Idaho Commission for Libraries

Let's Talk About It! Themes

The Let's Talk About It themes have been revised and updated.

New Themes for 2007

Across Cultures and Continents

Living in the Modern Rural West

Our Earth, Our Ethics

We Are What We Eat

Other LTAI Themes

These themes and books are still available for programs or individual titles may be borrow by public libraries for local programs. Click on a theme below for titles, authors, publicity materials, and/or discussion questions.

You can find information arranged by author or arranged by title.

Also, learn about the publicity materials available for the themes.

Get tips for discussion groups.

	"American Characters" is intended to rekindle interest in American classics through the program readings as well as other classics featured on the suggested reading list. The theme explores the search for an American identity and the "American Dream" and how this concept is perceived within a diverse culture. (Developed by Idaho Let's Talk About It)
	"Autobiographies" explores the genre of the memoir. What writers leave out is as fascinating as what they include in writing about their lives.
	"Growing Older, Growing Wiser" examines the challenges and rewards of aging.
	"Idaho, Tough Paradise: The Literature of Idaho and the Intermountain West" (Developed by the Idaho Humanities Council / Susan Swetnam, project director)
	"Not for Children Only" revisits childhood classics through an adult perspective. Adults discover classics they missed when they were young or rediscover books they loved as children, explore contemporary books and what they convey to today's young readers, and better understand children's literature to share with their own children.(Developed by American Library Association)
	"Other Americas" This theme examines literature of cultural and ethnic groups that make up an incresingly diverse America.
	"Reading Lewis and Clark" Developed in 2004, this theme features journals, histories and one novel which explore the distinctly American story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The multi-cultural background of its members, the cooperative effort of many people toward one goal, the nostalgia for simpler times, the romance of the past--all call upon our collective imagination and rekindle hope for the future. (Developed by Idaho Let's Talk About It, 2004)
	"Western Experience" examines life in the West from various viewpoints, looks at myths and stereotypes of the West, and explores how various groups have adapted to unique physical and cultural environments in the West.
	"Working" looks at how the jobs we perform shape our identities. Whether in the quest for the "American Dream" or just making ends meet, work also may provide a more intangible reward--self esteem.

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