NEA Big Read at UCF • Jan 11–Feb 23, 2021
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
The NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. This year the NEA Big Read: Central Florida is pleased to celebrate Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones. Read the press release.
NEA Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.
Seminole County Public Libraries will host daytime and evening book-discussion groups at each of its five branches, for a total of 10 book clubs this year. Additional book clubs are planned at the Orlando Museum of Art, the UCF Africana Studies program, Black Man’s Candor, Afro Artistry, and Lake Correctional Institution.
Kick Off Event • Monday, January 11, 1 – 3 p.m. EST
John C. Hitt Library
Pick up your complimentary copy of Tayari Jones’s Silver Sparrow and learn more about how you can participate in the NEA Big Read: Central Florida. Tables will be located at both entrances to the John C. Hitt Library (near the Reflecting Pond and at the Student Union plaza).
But Before Bone is Skin • January 11 – February 5
UCF Art Gallery Gallery hours: Mon-Thu 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hosted by the UCF Art Gallery and curated by Jonell Logan, creative director for the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, NC, But Before Bone is Skin. is inspired by the themes of Silver Sparrow and features the work of five BIPOC artists whose works explore the spaces of womanhood. This exhibition is on view both in-person and online.
Keynote Address: Jonell Logan • Friday, January 22, 6 p.m. EST
via Zoom
Jonell Logan is an independent curator, arts advocate and creative director for the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, NC. She will discuss the relationship between the visual and literary arts, Silver Sparrow and the ways in which the novel’s themes informed her selection of artists and artworks for inclusion in But Before Bone is Skin.
Artist Panel • Thursday, January 28, 6 p.m. EST
via Zoom
But Before Bone is Skin contributing artists Yanique Norman, Sharon Norwood, Melissa Alexander, Shanequa Gay and Zipporah Camille Thompson discuss their artwork and how the themes of Silver Sparrow inspired their work. Discussion moderated by Shannon Lindsey and Jonell Logan.
A Conversation with Tayari Jones • Tuesday, February 23, 7 p.m. EST
via Zoom
Tayari Jones, award-winning author of Silver Sparrow, talks about her career journey, writing process and themes of her novels. Jones is a New York Times best-selling author of four novels. Her most recent novel, An American Marriage is an Oprah’s Book Club Selection and appeared on Barack Obama’s summer reading list and year-end roundup. Moderated by UCF English lecturer Jason Gregory ’19MFA, the event will conclude with an audience Q&A.
2021 marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of Tayari Jones’ award-winning novel, Silver Sparrow. Jones’ book … offers an excellent opportunity for UCF to bring impactful programs that celebrate the role of literature in our community. Our programming will coincide with UCF’s celebration of Black History Month, and we are working with Africana Studies to bring the Big Read to a new campus audience.
Reading Resources
Interested in hosting a virtual book club? Want to learn more about the book?
NEA Big Read provides author commentary, reading and teaching guides and more.
THE BIG READ @ THE LIBRARY
Seminole County Public Library book clubs will read and discuss Silver Sparrow. All clubs and discussions will take place via Zoom and are free and open to the public.
SCPL Central Branch (Casselberry) – Tuesday, February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. or Wednesday, February 17th at 10:00 a.m.
SCPL East Branch (Oviedo) – Wednesday, February 3rd at 4:00 p.m. or Tuesday, February 9th at 1:00 p.m.
SCPL West Branch (Wekiva/Longwood) – Wednesday, February 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
SCPL North Branch (Sanford) – Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30 p.m.
SPCL Northwest Branch (Lake Mary) – Tuesday, February 23rd at 12:30 p.m.
SCPL West Branch (Wekiva/Longwood) – Wednesday February 17th at 6:30 p.m.
This non-fiction book club will discuss The Milkman’s Son by Randy Lindsay as a complimentary title to Silver Sparrow.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.