Health & Fitness
One Book One Watertown – ROCKET BOYS
One Book One Watertown community read at Watertown Free Public Library
In 1998, the Washington State Center for the Book hosted the first community read. Communities all over the United States have increasingly embraced this notion of civic unity through the reading of literature. There are now statewide, citywide, countywide, and even country-wide reading programs.
In 2008 Watertown Free Public Library held its first One Book One Watertown event. This year for its fourth consecutive program, the Library has chosen "Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.
"Rocket Boys" is a uniquely American memoir – a powerful, luminous, coming of age story in the late 1950s. It tells of a mother's love, a father's fears, and a group of young men who dreamed of launching rockets into outer space. With the grace of a natural storyteller, NASA engineer Homer Hickam paints a warm, vivid portrait of the harsh West Virginia mining town of his youth, evoking a time of innocence and promise, when anything was possible, even in a company town that swallowed its men alive. It’s a book for teens and adults to enjoy and share.
Find out what's happening in Watertownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A popular 1999 movie was made of Hickam’s story. For a clever twist, the movie title is an anagram of the book title. Figure it out!
Copies of the book, posters announcing related events and bookmarks with special dates are all over the Library. Patrons are encouraged to read the book over the summer and be ready for all the events coming up.
Find out what's happening in Watertownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Besides several fall book discussions for teens and adults, the Library has planned the following special programs:
Aug. 11, 6-8 p.m., Gore Place in Waltham
Rocket Launch and Family Picnic. Cheer Watertown Cub Scout Pack 30 as they launch their rockets. Bring your own picnic. Dessert provided.
Sept. 17, 11 a.m., Watertown Free Public Library
“Go For the Stars”, a multimedia presentation for all ages.
Sept. 21, 3:30 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library
Museum of Science Rocketry Program, pre-registration required.
Oct. 2, 2-4 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library
Screening of film with Jake Gyllenhaal
October exhibit, Watertown Free Public Library T. Ross Kelly Family Gallery
Children’s outer space art
