What if all of Beaverton read the same book? The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford is the selection for Beaverton City Library’s sixth-annual community-wide reading program, One Book, One Beaverton. A “Read with Jenna” Today Show Book Club Pick, the novel is a multigenerational epic, a haunting love story, and a fascinating exploration of the legacy of loss and trauma rippling through a family across time.
During the month of January, community members are invited to attend a series of related special events, and on Saturday, Feb. 10, the library is pleased to present An Evening with Author Jamie Ford at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Complimentary tickets for the author event are available at www.thereser.org.
All events are free and take place at the main library unless otherwise noted. Some events require registration by visiting www.BeavertonLibrary.org/Register or calling 503-644-2197.
Dating Profile TuneUps
Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7-9 PM | Registration required
Feeling the weight of translating your perception of self into a dating app profile? Resident dating expert and enthusiast Sarah Ruby Armstrong is here to help with their signature friendly, objective feedback on your dating profile! You will receive actionable feedback and bracing clarity to help you update/perfect your online dating persona. TuneUps also come with sneaky candid photos taken by a pro to banish selfie woes (link to download photos emailed after the event). All identities welcome!
ARkStorms & Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest
Monday, Jan. 8 | 6:30-7:30 PM
In Jamie Ford’s novel, a future version of Seattle is plagued by ARkStorms (atmospheric rivers) that bring torrential rain and flooding to the greater Pacific Northwest. Paul Loikith, Director of PSU’s Climate Science Lab, will discuss the reality of climate change in the Northwest, the science behind atmospheric rivers, and how they and other types of weather are likely to change in the future.
Inherited Trauma & Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 6-7:30 PM
Can trauma really be passed down through generations like the women of Afong Moy experienced? What kinds of modern and experimental therapies are in use to treat trauma and depression? Join Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of the Social Neuroscience & Psychotherapy lab at OHSU, Dr. Alissa Bazinet, as she shines a light on the complex biological, psychological, and sociocultural issues that influence our mental health.
History of Portland’s Chinatown
Thursday, Jan. 18 | 6-7 PM
Did you know that there were two Chinatowns in historical downtown Portland? Learn more about early Chinese Americans in Portland with Terry Chung, retired educator and founding board member of the Portland Chinatown History Foundation. He’ll be sharing an intimate look at one of Oregon’s earliest and often overlooked immigrant communities.
Exploring the Power of Family Stories
Sunday, Jan. 21 | 2-4 PM | Registration required
This guided writing workshop, led by Lisa Kagan of Family Heirloom Arts, will give participants the opportunity to explore their own cultural inheritance of family stories. How has this inheritance shaped your sense of personal identity, and what will you pass on to the next generation? No previous writing experience necessary. All are welcome!
The Chinese Lady: Afong Moy in Early America (Virtual)
Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-7 PM | Registration required
Who was the real Afong Moy? Afong Moy was the first recognized Chinese woman to arrive in America, and her presence provided Americans in the 1800s with their first public introduction to China. Nancy E. Davis, author of The Chinese Lady: Afong Moy in Early America, will give context to the real historical figure of Moy who provided the inspiration for Jamie Ford’s novel. This is a virtual event taking place via Zoom; register to receive the Zoom link prior to the presentation.
Trivia Night at Nebulous Taproom (11645 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy)
Tuesday, Jan. 30 | 6:30 PM
Beaverton City Library will be hosting a trivia night at Beaverton’s own Nebulous Taproom! This general knowledge quiz will feature categories inspired by Jamie Ford’s novel (no need to have read the book to participate). Teams can be up to six players. Grab your friends and come test your knowledge!
Family Legacies: Stories of Love, Loss & Everything In Between
Saturday, Feb. 3 | 3-5 PM
Every family has a tale to tell… Join us for an afternoon of live storytelling on stage! Our veteran storytellers will regale the audience with their true, personal family stories. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Doors open at 2:30 PM.
Key Event: An Evening with Author Jamie Ford at The Reser
Saturday, Feb. 10 | 7 PM
Join us at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (12625 SW Crescent Street) for the signature event of One Book, One Beaverton 2024 – an evening with Jamie Ford, author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy. We invite you to stay after the talk to get your book signed. Complimentary tickets are available at thereser.org.
