ACCF AmeriCorps member Paula Rummel shares some comments made by participants in The Big Read events:

As part of the evaluation of The Big Read, we have collected 500 event feedback cards. I thought I’d share some of the responses. Comments are given in response to “one or two thoughts I’ll take away from this event.”  Frequent themes among adult responses were: enjoying the events, especially the inclusion of music and dinner and/or refreshments; appreciating the various discussions and how The Big Read brought people together; perception of the value of this sort of program in Armstrong County, and desire for continued participation in The Big Read.

Responses from the “under 18” crowd were, um, often amusing, but that genre was quite outnumbered by thoughtful observations and genuine interest. Thanks to supportive teachers and administrators, we had significant participation from this age group within English classes and at various events.  From students:

&   Southern food is good. A lot of people like this book.   &   Movie needs color.   &   It is nice to talk about new thoughts in a big group.   &   Don’t judge people.   &   That throughout the world racism is going on even though we don’t necessarily see it.   &   People’s opinions change over time. (This comment is in response to senior citizens sharing how their views have changed since the 1960’s.)   &   Liked listening to the senior citizens’ opinions.   &   Old ladies are nice. They lived through a lot and have cool experiences to talk about.   &   Book discussions with old people are interesting.   &   I liked the book.   &   Old people do have the ability to listen to young people.   &   Harper Lee was not a descendant of Robert E. Lee.   &   Biographies don’t have to be boring.   &   I will now be able to get an A in English, because I got 25 bonus points for sleeping during the presentation. (and this one gave his name!!!)

Scout would love it, don’t you think?