Adult Summer Reading
Welcome to Our Summer of Courtly Intrigue, the 2023 Adult Summer Reading Big Book Challenge! This summer, we’re taking on a pair of novels that, while written nearly 1,000 years apart, share themes and elements, illustrating how literature spans the ages and connects us around the world. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is often referred to as the world’s first novel, and was written in the 11th Century by a Japanese lady-in-waiting to be read by her peers in the imperial court. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, meanwhile, is an epic fantasy published in 2019, and turns the traditional tropes of the genre on their head. Both books explore the roles of gender, tradition, and taboos in royal courts.
This summer, we’ll explore both books in monthly discussions, supplemented by a fantastic line-up of lectures and cultural programming. And, for the first time since 2019, all events will be in person!
To help us get an idea for how many books and materials we’ll need, please fill out this (very) brief RSVP.
Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t add our thanks to the Library Services and Technology Act, which is appropriated by Congress and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Missouri Secretary of State, which makes this program possible. We can’t wait to read with you!
Download a digital copy of the 2023 Big Book Challenge Reading Guide here:
Big Book Challenge Kickoff Event with Keynote Presentation by Elizabeth Eckelkamp
Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m.; keynote presentation at 7 p.m.
at the former University United Methodist Church (across the parking lot from our temporary space)
Pick up your books and meet your fellow readers! Then stick around for a keynote presentation from Elizabeth Eckelkamp, Teaching Professor Emerita in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Eckelkamp earned an MA in Asian Studies, with a focus on Japanese language pedagogy and Classical era Japanese literature, at Washington University in 1991, and soon after joined the Japanese language faculty there. In 2000, she was invited to lead a new Japanese program at UMSL, helping build the program to a total of 27 majors available today.
In addition to language curriculum development, Eckelkamp also designed and taught a number of Japanese literature and culture courses in English, including Classical Japanese Literature and The World of Genji. Honored and excited to partner with the University City Public Library on the 2023 Big Book Challenge, Eckelkamp looks forward to exploring The Tale of Genji with a broad audience.
Did you miss the kickoff? View Elizabeth Eckelkamp’s keynote presentation on our YouTube page.
Chado (Way of Tea)
Tuesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m.
at the former University United Methodist Church (across the parking lot from our temporary space)
Join us for a Japanese tea ceremony presentation by Yuko Kitajima, Director of the Japan America Society of St. Louis. Learn about the complexity and simplicity of Japanese spirituality and the historical and cultural significance of Chado over a bowl of Matcha tea prepared just for you.
Book Discussion: The Priory of the Orange Tree, part 1
Monday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
at the former University United Methodist Church (across the parking lot from our temporary space)
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko
Wednesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.
in the parking lot of our temporary space, 6900 Delmar Blvd.
Join us for a family-friendly demonstration of a 1,400-year-old Japanese drumming technique named after the “big fat drum” at the center of the thunderous music, and stick around afterward to try your hand at taiko!
Book Discussion: The Tale of Genji, chapters 1-20
Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Book Discussion: The Priory of the Orange Tree, parts 2 & 3
Monday, July 10 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Kimono: Then & Now
Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Come enjoy the beauty of kimonos. The Japan America Society of St. Louis and Japan America Society Women’s Association will present the history of kimono from the time of The Tale of Genji to the present time. They will also demonstrate how to put on a kimono. Hosts will be wearing different kinds of kimonos which you can appreciate.
St. Louis Kendo
Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Join us for a family-friendly demonstration of the Japanese martial art of kendo. Literally translated as “the way of the sword,” kendo traces its origins to feudal Japan and today features wooden swords, as well as uniforms and armor fashioned after those worn by samurai.
Book Discussion: The Tale of Genji, chapters 21-41
Wednesday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Shodo (Way of Writing)
Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Learn the way of beautiful traditional Japanese calligraphy in this workshop with the Japan America Society of St. Louis and the Fude-no-Kai Calligraphy Society. Participants will learn the history and method of Shodo and also participate in the hands-on Shodo experience.
Book Discussion: The Priory of the Orange Tree, parts 4-6
Monday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Book Discussion: The Tale of Genji, chapters 42-end
Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
in the auditorium at our permanent location, 6701 Delmar Blvd.
