This year, our book selections are all about exploring the American Dream and how it looks different for people across the United States. The American Dream is often described as the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve a better life through hard work and determination. However, how attainable this dream feels depends on many factors, and it can look very different for people from diverse backgrounds.
For some, the American Dream has been close at hand, something they’ve felt able to achieve. But for others, reaching their dreams has been a tougher journey, marked by sacrifice, struggle, and resilience. Through this year’s books and our discussions, we’ve been able to reflect on what success in America truly means and to hear about the unique challenges people face in pursuing it. However, there are still countless stories left untold. The American Dream is a complex thing, and every person and community experiences it a bit differently.
If you’re interested in seeing these perspectives come to life, the Kruizenga Art Museum can help! In partnership with Big Read Lakeshore, KAM has curated a collection of artworks that reflect these varied experiences, offering us a way to visually engage with the themes we’ve been reading about. Through this combination of art and literature, we can gain a more nuanced view of what it means to seek, achieve, or redefine the American Dream.
This collaboration creates an opportunity for us all to explore and appreciate the rich diversity of stories and dreams that make up our country, inviting empathy and reflection along the way.
The Kruizenga Art Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and admission is free! When you stop by, be sure to check out the handout they created to highlight and give background to the pieces in the Big Read collection!