The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in the novel “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” by Christy Lefteri, winner of the 2020 Aspen Words Literary Prize.
"The Beekeeper of Aleppo" is also available through:
- Pitkin County Library: place a hold here
- Explore Booksellers: find it here
- Bookbinders Basalt: contact here
Community Read 2020 Events
Moving through the summer, a lineup of curated events will seek to spark meaningful discussion about the issues explored in the story, including the global refugee crisis.
BOOK PICK-UP at PITKIN COUNTY LIBRARY | Wednesday, July 8 | 3:00-5:30pm MT
Come say hi! Between 3-5:30pm on Wednesday, July 8, registered participants can pick up their free copy of the novel in front of the Pitkin County Library’s main entrance on Mill St. We will have a tent and tables set up, and we look forward to seeing you in person. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing measures. Can’t make it on July 8th? If we don’t see you in person, we’ll automatically place your book in the library foyer, organized on carts by last name. You’ll be welcome to pick it up from the library any time during our operating hours, Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, noon-6pm.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB | Thursday, July 23 | 5:00pm MT
Gather with fellow book lovers, via Zoom, to share your thoughts about "The Beekeeper of Aleppo" and discuss the novel's questions and themes. Register here!
AUTHOR TALK WITH CHRISTY LEFTERI | Thursday, July 30 | 12:00pm MT
Join us for an engaging conversation with award-winning author Christy Lefteri and Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur. The discussion will go beyond the book with Qutaiba Idlbi, Syria fellow at the International Center for Transitional Justice, who will share his insights and experiences as a Syrian refugee in America. Register here!
BEYOND THE BOOK | Happening in August - stay tuned!
The Community Read’s Beyond the Book event intends to take the social issues raised in “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” and activate them in the everyday lives of Roaring Fork Valley residents. Please stay tuned; information on the event, date, and time will be forthcoming.
*Note – due to the ongoing threat of Covid-19, specifics on the nature of this event are to be determined. Please check back for updates.
