Arts & Entertainment
Author Makes Stop in Winchester
Author Alan Khazei stopped by BookEnds Monday night and Tuesday night, longtime Winchester resident Katrina Kenison will be at the bookstore.
Being aware that we have the power of citizenship, of grass roots political campaigns, of making the gallant voice of the burdened few heard over the clamor of the normal political rabble, is, according to Alan Khazei, overlooked by many Americans.
The idea that American citizens have the power to complain about change, or conversely, lack thereof, and turn their voice into social and political upheaval, is at the core of former senatorial candidate, social entrepreneur and author, Khazei's book, Big Citizen.
Khazei is the founder of City Year, a non-profit program for 17-24-year-olds who are interested in getting involved in community service around the Boston area and beyond, the program now stretching across 16 major cities including Johannesburg, South Africa.
Khazei was in Winchester Monday night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at BookEnds to talk about his political ideals that he writes about in Big Citizen.
"We need a new way to deal with our problems," stated Khazei, "It's either more government or less government in Washington, and I don't think it's that easy, that's why I think people are upset with our political climate."
Big Citizen deals with the "role of the citizen" and how they can get involved politically. The book especially focuses on such major crises as poverty - Khazei mentioned that currently 14.3 percent of the country now lives below the poverty line.
Volunteerism and awareness is another core value stressed in the book, what Khazei calls, "efforts for change." Khazei urges for pro-active citizenship and committing yourself to the betterment of your surrounding social scene through volunteerism and communal efforts.
Khazei's lessons for change and his co-founded City Year program, celebrate the cliche', as the author said, "the more you give, the more you get."
BookEnds Author Series doesn't end with Khazei. Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., BookEnds will be hosting author Katrina Kennison, writer of the popular novels Mitten String For God and The Gift of the Ordinary Day. Kenison was a long-time Winchester resident who will be coming back to sign and talk about her books.
