WASHINGTON COUNTY READ CHOOSES ITS EIGHTH BOOK
In the deep mid-August heat of the oppressive New Orleans summer of 2005, weather reports give warnings about a huge hurricane swirling in the Gulf. As the news shows it taking aim at their city, two families – one black and one white – must make decisions that will affect them the rest of their lives.
In his book of fiction City of Refuge, Tom Piazza, a New Orleans resident, tells the story as if the reader were there before, during and after hurricane Katrina. This page turner is a must read for all who followed in disbelief the event that happened those several days. “So detailed, so rich with New Orleans atmosphere, and so believable…it’s like living through the storm again. It’s a book that finally explains what happened and why people in New Orleans did what they did.” Baton Rouge Advocate. Piazza’s talents include winning numerous literary awards, writing for the HBO hit series Treme, and winning a Grammy for his notes on American music.
The Washington County READ is grateful to have two leaders of our community as Honorary Chairs: Rev Randy Wells, Executive Director of Faith Missions and Dr. Walter Jackson, Superintendent of Brenham ISD. Wells brings his personal experience of how Katrina brought him to Brenham, and he encourages anyone to share their story of how the hurricane affected their lives by calling Lifetime Learning. Books are available at the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library, Blinn College Library, HEB, and Book Nook. In the coming months, reviews of City of Refuge will be given to various groups in the community. The culmination of the READ will be a free reception at Unity Theatre on October 18th with refreshments and a dramatic reading.
This is the eighth year of the Washington County READ, sponsored by Lifetime Learning. The READ encourages the community to read and discuss one book to bring generations and diverse groups together to enjoy the benefits of reading. Other sponsors of the READ are Unity Theatre, Brenham Banner Press, KWHI-KTEX, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library, Blinn College, and Brenham ISD. If a group or organization would like a review of the book, contact Lifetime Learning at 979-353-1089.