Leader of the Pack

Aurora’s Big Read answers The Call of the Wild.

A A A Comments By Susan Froyd Thursday, Aug 28 2008

The first time I read The Call of the Wild, by Jack London, I was twelve and on a family visit with friends in New Mexico. The book, an elegant old hardback volume that had belonged to their then-grown son, was on the bookshelf in the room where I stayed, and once I made the error of picking it up, I could not put it down. I ended up stealing the book so I could finish it — not cool — but all I can say now is that I, like Buck the turncoat sled dog, heard the call and couldn’t help but surrender to it. It marked the beginning of my lifelong (and uncharacteristic!) love of Jack London adventure stories; whether they were set in the Yukon or the South Seas, I was held prisoner by his dark and fierce descriptions of fights for pack supremacy and hurricane gales.

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Books like this — which appeal to readers of all ages — should never lose their pull, and that’s why I’m glad that the Aurora Public Library chose to highlight it this fall as part of the nationwide community literacy program, The Big Read. Beginning today, an NEA grant will provide funds for an ongoing series of book discussions, panels, presentations, kids’ programs, contests and more, scheduled at libraries throughout the Aurora system. And today at 6 p.m., a free party and talk by Iditarod Teacher on the Trail finalist Laurie Nakauchi-Hawn mushes things off with a bang at the Community College of Aurora student center rotunda, 16000 CentreTech Parkway in Aurora.

Events continue through October 3; for details, go to www.auroralibrary.org or call 303-325-8605.
Sept. 2-Oct. 3, 2008

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What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.