For 15 years, Golden Isles Arts & Humanities has presented The Big Read in partnership with Marshes of Glynn Libraries and the College of Coastal Georgia, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. This wonderful two-month-long literary and arts celebration is centered on the community reading one selected book and coming together for a variety of programming for both adults and children (with a “Little Big Read” featuring a similar themed children’s book) that includes talks, films, plays, lectures, and art exhibits that reflect the themes of the book. Past books have included diverse selections such as Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
When The Big Read returns in February 2023, it will be a little different. Coastal Georgia is stepping out of the umbrella of the NEA program and will be offering a modified program of events through the Brunswick-Glynn County Library, St. Simons Island Public Library, and College of Coastal Georgia. The 2023 book selection is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This “comedy of manners” had immediate success when it was first published in 1813 and has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. With engaging characters like vivacious heroine Elizabeth Bennet and proud, brooding beau Mr. Darcy, Austen’s sparkling wit brings to life this romantic clash and the larger world of Regency England.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Jane Austen Appeal
Whether we call her Emma, Elizabeth Bennet, or Miss Dashwood, Taylor Crawford looks like she stepped out of a modern adaptation of any Jane Austen novel. Her sheer kimono with embroidered back, white cami top and jeans are from Ronne's on Market Street. She wears jewelry from Joseph Jewelers, including morganite dangle earrings with a diamond embellished rose gold setting, an elegant cameo ring, and a cabochon cut rose quartz brooch necklace and ring set from their estate collection. Coastal Glam styled Taylor's hair and makeup.
With multiple film and television adaptations of the novel, including Colin Firth’s iconic portrayal of Darcy, and several other works by Austen to enhance, contrast, or compare, there is certainly ample material for The Big Read. We can’t wait to see what programming they have up their sleeves! Check the websites for Golden Isles Arts & Humanities (goldenislesarts.org) and the Marshes of Glynn Libraries (moglibraries.org) as well as the EIL website and online calendar for more information about The Big Read and the events associated with it and let’s read together!
