The Big Read

During the Fall Semester of 2014, Chhange, in partnership with The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), held the community-wide initiative, The Big Read. Thousands of people from across NJ came together to read the novel, In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez, and participated in book discussions, film series, lectures, and events, creating a community-wide conversation.

Local high school students, middle school students, college students and community members participated in the semester-long series of events. Chhange partnered with Brookdale Community College, as well as other community partners, to present dramatic readings, prominent guest speakers, panel discussions, and art exhibitions in Lincroft, Red Bank, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Manasquan and Wall.

Programs focused on the themes of the novel, which set is in the Dominican Republic during the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Middle school students participated by reading Alvarez’s book Before We Were Free.

Event highlights included a keynote address by Julia Alvarez on Brookdale Community College’s Lincroft campus, a dramatic reading of a play adapted from the novel at the Two River Theater, and an art show at the Monmouth Museum, featuring Dominican artist Carlos Frias. Additionally, Anna Diaz-White, executive director of 180 Turning Lives Around, discussed the book’s themes from a local perspective. 

The purpose of the NEA Big Read is to “revitalize the role of reading in American popular culture and inspire all citizens, young and old, to participate.” Chhange’s 2014 Big Read was a successful reflection of that purpose, and brought people from all walks of life together in a dynamic way.