Do You Have the Falcon?
(Get It — and Read It!)
This iconic detective novel was at the center of The 2009 CU Big Read, hosted by the Champaign Public Library and The Urbana Free Library, March 28 to April 30. Adding to the experience were book discussions, fun free events, and reading clubs, capped off with a free film at the Virginia Theatre.
Your Photos: “I Have the Falcon!”
See photos of readers who sent us evidence that they had the falcon (the book, that is).
Grand Finale:
“The Maltese Falcon” at the Virginia Theatre
The classic 1941 film was shown on the big screen at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. P. Gregory Springer introduced this free showing; see his related Smile Politely column. This Big Read grand finale, attended by close to 500 people, was at 7 pm on Thursday, Apr. 30 (doors open at 6 pm). (Image: Photofest)
“What’s this bird, this falcon, that everybody’s so steamed up about?”
-Detective Sam Spade
Why read The Maltese Falcon now? It’s fun, for one thing — a crisply written, iconic page-turner that took detective fiction to a new level and created a uniquely American, tough-guy hero. And it strikes timely themes with its questioning look at the pursuit of wealth, in the form of a priceless black bird.
Mayors Proclaim
Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing and Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart read a proclamation at the Big Read Kickoff on Mar. 29.
2-for-1 Mystery Discount
During April, mysteries and thrillers will be “buy 1, get 1 free” in our FriendShop used book store.
The Malted Falcon
Congratulations to Emily Klose, whose Malted Falcon was a winner in the Funniest/Punniest category at the 2009 Edible Books Festival.
