Albuquerque - Official City Website

"The Big Read"

Join Bernalillo County, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library System, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center in "The Big Read” sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Participating cities nationwide selected one of twelve classics of American literature to read. Bernalillo County has chosen “Bless Me Ultima” by renowned New Mexico author, Rudolfo Anaya and invites you to participate in the biggest book club in the state!

Events

September 2007
Special events will be held through the month of September at community centers, libraries, and book stores.

Wednesday, September 5, 5 -7 PM
Kick-Off Event at Rio Bravo Park

Saturday, September 15, 2 PM @ Main Library
Mike McCartney, a.k.a. Indiana Bones- Indiana Bones tells a dramatic story based on the myth of the Golden Carp. The program begins with a talk by Dr. E.A. “Tony” Mares, Professor emeritus of English and Creative Writing at the University of New Mexico, and wraps up with a vusial arts display of works inspired by "Bless Me Ultima." For more information call 505-768-5141.

Saturday,September 22, 2 PM @ South Valley Library
Dramatic Reading with Jerry Mondragon
Playwright and poet Jerry Mondragon will perform a dramatic reading from the book to highlight the need for yet another generation’s awareness of the effects of our country at war. The program begins with a talk by Dr. E.A. “Tony” Mares, Professor emeritus of English and Creative Writing at the University of New Mexico, and wraps up with a visual arts display of works inspired by "Bless Me Ultima." For more information call (505) 877-5170.

Saturday, September 29, 2 PM
Mike McCartney, a.k.a. Indiana Bones @ North Valley Library
Indiana Bones tells a dramatic story based on the myth of the Golden Carp. The program begins with a talk by Dr. E.A. “Tony” Mares, Professor emeritus of English and Creative Writing at the University of New Mexico, and wraps up with a visual arts display of works inspired by "Bless Me Ultima." For more information call (505) 897-8823.

Saturday, October 6, 6 -8 PM
Closing Event at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

6:00-7:00 PM - Reception w/food catered by La Fonda del Bosque; music; a showing of visual art pieces inspired by the book.
7:00-8:00 PM - A presentation about the Big Read with Special Guests Rudolfo Anaya and David Kipen (National Endowment for the Arts). Following the presentation there will be a short performance by a local theater group based on a passage from the book.

The Story

Rudolfo Anaya's coming-of-age story is about a young boy, Antonio Mares, growing up in Guadalupe, New Mexico during the 1940s. He develops a close relationship with an old woman, Ultima, who comes to live with his family. Ultima is a “curandera” - someone believed to heal people by using natural herbs and magic. Through Ultima, Antonio begins searching for answers to some of life’s most difficult questions.