Fallbrook reads Steinbeck

Get out your yellowed and ragged copies of John Steinbeck novels because he is the featured author for the Friends of the Fallbrook Library’s second annual Community Read. “I think that we all benefit from reading good literature,” said Professor Jim Hall, chair of this year’s event. “Perhaps it helps us have a wider appreciation of the complexities of our world.”

Area residents are encouraged to read “East of Eden,” “Travels with Charley,” “Cannery Row,” or any of the writings of this legendary American author who was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962. Several community events, which are designed to inspire and inform, are also scheduled to coincide with the Read.

The Community Read commenced with the March 1 opening of a Steinbeck photo exhibit at Café des Artistes. The photo exhibit, on loan from the Center of Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University, takes visitors on a journey though Steinbeck’s life and also includes a photographed portion of the “Grapes of Wrath” manuscript.

Jim Hall, professor emeritus from Northwestern University in Chicago, has long appreciated Steinbeck’s work, and his admiration has grown since his involvement with the Community Read. He was drawn to re-read some of Steinbeck’s earlier works, thus gaining a greater appreciation of the author.

A Steinbeck biography written by San Diego author Jackson Benson was an inspiration to Hall and helped him “get to know” the author a little better. “I wish I had known John Steinbeck,” said Hall, “because I think that he and I would have sat around, drank a few beers and had a good time.”

Community Read events

• March 1-April 29: Photographic exhibit, Café des Artistes, 103 S. Main. Open Monday though Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• March: "Steinbeck Country" landscape paintings of the late Dorothy Finley at the Fallbrook Library

• March 12-mid April: Fallbrook Fine Art Gallery and Pinnell Gallery, 124-128 N. Main — "Monday Plein Air Painters" exhibit.

• March 14 and 21, 7 p.m .: Lectures by Professor Jim Hall in the Salon Room, Cafe des Artistes, 103 S. Main. (Note: Seating is limited; please call (760) 728-3350 for reservations.)

• April 1-30: Fallbrook Library — Fallbrook Art Association members exhibit landscapes that are reminiscent of scenes from Steinbeck's books. Brandon Gallery — exhibit of Steinbeck-related works

• April 3, 1:30 p.m .: Film “Cannery Row,” starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger, Mission Theater. Admission free.

• April 8-10: Journey to Steinbeck Country — hotel, meals, and tours included. For further information call (760) 723-1893.

• April 10: Film “East of Eden,” starring James Dean and Jo Van Fleet, Mission Theater. Admission free.

• April 14, 1:30 p.m .: Book Talk — Jim Hall will lead discussion of the works of Steinbeck, FPUD community room, 990 E. Mission.

• April 29, 11 a.m .: Grand Tradition — Friends Annual Luncheon and silent auction. For further information call Jerri Patchett, (760) 723-8635.

Copies of the selected Steinbeck books are available through the Fallbrook Library, Bottom Shelf Bookstore, Chubby Chix, Café des Artistes and Major Market. The Community Read is sponsored by Paul Garrett’s Better World Together Foundation.