Chris Capozzola, Professor of History at MIT, will be the keynote speaker for the kick off of Wilmington Reads The Things They Carried on Wednesday, March 4, 7 pm at the Wilmington Middle School. Professor Capozzola, who has taught the book in his history classes, will discuss its literary and historical relevance. Registration for this event is required and may be done on the Calendar of Events or call 978-694-2099. Photos from programs.
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
About the Book: The Things They Carried, a collection of interrelated short stories, depicts the men of Alpha company in Vietnam. They battle the enemy (or maybe more the idea of the enemy), and occasionally each other. With the creative verve of the greatest fiction and the intimacy of a searing biography, The Things They Carried, is a testament to the men who risked their lives in America’s most controversial war.
About the Author: Tim O’Brien, a native of Worthington, Minnesota, served as a foot soldier in Vietnam form 1969 to 1970, after which he pursued graduate studies in Government at Harvard University, then later worked as a national affairs reporter for the Washington Post.
(Register for programs at our Calendar of Events or call 978-694-2099 to register)
See below for relevant links
Ongoing Wilmington Reads Activities:
Vietnam War Exhibit
An exhibit of Vietnam War memorabilia will be on display in the Bicentennial Room on the second floor of the library during the month of March. This exhibit is presented by John Webster, Veteran’s Agent for the city of Malden. Stop by during library hours and write your comments or questions in the guest registration book.
What Would You Carry?
After you have read The Things They Carried, please take a moment to reflect on what items you might have carried had you been one of the men in Alpha company. Comment cards are available at the reference desk for you to share these thoughts and your response to the book. These cards will be added to the Wilmington Reads book display for others to read.
Wednesday March 4, 7 pm
Wilmington Middle School Auditorium
Wilmington Reads The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Kick Off
Chris Capozzola, Professor of History at MIT will be the keynote speaker for the kick off of Wilmington Reads The Things They Carried. Professor Capozzola, who has taught the book in his history classes, will discuss its literary and historical relevance. Sponsored by the Wilmington Educational Foundation
Thursday, March 5, 7 pm.
Bookends
The library’s monthly book discussion group will discuss The Things They Carried. Come share your questions and thoughts on the book. All welcome!
Saturday, March 7, 2 pm.
Across the Universe
The movie Across the Universe will be shown followed by discussion. An original musical film, Across the Universe is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. A combination of live action and animation, the film is paired with many songs by The Beatles that defined the time (from the Internet Movie Database).
Sunday, March 8, 2 pm.
Harnden Tavern.
The Things They Carried - Before Vietnam
Do you remember World War II or the Korean War? Does reading Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried remind you of your own wartime experiences, either at home as a civilian or at the warfront as a soldier? How does the book's description of the Vietnam War compare to your own memories of earlier wars? Join us at the Wilmington Town Museum at the Harnden Tavern for a discussion of the Things They Carried in a historical context.
Saturday, March 14, 2 pm.
Regret to Inform
The movie Regret to Inform will be shown followed by a discussion. In 1968, Barbara Sonneborn received word that her husband, Jeff, had been killed in Vietnam while trying to rescue his wounded radio operator. “We regret to inform you….began the telegram that arrived. Twenty years later, Sonneborn, a photographer and artist, set out on a search for the truth about war and its legacy. The result is a moving examination of the impact of war over time. *
Wednesday, March 18, 11 am
PageTurners
Buzzell Senior Center.
PageTurners, the library’s monthly book discussion group, will meet with high school students to discuss The Things They Carried. Discussion led by Eric Tracey, High School Principal. All welcome.
Thursday, March 19, 7 pm
Vietnam Vets Respond
The panel will include veterans who served in Vietnam and other individuals who were impacted by the Vietnam War in other ways. They will share their thoughts and responses to questions about their experience and Tim O’Brien’s novel. There will be a brief Friends of the Library Annual Business meeting preceding this program.
Saturday, March 21, 2 pm.
Hearts and Minds
The movie Hearts and Minds will be shown followed by a discussion. A documentary film by Peter Davis confronts United States' involvement in Vietnam. Using a wealth of resources, from interviews to newsreels to documentary footage of the conflict at home and abroad, Davis constructs a powerfully affecting portrait of the disastrous effects of war.* Please be advised that this documentary contains graphic footage that my not be appropriate for all ages.
Monday, March 23, 1 pm.
Wilmington’s Vietnam Memorials
Fred Shine, a former Wilmington resident and Vietnam War veteran, was instrumental in getting the Vietnam Memorials in Wilmington dedicated to the local soldiers who died in this war. He will share his memories about his friends and his efforts to memorialize them.
Saturday, March 28, 1 pm.
Wilmington Reads Reception
The finale program for Wilmington Reads is a tribute to all those who served or lost a loved one in the Vietnam War. Lou Cimaglia, Wilmington Veterans Agent, will discuss the Moving Wall’s visit to Wilmington and John Webster, Malden Veterans Agent, discuss highlights of the Vietnam War exhibit on display at the library. Wilmington High School students will read selected letters from Vietnam soldiers and from soldiers stationed in Iraq. Residents are encouraged to come by and talk with each other about any aspect of the Vietnam War as well as their thoughts on The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Light refreshments will be served until 3 pm.
*Adapted from the Tacoma Reads Together Spring 2008
Learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Reading Group Guides – The Things They Carried
Learn about Regret to Inform – A Documentary about Vietnam
A List of films about the Vietnam War
