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Stoneham Reads 2022

Our Mission

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Stoneham Reads brings people together to discuss a common book to inspire thoughtful conversations, build connections and strengthen our community. 

2022 Book Groups for Americanah

Register Now!

2022 Launch Event Video

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2022 Book Selection

​Americanah explores themes of immigration, race, education and the meaning of home.
Click the button below to register for your preferred Book Group date.
Register Now!
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The fantastic "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
​Find the book here:
The Book Oasis
Stoneham Public Library North of Boston Library Exchange 

From Goodreads: Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland. 

​For more information about Ms. Ngozi Adichie, check out her website.
Registration is open!
​Click the button below to register for your preferred Book Group date.
Register Now!
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What is Stoneham Reads?

Stoneham Reads is a community-building project in Stoneham, MA. All are invited to read the same book and participate in related activities to foster connections, promote an appreciation of our town and have fun. Stoneham Reads seeks to build bridges by promoting reading, critical thinking and community connection. As we join in reading and talking and learning together, we feel we can make Stoneham a better place for all to live.​​
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​​The Stoneham Reads project is a collaboration among town residents and community groups, sponsored by the Stoneham Community Development Corporation, and many other local organizations and businesses. See the full list here.
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​All are welcome!       
In addition to the main book selection each year, Stoneham Reads selects companion books for younger readers and English language learners so that everyone can participate in the annual program.

We're looking for volunteers 

Join our team of dedicated community members. Email us at stonehamreads@stonehamcdc.org and put "Volunteer Interest" in the subject line.

Press Release Continued...
The national bestseller is the story of two Nigerians making their way in the US and the UK. Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today’s globalized world. It raises universal questions of race, belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.
  • Who’s invited: Stoneham residents are welcome – and can also invite and share with anyone living outside Stoneham or Massachusetts.
  • Ways to participate: People are invited to participate by attending virtual book groups in March, April, and May, accessing interactive discussion guides, and posting on social media, Facebook and Instagram. 
  • Pick up a copy: Copies of the book, e-book, and audiobook are available at Stoneham Public Library Library Exchange and local indie bookstore The Book Oasis. 
Mary Shannon Thomas, licensed social worker and treasurer of Stoneham Community Development Corporation, said, "I'm excited to support the Stoneham Reads project because our stories bring people together. Our community is stronger when we learn about each other, and Stoneham Reads creates a space for learning and growth. As a social worker and a reader, I firmly believe that there is always a way to create change so long as there is thoughtful, compassionate communication.”
The first season for Stoneham Reads launched with a book focused on racial history and social justice: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. The inaugural program partnered with community organizations and hosted online book group discussions and participated in Farmer’s Markets and community events. In its first season, Stoneham Reads gave out free books to children and youth with
the theme of racial diversity and education.


About Americanah:
Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time.

Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland – and face the toughest decisions of their lives.

More on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: 
She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus; Half of a Yellow Sun, which won the Orange Prize; Americanah, which won the NBCC Award and was a New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year; the story collection The Thing Around Your Neck; and the essay We Should All Be Feminists. A recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, she divides her time between the United States and Nigeria.

Follow us on social media: 
Facebook StonehamReads
Instagram @StonehamReads

Make a tax-deductible contribution to the program by clicking on the button below.
Donate

Community Sponsors

Stoneham Reads is made possible by generous donations of local foundations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community groups, and individuals. See our full list of Sponsors and Partners here.​
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​Stoneham Reads is supported in part by a grant from the Stoneham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Ways to Partner with Stoneham Reads

  • Publicize events through your networks.
  • Serve as a facilitator of a book discussion.
  • Help plan or host companion events for the community related to the book’s theme.
  • Become a sponsor. Contact info@stonehamcdc.org for more information about sponsorship; please put "SR SPONSORSHIP" in the subject line.
  • Make a donation.
  • For general information, contact us at stonehamreads@stonehamcdc.org; please indicate your interest in the subject line. 
Donate

 

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  • Home
  • About
    • Vision & Mission
    • Why a CDC? >
      • Our History
    • CDC Board
    • Contact
  • Projects
    • Keep Stoneham Beautiful
    • Stoneham Reads >
      • Stoneham Reads 2022 >
        • Sponsors and Partners 2022
        • Leadership & Planning Teams
      • Stoneham Reads 2021 >
        • Sponsors and Partners 2021
        • Stoneham Reads Resources 2021
        • Community Capacity Building 2021
    • Past Projects >
      • Bike Racks
      • Community Films
      • Greenway Amenities
      • Developing Stoneham >
        • Stoneham Town Center Action Plan
        • Doing Business in Stoneham
        • Sidewalk Sign Tips
  • Get Involved
  • Become a member
    • Join Today
    • Organizational Members
  • Support
    • Make A Donation
    • I Love Stoneham T-Shirts