Editorial
The Story of Many of Us
"GRAPES OF WRATH" IS A WONDERFUL READING ASSIGNMENT FOR THE STATE

Sunday, June 9, 2002

THEIR name was Joad, but it could have been O'Connor or Chen or Fuentes or Nguyen. They were like millions of families who fled poverty for the promise of sunshine and opportunity in California, only to find hostility and new hardships.

"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck is our story. This summer, it's our homework assignment.

Picking up on the popularity of "One Book" reading campaigns across the nation, California literacy groups are asking Californians to read Steinbeck's Depression-era classic and participate in community discussions this fall. California first lady Sharon Davis is supporting the project, along with politicians and Hollywood celebs. The idea is to promote dialogue among the state's diverse people, many of whom share the immigrant experience.

In October, 142 public libraries from Redding to Riverside will be offering "Grapes of Wrath" discussions, lectures by scholars, film programs and family history days to promote the conversation.

In a video-obsessed country where leisure reading is viewed by some as a quaint custom, promoting serious literature is a worthy goal. "Grapes of Wrath" won't speak to everyone, but it's only the first in what could be a series of recommended titles.

Locally, the San Jose Library Foundation and the Santa Clara County Office of Education are planning a similar effort called "Silicon Valley Reads," aimed at next spring. The group is in the process of choosing a book now, so if you have suggestions, contact your local librarian.

In the meantime, pick up "The Grapes of Wrath" -- in English or Spanish. Take it on vacation. Give a copy to a friend. Start the discussion rolling.