The Big Read Lynchburg

The Maltese Falcon First Edition Cover, 1930 -- Wikipedia

Julie Rivett, granddaughter of Dashiell Hammett, will discuss The Maltese Falcon at 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 1 in the Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center.

Rivett’s appearance is the keynote event for The Big Read Lynchburg, organized by Amazement Square in partnership with the Lynchburg College Library. A coffee and dessert reception will follow. Rivett will be available to sign copies of The Maltese Falcon and her writings. A limited number of free copies of The Maltese Falcon will be available.

Rivett’s presentation, “Why Read The Maltese Falcon?”, will include facts about the book, how Hammett’s life and times influenced his novel, the book’s links to history, culture, and philosophy, and why this novel is considered one of the most important and enduring works of fiction.

Rivett actively supports her grandfather’s literary legacy by writing, editing, and speaking about Hammett and his literary works. Her knowledge about Hammett has been collected from a childhood memory of him, conversations from his family and friends, studying his private and public writings, and research on his life. Rivett helped edit two Edgar Award nominated books: Selected Letters of Dashiell Hammett: 1921-1960 and her mother’s memoir Dashiell Hammett: A Daughter Remembers.

The Big Read is a community-wide literacy initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The program provides citizens with the opportunity to read, discuss, explore, and discover a single book within their community. The Big Read is an initiative of the NEA in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

Other Big Read events at LC are (These events also will be listed at Appomattox Calendar):

Thursday, February 4

Book Exchange. Exchange up to five gently used books and mingle with other book lovers. Free copies of The Maltese Falcon available. Daura Gallery, Dillard Fine Arts Center, 4 p.m.

Monday, February 8

Discussion of The Maltese Falcon led by Robyn Williams, public services librarian, Lynchburg College. Book copies and supplemental materials available. Room 231, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall, 7 p.m.

Friday, February 12

Murder Mystery Game. Participate in a speakeasy murder mystery game for all ages hosted by Alpha Psi Omega, Lynchburg College theatre honorary society. Music by Square Peg jazz ensemble. Refreshments. Library, 5 p.m.

Friday, February 19

Out of the Past. Classic noir film, featuring femmes fatales, a doomed private investigator, and a smooth heavy played by Kirk Douglas. Introduction by Dr. Ken Wagner, assistant professor of sociology, Lynchburg College. Hopwood Hall Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 23

Discussion of The Maltese Falcon led by Dr. Ken Wagner. Book copies and supplemental materials available. Room 231, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall, 4 p.m.

For more information about the Big Read Lynchburg event, please visit the Big Read Lynchburg Web site.