Nevadans encouraged to read ‘Friendly Fallout 1953,’ 2011 book selection
HENDERSON,Nev.– Nevada Reads, the state’s first statewide community group read, recently announced “Friendly Fallout 1953” by Ann Ronald as the 2011 selection. From August to November, groups and organizations throughout the state will meet to participate in discussions, programs and events surrounding the book. Henderson Libraries will participate in Nevada Reads with an event with the author on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. at Paseo Verde Library – located at 280 S. Green Valley Parkway.
This year, the theme for the four-month-long event is “Nevada Reads: Nevada’s Explosive Atomic Past,” keeping the event truly in house. Ronald, the author, is foundation professor emerita of English at the University of Nevada, Reno and was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame in 2006.
The book, “Friendly Fallout 1953,” combines the actual history of atomic tests in theNevadadesert in 1953 with fictional vignettes that explore the test’s impact on the people who participated in them and the civilian residents downwind from the blasts. The stories are told from the perspective of military personnel, scientists and ranchers, among others, to bring to life a turbulent era when Cold War fears, patriotism, scientific ambition and popular excitement often collided with the welfare of ordinary citizens and the environment.
Residents can get involved in Nevada Reads in various ways including starting a new book group, or selecting it for an existing group, to read and discuss the book; hosting a book discussion; joining a participating book group at a library; and attending events such as author meet-and-greets, the Atomic Testing Museum’s traveling exhibit and panel discussions.
Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School Districtand all other libraries around the state to provide quality service forNevada’s residents.
For additional information on Nevada Reads, contact Nancy Cummings at nroot56@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/NevadaReads. For upcoming Nevada Reads book groups and events at Henderson Libraries or for more information on Henderson Libraries, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.