For this year's Orem Reads, the Orem Public library is inviting the community to return to classic fantasy, or to try it for the first time. In an effort to help readers understand and appreciate the works they choose to read, the Library has invited local scholars to present on J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Ursula Le Guin, Lloyd Alexander, and medieval fantasy (Beowulf and the Arthurian legends). Materials from Lloyd Alexander's personal study will be on display at the Orem Library, thanks to a loan from the BYU Special Collection Library. The Orem Library also wanted to take the opportunity to introduce readers to some of the excellent fantasy authors writing today by bringing writers from the top of their fields. Brandon Sanderon, James Dashner, Brandon Mull, Berin Stephens, Stephen Gashler, Greg Park, Dave Wolverton, Julie Berry, and Allyson Condie will share their thoughts and books with the community during September and October. Other arts groups like the Utah Lyric Opera Soceity, Wasatch Ballet, Resonance Story Theater, and Timp Tellers have also volunteered to share their talents with performances inspired by classic fantasy stories. The series will kick off the evening of September 21 with a program by New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson.

Share Your Thoughts

Share your experiences or your thoughts about this year's books at the Orem Big Read Blog!

Special Thanks

In addition to the generosity of the presenters, these programs are made possible by funding from the Utah Humanities Council Book Festival. The Utah Humanities Council promotes understanding of human traditions, values, and issues through informed public discussion. The City of Orem's CARE grants also make possible the free public productions by Resonance Story Theater and the Utah Lyrical Opera Society. Additional support for the Orem Reads program in local schools was provided by Walmart, Macey's Market, and Harmons Grocery.