By Nellie Wilcox

Every event needs a plan, but it is the people involved that give it a purpose. The community that shows up whether it is their first time or their twelfth year, makes it extra special. I got to witness this last week Monday at the Big Read Lakeshore Kickoff Event.

Before the event, I had the opportunity to talk with community members and hear their stories of how they got involved in the Big Read. One story that stood out to me was a group of people who have been in a book club together for over a decade, collectively reading the Big Read book and attending the events together every fall. I also talked to a gentleman who read The Great Gatsby in college, but now well into his wise years of retirement, he was curious to learn more about the text and learn from the speakers. 

As a community, we had the privilege to hear from Dr. Kristin VanEyk and Dr. Jeanne Petit and watch a performance from StrikeTime Dance. What makes the people at this event so special is the willingness to be challenged to expand our perspectives. 

Dr. Kristin VanEyk’s lecture, “One Century Later: Why Read The Great Gatsby?” delves into the enduring relevance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Initially off-putting to its earliest readers due to its portrayal of wealthy individuals behaving poorly, the book has become a symbol of hope and the American Dream. Dr. VanEyk highlighted how servicemen found something identifiable in Gatsby, and how the character of Gatsby himself represents the allure and illusion of the American Dream.

The lecture also touched on the themes of inequality and the flawed nature of the characters, emphasizing that not everyone has equal opportunities. The discussion extends to monster theory, exploring how critical theories on monsters can provide insights into our culture, and the idea that everyone has a monstrous side, driven by self-preservation in a system of cheaters. Bringing in an aspect of faith, Dr. VanEyk left us with a reminder that even in the midst of challenges and wrongs, God leaves us with hope.

Dr. Jeanne Petit’s lecture examined the forces disrupting certainty in the 1920s, a decade marked by contradictions and significant social changes. She discussed the growing ethnic and racial diversity, the pushback against these changes, and the increasing power of centralized institutions.

The lecture covered the shift to a majority urban society, political changes during the progressive era, and the impact of World War I. Dr. Petit also addressed the Red Summer of 1919, the Red Scare, and the devastating flu pandemic, all of which contributed to the turbulence of the 1920s. The decade saw significant movements for women’s and minority rights, the rise of consumer culture, and the crash leading to the Great Depression. Through these discussions, Dr. Petit illustrated how the 1920s were a time of progress and profound challenges.

StrikeTime then gave a several part dance performance inspired by The Great Gatsby with a nod to the 1920’s with moves like the Charleston. The two speakers, choreographers, and even dancers then answered some audience questions and dove a bit deeper into parts of their respective contributions to the night.

Overall, this event was a huge success thanks to everyone who participated! From dancers to speakers to audience members, they are what make this event special! 

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