Indian River County Reads!
A Community Read Event Featuring A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith
October 8th through November 17th, 2007
Let’s get together as a community and read one of the best historical novels about Florida ever written!
“In this best-selling novel, Patrick Smith tells the story of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons. The story opens in 1858, when Tobias MacIvey arrives in the Florida wilderness to start a new life with his wife and infant son, and ends two generations later in 1968 with Solomon MacIvey, who realizes that the land has been exploited far beyond human need. The sweeping story that emerges is a rich, rugged Florida history featuring a memorable cast of crusty, indomitable Crackers battling wild animals, rustlers, Confederate deserters, mosquitoes, starvation, hurricanes, and freezes to carve a kingdom out of the swamp. But their most formidable adversary turns out to be greed, including finally their own. Love and tenderness are here too: the hopes and passions of each new generation, friendships with the persecuted blacks and Indians, and respect for the land and its wildlife. A Land Remembered was winner of the Florida Historical Society's Tebeau Prize as the Most Outstanding Florida Historical Novel.”
Participants can take part in live book discussions held at the Indian River County Main Library, on-line book discussion forums, celebrate Florida’s Crackers Cowboy Heritage at Cracker Day and view a special screening of a DVD produced by Patrick Smith and his son.
Books Discussion Group
IRC Main Library History Room
Every Thursday October 11th through November15th at 6:00
Call for chapter discussion schedule.
On-Line Book Discussion
http://irclibrary.proboards107.com
Want to participate but can’t make it into the Library. Meet us on-line!
Cracker Day at the Library
IRC Main Library
Sunday, November 11th 12:00 to 4:00
Come on down for a rip roaring good time as we celebrate Florida’s Cracker Cowboy! See a Cracker Cowboy re-enactor, hear local historians talk about our area’s contribution to Florida history, crafts for the kids and more!
Tween and Teen Book Discussion
IRC Main Library
Friday November 16th 6:00
Middle and High School Students are invited to a special book discussion event just for them. Join us for a fun and educational event. Pizza will be served. participants will be expected to have read the book.
A Special Screening of “A Sense of Place” featuring Patrick Smith
Vero Beach Book Festival
November 17th, Time TBA
Travel with Patrick Smith to learn about a "Florida Cracker" heritage. Find out how working in a migrant camp led to his novel "Angel City," which helped change the lives of migrant workers. Visit Seminole Indians who have a unique respect for nature. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with local historians.
For more information on any of these programs call Patti Fuchs at 772-770-5060 ext 4132 or e-mail pfuchs@irclibrary.org.