What are you doing to kick off the Big Read of Fahrenheit 451 in Topeka?
MARIE PYKO: We are hosting a Big Read Read-In, and we have invited people from all the Topeka/Shawnee County area. Especially firefighters. The firefighters are going to talk about what they do and read from their favorite books. We’ve also invited some National Guardsmen to do a demonstration. NEA: It’s sounds as though you’ve tried to create an event that appeals to a range of ages. PYKO: The reading of this book can be a family event. Maybe your seven-year-old can’t actually read the book, but they can understand who the good guys are in the real world. NEA: Is there anything that you’re deliberately doing differently, from last year, because you wanted to make a change? PYKO: We’ve lined up an exclusive relationship with our local CBS station. This year, WIBW is a full-fledged partner. Their general manager made [Fahrenheit 451] required reading for everyone at the station. [The anchors] have been encouraged to banter about the book all month long. It’s very cool. We’re going to be
