This week in the the literary world revolves around the idea of development by way of meaningful and persistent interaction - also known as encouragement. While encouragement from others can strangely enough be quickly branded an issue of emotional charity, it’s really just a gentle push in the right direction.

• ALOUD Lecture Series: Writing in Ghetto Air | Wednesday, July 23, 2008 | 7:00 pm | Los Angeles Central Library - Map | Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries - an organization designed to assist youth at risk of gang involvement through education - will be holding a discussion with creative writing teacher and novelist Leslie Schwartz, and poets from the program, representing what a little concerted effort chock full of good intentions can do for those seemingly beyond help. For more info, call (213) 228-7500.

• “Reading is Magic”, Children’s Reading Group | Friday, July 25, 2008 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Malabar Branch Library - Map | Two memories from my childhood involve the following: my third grade teacher introducing my class to the world of Roald Dahl, from George’s Marvelous Medicine to Esio Trot and beyond; and sitting on the living room couch with a stack of perhaps fifty Baby-Sitters Club books, reading them from cover to cover during summer break. While there’s nothing wrong with a little video game play or zoning out in front of the television (hello, Wii and PBS Kids), a love of reading within a child comes at the result of cultivation and nurturing. And any former child who grew up in such a manner can attest to the benefit of rising above the muck and attaining relative sanity (however fleeting) - yours truly included.
• Used Book Sale | Saturday, July 26, 2008 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Los Feliz Branch Library - Map | Used book sales are fun enough, but at this particular sale you’ll be gifted the opportunity of making an afternoon out of it, perhaps by stopping by Fred 62 on the way home. If you haven’t experienced either of these delights, I’m tempted to accuse you of not knowing what you’re missing.
• Live from the World Stage | Saturday, July 26. 2008 | 7:30 pm | $7.00 | Beyond Baroque - Map | As part of an extensive program involving workshops, readings, a bookstore, performances, and numerous public events, the good folks at Beyond Baroque present the talents of acclaimed poets Billy Burgos, George McDonald, and Tchikonsase Aje for your listening pleasure - hosted by Jawanzaa Dumasani. For more info, call (310) 822-3006.

Photo by Tom@HK

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