Santa Monica Public Library Announces Santa Monica READS 2016 Book Selection: Station Eleven
February 19, 2016 12:00 AM
Santa Monica, California – Santa Monica Public Library is pleased to announce the 14th annual Santa Monica READS book selection: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Santa Monica READS is a community reading program that invites everyone in Santa Monica to read and discuss the same novel in free book discussions and events held throughout the city. This year’s program runs from March 12 through April 16, 2016.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel that tracks a diverse cast of characters before, during and after a global flu wipes out much of human civilization. Straying far from the well-hewn path of following characters as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of a catastrophic event, Station Eleven looks instead into the hearts and souls of its characters and determines that “when there is nothing else, art remains.” The novel begins in the present, as child actress Kirsten Raymonde watches famed actor Arthur Leander die onstage during a performance of King Lear. Outside, the world is being consumed by a virulent flu that will rapidly lay waste to most of humanity. As the layered novel unfolds, author Mandel follows her characters through time, in flashbacks providing back story, in the present as characters realize what is happening, and fifteen years on as Kirsten and other survivors make their way through the broken landscape that remains.
Station Eleven is available now from the Santa Monica Public Library, as well as a resource guide that provides more information on the book, its author and upcoming Santa Monica Reads events. Santa Monica Reads is sponsored by the Santa Monica Public Library, with support by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library and other community, educational and business partners. Please join us for one more of the following events and book discussions:
- Santa Monica Youth Orchestra concert – Our own “Traveling Symphony” drops by this neighborhood branch for a concert celebrating the value of keeping arts alive. Sat., Mar. 12, 2:00 p.m., Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main St.
- The Museum of Civilization and Other Coping Mechanisms – Join us to learn about our Museum of Civilization and hear from UCLA psychologist Stephen Sideroff on the coping mechanisms people use in the aftermath of traumatic events. Tue., Mar. 15, 7:00 p.m., Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Santa Monica Youth Orchestra concert – Our own “Traveling Symphony” drops by this neighborhood branch for a concert celebrating the value of keeping arts alive. Sat., Mar. 19, 12:00 p.m., Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Blvd.
- Twilight in the Altered World: Shakespeare on Station Eleven – Members of Colonials: An American Shakespeare Company discuss the hidden Shakespeare connections readers may miss in Station Eleven, then perform a few Shakespearean scenes. Sat., Mar. 19, 2:00 p.m., Main Library, MLK, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Screening & Lecture: Snowpiercer and Other Graphic Novels – Join us for a short presentation on post-apocalyptic storylines as depicted in graphic novels, followed by a screening of Snowpiercer, a post-apocalyptic film based on a French graphic novel. Wed., Mar. 23, 6:00 p.m., Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Edan Lepucki in conversation with Charles Yu – Homegrown talent Edan Lepucki discusses her post-apocalyptic novel California with Santa Monica-based author Charles Yu. Tue., Mar. 29, 7:00 p.m., Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Family Screening: WALL-E – This animated Disney hit about a waste-collecting robot offers kids a chance to get in on the Santa Monica Reads fun. Wed., Mar. 30, 2:00 p.m., Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- The Beginnings of the End: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction Before Station Eleven – Cal State LA literature professors Robert Latham and Jeffrey Hicks discuss the pioneers of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction. Sat., Apr. 2, 3:00 p.m., Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- How to Survive an Apocalypse – Adventure gear specialists REI join us for this practical demonstration on things you can do to survive any number of apocalyptic scenarios. Thu., Apr. 7, 7:00 p.m., Main Library, Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
- An Afternoon with Emily St. John Mandel – Author Emily St. John Mandel presents an engaging discussion of Station Eleven, followed by a book sale and signing. Sat., Apr. 16, 2:00 p.m., Main Library, MLK, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Participation in a book discussion of Station Eleven is also greatly encouraged. Trained volunteer facilitators lead these free public discussions. Discussions are open to readers of all ages.
- Wed., Mar. 16, 7:00 p.m., Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave.
- Thu., Mar. 17, 7:00 p.m., Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Blvd.
- Thu., Mar. 31, 4:00 p.m., Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St.
- Mon., Apr. 4, 7:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade.
- Sat., Apr. 9, 11:00 a.m., Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main St.
- Wed., Apr. 13, 7:00 p.m., Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd.
- Thu., Apr. 14, 6:30 p.m., Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, 1210 4th St.
- Sat., Apr. 16, 11:00 a.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
The Santa Monica Public Library and all City of Santa Monica facilities are wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to the event. For more information, call the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600 or visit smpl.org.
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Media Contact
Robert Graves
Librarian III Branch Manager
Robert.Graves@SMGOV.NET