New format for the 2019 ROSSLAND READS debate!
By Rossland Telegraph
This year, the gripping contest known as “Rossland Reads” takes place during one evening only, instead of being spread over three evenings in three successive weeks. Three debaters will each try to convince audience members that the book they’ve chosen is the one that everyone should read.
The 2019 theme is “The book that changed my life,” and the books are:
“Naked” by David Sedaris – defended by Aerin Bowers;
“Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey – defended by Craig Humpherys; and
“Last Chance to See” by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine – defended by Dirk Lewis.
What happens? Each of the three debaters chose their book and volunteered to “defend” it against the others. All of the debaters have read all three books. Moderator Penny Johnson will ask each contestant questions about their chosen book. The other contestants will be able to respond to the answers – perhaps critically, perhaps supportively, or — who knows?
The audience will vote on who has won the debate. The contestants will vote, too – audience members get one vote each, and the contestants get two votes each, which seems fitting, as they have immersed themselves in the books.
There will be prizes. The contestants each get a “goody bag” and the winner of the debate will get a little something extra – but especially bragging rights. Audience members will be eligible for some door prizes, and those who feel keen might get a prize for answering some skill-testing questions posed by the moderator.
It’s on Wednesday, October 23. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the debate is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.
Admission is free. The library thanks the donors of prizes: Mountain Nugget Chocolate Company, Rossland Beer Company, and Seven Summits Coffee Company.
