Oral Exam

We've got to figure that The Milagro Beanfield War -- a story as rare, joyful, mysterious and full of life as a Truchas sunset -- was a real no-brainer pick by Mayor Hick as this year's One Book One Denver read. But because the Southwest classic by John Nichols (pictured)...

By Michael Roberts

October 27, 2006

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We've got to figure that The Milagro Beanfield War -- a story as rare, joyful, mysterious and full of life as a Truchas sunset -- was a real no-brainer pick by Mayor Hick as this year's One Book One Denver read. But because the Southwest classic by John Nichols (pictured) has been gathering dust on the shelf for more than a few years, perhaps some of us need to brush up before we're ready to engage in intelligent discussion about it.

Well, miracles do happen overnight. Stories on Stage is rushing in with an event that will put you on the right path -- a marathon power read of the book, scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. on October 28 in the lounge at Belmar's Laboratory of Art and Ideas, 404 S. Upham Street, in Lakewood. There, a host of voices, including Tony Garcia of El Centro Su Teatro, Lab director Adam Lerner, and CU-Denver's Mark Heckler and Gillian Silverman, will join audience members in a gratis cover-to-cover reading of the book, which is better than the movie. What a fine way to revisit a fine yarn.

Admission is free, and coffee and pastries will be served; call 303-934-1777 or go to Belmarlab.org for more details. -- Susan Froyd

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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