By Mariana Leon

Tired of spending numerous hours in front of the computer or television? This month, the University of Louisville Libraries are coming together to host the Big Read, an event that promises to get folks out of that routine, at least for a few days.

It encourages the U of L community to read the same book and then come together to discuss it. The readers would then participate in an array of activities that will enhance, and possibly widen their perspectives on the book.

The featured book for the Big Read is Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Free copies of the book have already been given out to the first 300 students and faculty who signed up for the event.

Anne Marie Johnson, associate professor and reference librarian, said the Big Read serves two main purposes: first, to bring back the idea of reading for pleasure, something U of L is delighted to promote as an institution of higher learning, and second, celebrating African-American Month by discussing a “very intriguing author,” said Johnson.

The event is co-hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and will take place in both Ekstrom Library and Kornhauser Library on Feb. 13, 15, and 21.

Ramon Cortes, a senior marketing major, said, “It seems like a good idea to get people to read something other than what’s coming on the test tomorrow morning.”

Readers not only learn more about the book and the author, they are also “able to connect what they read and what other people read. It gives them something in common,” said Johnson.

Today, news is read via the Internet instead of the newspaper. Book reports and summaries are read instead of going through the hassle of reading an entire book. Reading for leisure every day is happening less due to busy lives.

The Big Read is a step towards getting that reading culture back on its feet.

As a librarian, Johnson said that even though she’s not alarmed about it, and doesn’t think it’s across the board, she will admit that the habit of reading for leisure is fading.

She encourages everyone interested in this event to read “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

“I read it years and years ago, and I’ve just re-read it. I liked it even better this time. It deals with finding out who you are and being able to express that,” said Johnson.

Actress Uma Thurman recently commented in an interview with People Magazine on this book and how it changed her life. Thurman stated, “It was one of my favorite books ever. I can’t even explain why. I felt it was a deepening experience.”

For more information on schedules for the Big Read, visit their Web site at http://library.louisville.edu/bigread.