 Zorro by Isabel Allende anchors the second annual One Book, One Santa Clarita community reading program. This rousing adventure not only relates the history of Zorro, but explores life in early California and in Spain during the time of Napoleon. Justice, honor, and the courage to do what is right are some of the themes that are as applicable to our lives in 2006 as they were to the people of the early 1800’s.
One Book, One Santa Clarita is an opportunity for members of our community to gather and discuss great literature. The concept originated in Seattle in 1998 when the city librarian at the time asked, “What if all of Seattle read the same book?”
Do you want to know what would happen if all of Santa Clarita read the same book? Join the discussion and find out.
About the Book
Born in southern California late in the eighteenth century, Diego de la Vega is a child of two worlds: his father is an aristocratic Spanish landowner; his mother, a Shoshone warrior. From this diverse ancestry, Diego learns the ways of the tribe along with fencing and cattle branding. Over the course of Diego’s childhood, he witnesses the brutal injustices dealt Native Americans by European settlers and first feels the inner conflict of his heritage.
At the age of sixteen, Diego travels to Barcelona for a European education. In a country chafing under the corruption of Napoleonic rule, Diego follows the example of his fencing master and joins La Justicia, an underground resistance movement devoted to helping the powerless and the poor. In Barcelona, Diego falls in love, saves the persecuted, and confronts for the first time a great rival in the form of Rafael Moncada. As Diego forms the persona of Zorro, a great hero is born, and the legend begins.
How You Can Participate
- Check out a copy of the book at any of the public or school libraries in Santa Clarita, or
- Purchase a copy of the book at Borders Books and Music, Valencia – discounted for program participants.
- Attend one of the discussion groups listed in this guide or at www.santa-clarita.com/book.
- Attend one of the Special Events listed in this guide.
- Listen to the author interview on KHTS AM1220 on April 26 at 10:45 AM, or online at www.hometownstation.com.
- Spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers about this community-wide reading project.
 About the Author
Born in Peru and raised in Chile, Isabel Allende is the author of six other novels, including, most recently, Portrait in Sepia and Daughter of Fortune. She has also written a collection of stories; three memoirs, including My Invented Country and Paula; and a trilogy of children’s novels. In 2004, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She lives in California.
Special Events
All events are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 26, 10:45 AM
Interview with author Isabel Allende
KHTS AM 1220
Monday, May 8, 6:30 PM
College of the Canyons
Library Public Gallery
26455 Rockwell Canyon
(661) 362-3362
Local historian and newspaper columnist John Boston discusses Santa Clarita history at the time of Zorro.
– Especially for Kids –
Friday, May 12, 7:00 PM
Borders Books and Music, Valencia
24445 Town Center Dr.
(661) 286-1131
Little School of Music presents Musical Storytime featuring songs and stories inspired by Zorro.
Sunday, May 14, 2:00-4:00 PM
Valencia Library
23743 Valencia Blvd.
(661) 259-8942
Fernandeño/Tataviam Indian Tribe will perform dances and tell stories about their history in the Santa Clarita Valley.
– Especially for Kids –
Wednesday, May 17, 3:30 PM
Newhall Library
22704 9th St.
(661) 259-0750
Film program – Zorro: Night of Terror – two episodes from the animated series.
Thursday, May 18, 3:30 PM
Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
18601 Soledad Canyon Rd.
(661) 251-2720
Ballet Folklorico dance performace
Friday, May 19, 8:00 PM
Borders Books and Music, Valencia
Guitar Music in the Café
Discussion groups
All discussion groups are free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 13, 10:30 AM
Borders Books and Music, Valencia
24445 Town Center Dr.
(661) 286-1131
B.A.B.E., Betty Ferguson Foundation Book Discussion
Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 PM
Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
18601 Soledad Canyon Rd.
(661) 251-2720
Thursday, May 18, 4:30 PM
– Book Discussion for Kids –
On Young Zorro: The Iron Brand
Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
Friday, May 19, 1:00 PM
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center
22900 Market St.
(661) 259-9444
Sunday, May 21, 2:00 PM
Heritage Junction
Saugus Train Station
24101 San Fernando Rd.
(661) 254-1275
sponsored by The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
Tuesday, May 23, Noon
City of Santa Clarita, City Hall
Century Room
23920 Valencia Blvd.
(661) 259-2489
Wednesday, May 24, 2:30 PM
College of the Canyons Library
Library Public Gallery
26455 Rockwell Canyon
(661) 362-3362
Jueves, 25 de Mayo, 4:00 PM
– Grupo de Discusión en Español –
El Centro Comunitario de la Ciudad de Santa Clarita
22421 Market Street
(661) 286-4006
Wednesday, May 31, 7 PM
Borders Books and Music, Valencia
On the second floor of the store. |
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