With one billion adults - a shocking 26 percent of the world's population - illiterate, getting individuals interested in reading has never been more important.
Members of the Just Buffalo Literary Center in downtown Buffalo created the literature program, "If All of Buffalo Read the Same Book," to fight back against a culture more prone to turning on the television than picking up a newspaper.
Created in 2000, the intent of the center was to create discussion amongst the diverse inhabitants of the Buffalo area. Each year a new book is chosen and promoted to surrounding colleges, high schools, book clubs and other organizations. Among the top colleges involved are UB, Buffalo State College, and Canisius College.
This year's centerpiece work is "The Invention of Solitude" by Paul Auster, a memoir about the author's journey out of an emotional and financial breakdown after the death of his father, a failing marriage, disappointment in his writing career and a newborn son.
The book was chosen by the Just Buffalo Literary Center's Artistic Director, Mike Kelleher, who has been with the center for over seven years and was instrumental in starting "If All of Buffalo Read the Same Book."
"Paul Auster uses a direct and philosophical writing style," Kelleher said. "He gives deep statements, many of which ring true."
According to Kelleher, great care is taken in choosing the perfect book for the yearly program.
"A book has to be of quality, well written and interesting," he said. "It also needs to be a book that will open avenues for conversation."
Andrea Koch, a 2005 graduate from UB, has been an avid reader of Auster's essays and poetry, as well as his book, "The New York Trilogy," and is anxious to attend his upcoming discussions while he is present in the Buffalo area.
"All of his work is beautifully written and interesting," she said.
Last year's book, "God of Small Things", by Arundhati Roy, yielded an outstanding number of program supporters.
"Some people attended Roy's presentations last year during her two day visit to Buffalo," Kelleher said. He hopes for a similar turn out to this year's events.
For students who are often too busy with schoolwork and other obligations, the program provides the motivation to read a literary work that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to read.
"I always wish I had the opportunity to read books for pleasure and not for academic reasons," said Kristen Fellows, a senior psychology major. "I think this program is a positive influence on the Buffalo community as a whole."
Auster will visit the area Oct. 5 and 6, during which time he will be holding a series of book signings throughout the city, along with presentations and public readings.
Since many of the program's members are college students, Auster will be holding a student question and answer session on Wed., Oct. 5 at Buffalo State College in the Butler Library, Room 210, followed by a book signing at Talking Leaves on Elmwood Avenue at 11 p.m.
The same evening at 8 p.m., Auster will appear for a reading and conversation at Trinity Church, located at 371 Delaware Ave., followed by a reception. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at Talking Leaves Books and New World Record located on Main Street, or by calling 832-5400.
On Thur., Oct. 6, Auster will be available for book signing at Borders on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga, and at the Barnes and Noble on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst, at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m, respectively. At 7 p.m., Auster will introduce a screening of the film "Smoke" at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, followed by a question-and-answer about filmmaking. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
