Comments from the Community
"It was such an honor to have Sherman (Sherm-dog) visit. The students [at Whatcom Detention School] have been buzzing ever since, and it's nice that we can remind them that he said violence is not the answer. We now say, 'What would Sherm-dog think of that?' and it brings another honored voice into the equation. I asked them this afternoon what comments they would like me to pass on and the one thing they said was, 'Have him come back and play basketball with us!' "
"I love the idea of a community coming together around a book."
"I laughed, cried and read it in one sitting."
A story from the WCC evening event: A woman, near the front of the line for the book signing, asked me if she thought it was ok if she just spoke to Sherman since she didn't have a book for him to sign. I said I thought he was very flexible and to go ahead. When it was her turn, she and Sherman spoke for several minutes. I heard her ask him if he would please sign a piece of paper for her, since she didn't have a book. She explained that she had been homeless for awhile and was really moved by his speech, especially what he said about poverty. He was signing her piece of paper when the next woman in line tapped the first woman on the shoulder and gave her her own copy of the book. The first woman protested, saying she didn't have any money to pay for it. The second woman demurred and said, "I have other books at home. This one is for you." Sherman said, "Take the book," and everyone within hearing got a little teary. I have this image in my mind of this homeless woman clutching her very own signed copy of The Absolutely True Diary and keeping it as a precious treasure, and the second woman keeping a warm memory of a time she did a good deed. Awesome!
"I love that we are promoting a culture of readers."
"If it got people in this community to read a book about Indians feeling invisible here, it was well worth any effort."
"This is a terrific program!"
"It is a wonderful program for the entire community."
"I learned that Sherman Alexie is my hero for offering this event for my students! They look up to [him] so much and thanks for encouraging them to get out and see the world!"
"It's amazing. Thank you so much for everything you do to support this program."
"I am so happy we have this. Now let's keep it going."
"Fantastic! Wish it were year round."
"[Whatcom READS!] it's great and really is creating more interest for reading."
"Anything that promotes literacy is good in my book!"
"I hope it continues."
"I want more!"
"I like the way it tied together local culture."
"I love the idea of a community-wide program that brings college students together with middle/high schoolers and community programs."
"A charming idea, and worthwhile, too..."
"Love it - it is sparking conversation that needs to happen while heightening people's awareness."
"A great treasure to and for the community."
