Hattiesburg is Reading ...
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea has become a classic coming-of-age novel. Originally published as a young-adult fantasy novel in 1968, Le Guin's adventure tale proved so imaginatively engaging and psychologically profound that it captivates readers of all ages.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American popular culture. The Big Read brings communities together to read, discuss, and celebrate books and writers from American and world literature.

A great book combines enlightenment with enchantment. It awakens our imagination and enlarges our humanity. It can even offer harrowing insights that somehow console and comfort us. Whether you're a regular reader already or making up for lost time, thank you for joining The Big Read.

(Quoted from the National Endowments for the Arts "The Big Read" website.)

• New Images from the Big Read Kick-Off •
• Film and Essay Contests Announced •