HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03 One Book One ValleyrowN OF va' `ILA
Proclamation No. 3, Series of 2023
One Book, One Valley, 2023
WHEREAS, Community Read programs have united and uplifted hundreds of cities and
municipalities throughout the United States of America;
WHEREAS, the book "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee is a Young Adult title
published in 2019 that is available in print, eBook & eAudiobook formats;
WHEREAS, New York Times best-selling and Young Adult Novelist, Stacey Lee, is an
award -winning author of 5 historical and contemporary young adult fiction. A native of
Southern California and fourth -generation Chinese American, she graduated from
UCLA, then got her law degree from UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in Silicon
Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of
being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain;
WHEREAS, "The Downstairs Girl" is a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the
meaning of family in the 1890's. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times
heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the
New South. "By day, seventeen -year -old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel
daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the
pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady,
"Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of
the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that
follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender";
WHEREAS, this Eagle Valley Community Read is the 121h Year of the One Book One
Valley initiative. This year, for the first time in our history, we have selected a Young
Adult title for our community to enjoy. According to Ali Teague from the Bookworm of
Edwards, "I believe that every adult should read at least one middle grade or young
adult book per year, as they help us empathize and connect with young people. These
books tend to have the richest and most relatable characters who are not only
discovering who they are, but also their place in the world. They are also, generally,
more optimistic about the state of the world so they can be that much needed
palette cleanser after reading a heavy -hitting adult book. But my favorite thing about
books written for young readers, and the reason I read several of them per year, is how
unpretentious and accessible they are. Any adult at any reading level can read a young
reader's book and learn and feel just like our young readers do";
WHEREAS, this Eagle Valley Community Read will feature book discussions in venues
around the valley; a movie night; a Chinese New Year Celebration; a Nengajo drop -in
day; and, a special Guest Appearance by the author this spring;
WHEREAS, the Vail Public Library, in collaboration with the Bookworm of Edwards,
Colorado Mountain College, Battle Mountain High School, Eagle Valley High School
and Vail Mountain School have resolved to bring this valley -wide Community Read
program to the citizens of Eagle County; and
WHEREAS, the One Book One Valley initiative will encourage literacy and shared
enjoyment of reading throughout Eagle County.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and Vail Town Council do hereby proclaim the One
Book One Valley initiative and officially announce and promote the book "The
Downstairs Girl" to all Eagle County residents for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of
all
Dated this 7th day of March.
Vail Town Council Attest:
IING dp f
a�N of y�
g
uouhtu
rA�OAAI��,
Kim Langmaid, a or Stephanie Bibbens, Town Clerk