubt, point to academic studies showing the correlation between reading books and educational attainment, financial success, brain health, and emotional well being. Maybe he’d even break it up into a 3-part series. (LOL) But I’m going to make a simpler, more intuitive case.
Reading is an exercise in empathy. It’s the closest we can get to seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, because that’s what reading forces us to do. And in this way, it enlarges our world and our understanding of each other. It makes us better friends, neighbors, citizens, and people.
Long before Wes Moore was our Governor, he became a best-selling author with his book, “The Other Wes Moore.” And here he is, presenting that book at the 2010 GBF. (Somehow, he hasn’t aged even a bit!)
A few months ago, my City Manager handed me a book that would end up impacting the way I see the world, as the best books tend to do. This wasn’t the first time she or I had recommended a book to the other, but it was the first time one of us had gone so far as to actually purchase one and place it in the other’s hand. I got a sense that I’d better read it!
Invisible Child
The book was, “Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City,” by New York Times investigative reporter, Andrea Elliott. In a remarkable feat of immersive journalism, the author follows the daily plight of a homeless family – two parents and eight children – in New York City. Elliott practically became part of the family, all but embedding herself with them for eight years.
At the heart of the story is Dasani, the eldest daughter, a young teen full of personality, charm, and moxie. We see Dasani care for her siblings and navigate complex relationships with her parents, who genuinely love their kids, but also suffer from substance abuse and, likely, mental health challenges. We observe Dasani’s life at school, her life in various shelters, the obstacles of getting from place to place on the New York transit system, and the challenges of finding food and attaining stable housing. Opportunities for advancement are scarce for Dasani, but when they do arise, the central question of the book becomes, ‘Will Dasani break free from the cycle of poverty?’ The story, while gut-wrenching, is also utterly compelling (not to mention, instructive from a public policy standpoint).
Andrea Elliott
“Invisible Child” garnered the Pulitzer Prize, and was named one of the New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year, among numerous other accolades. For me, it reshaped my worldview, deepening my understanding of those experiencing homelessness caught in the vicious cycle of poverty. It immediately occurred to me that a conversation around a book like this is exactly the kind of program we want at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. So, after reading it, I reached out to the author and invited her. Good news: I’m happy to report that Andrea Elliott will be with us on May 20th to present “Invisible Child” to you and the rest of our community. (The book will be available for sale on site, and Ms. Elliott will be happy to sign it for you!)
You should come be part of this program. Seriously.
The Larger Point: What the GBF Brings to Our Community
While “Invisible Child” is an important story, it’s not the only one. There will be many, many other types of stories, discussions, and ideas to enrich our lives coming our way on May 20th at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Stories for kids, teens, and adults; stories for people who enjoy history, mystery, sports, poetry, SciFi, cooking, humor, romance… you name it.
Among the more than 130 authors coming from all over the country to meet our community are:
- Dave Barry – legendary Pulitzer Prize winning humorist
- Meg Medina – the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
- NPR anchors Mary Louise Kelly and Ari Shapiro
- Washington Post humor columnist Alexandra Petri
- Award-winning children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford
- Best-selling thriller writers David Ellis, Alex Finlay, and Brendan Slocumb
- Teen/YA authors Angeline Boulley, Nick Brooks, and Jeff Zentner
- Amina Luqman-Dawson, winner of the Newbery Medal and the Corretta Scott King honor
- And many, many, many more!
As reading “Invisible Child” impacted me and enlarged my life, there’s a good chance that one or more of the terrific writers coming to GBF could be presenting a book that impacts the way you see the world. Or the way your kids see the world. This is an outstanding cultural opportunity for everyone.
Furthermore, as you know, there are communities in this country that seek to ban books – perhaps, out of fear of what that empathy and fuller understanding of each other will bring – but it is notable that our community comes together each year to do just the opposite; we celebrate books and embrace their creators. This will be the 14th year of the GBF. It has grown into an enormous event – a day of joy in our community – and I think its success says something good about us. Come be a part of that!
You are Invited!
It’s with all that in mind that I invite you to the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20th. Bring the kids, and bring friends and neighbors. It’s FREE to attend and FREE to park.
Note: while our Festival purposely has “Gaithersburg” in the name, it has always been built and presented as a regional scale event, intended for people across Montgomery County and beyond to enjoy. (Many of our attendees come from other states as well)
In addition to all of the wonderful author presentations, there will be workshops for aspiring writers, illustrators, and poets of all ages; lots of children’s activities and performances; food; tons of exhibits; and book signings.
Our Featured Authors’ books will be available for sale on site, thanks to our bookseller partner, Politics and Prose. And used books will also be on sale, thanks to the Friends of the Library.
Details at www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org See you there!
Jud Ashman is the Mayor of Gaithersburg and the Founder & Chair of the Gaithersburg Book Festival.