Product Detail

As Charles Fishman brings vibrantly to life in this mind-changing narrative, water runs our world, yet we take it completely for granted. Bringing readers along on a fascinating journey -- from the moons of Saturn to the hotels of Las Vegas -- Fishman vividly shows that we've already left behind a golden age of thoughtlessly abundant, free, and safe water, but also that as dramatic as the challenges are, we have all the means we need to meet them. Knowing what to do is not the problem; the hardest part if changing out water consciousness. The Big Thirst will forever change the way we think about water, our essential relationship to it, and the creativity we can bring to protecting it.

History of the One Book Project

The program began in 2001 through the grassroots efforts of Jillian Fritch, an elementary school teacher who had read a story in the Los Angeles Times regarding One Book, One Community initiatives; at the time Seattle Reads and One Book Chicago were pioneers, and Los Angeles had decided to do a One Book project. Jillian was inspired to begin a project in Bakersfield. The first book was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” An array of community partners jumped on board, including education, nonprofits, local government, businesses, and media outlets. The Kern County Library became the lead organization in 2003. Now, the One Book Project continues to reach out to our diverse Kern County community both in book choice and related programming. In 2010, the One Book Project began a partnership with California State University, Bakersfield’s “Runner Reader Program” (or First-Year Experience Program), which involves students reading a common book. Through this partnership, the community has benefited extended programming, including author visits and talks at CSUB at the culmination of the read. In November 2011, more than 1,400 people turned out to hear author Wes Moore speak about his book, “The Other Wes Moore.” One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern remains a grassroots project that relies on community partners and donations to provide related programming and copies of the book throughout the county.