Get Your Read On

Reading seems to be on the verge of extinction, yet it's somehow flourishing like never before. Americans in 2008 read all the time — albeit somewhat distractedly on their computer screens. But is our hardcopy reading more mindful? Not so much. Enter the Big Read, a festival advocating in a loud 'n' proud way for the time-honored, irreplaceable inky pleasures. Taking place today on the campus of Clayton High School (1 Mark Twain Circle) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this free lit fest has stuff for kids, including author readings, poetry workshops, games, crafts and more. Adults get a panoply of authors — such as Kathleen Flinn, author of The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry and local guy Don Marsh — discussing their titles both sober and light. The keynote finale features Scott McClellan, who will talk about his whistle-blowing book on the Bush White House from 4 to 5 p.m. For further information about the daylong fest, call 314-863-0278 or visit www.bigread.net.
Sat., Oct. 11, 2008