BARSTOW, Calif. — Barstow Community College (BCC) proudly announces the launch of the 2025 Barstow Reads program, an annual initiative designed to foster literacy, engagement, and meaningful dialogue throughout the High Desert. Guided by the American Library Association program of ‘One Book, One Community’ this year our featured book is Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig. Through her memoir and essay collection, Taussig offers powerful insights into living with a disability, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating the ordinary beauty of life.
“Following the success of last year’s inaugural program, Barstow Reads continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the community with a focus on inclusion, identity, and resilience,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President, Barstow Community College. “This book resonates deeply with themes of identity and belonging, making it an ideal choice for this year’s program.
Barstow Reads remains under the dedicated leadership of BCC Professor of English and Guided Pathway Lead, Susan Nylander, who has spearheaded this initiative since its inception. Melissa Matteson, BCC Academic Senate President, is also actively involved, helping guide the program’s outreach and community engagement efforts. Together, they aim to ignite conversations that inspire empathy, understanding, and personal growth.
To ensure widespread access to Taussig’s work, copies of Sitting Pretty will be distributed free of charge through the BCC Library and key community organizations. Outreach efforts are also planned with local groups, including the Barstow City Council, Barstow Chamber of Commerce, and area schools, to promote participation and expand the program's reach.
Building on the excitement generated by last year’s author visit from Tommy Orange and his book There There, Barstow Reads is thrilled to announce that Rebekah Taussig will visit Barstow Community College on May 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will feature a keynote address, a Q&A session, and a book signing, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the author and her work.
“We are honored to bring Rebekah Taussig’s voice to our campus and community,” said Professor Nylander. “Her stories and perspectives challenge us to expand our understanding of resilience, diversity, and what it means to belong.”
Leading up to her visit will be a series of events to bring the community together, including:
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An introduction of the book and disabled student panel on Wednesday, March 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM in the Performing Arts Center lobby.
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Read-Around Events held on Wednesday, March 26, April 9, and April 23 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM in the Faculty Learning Resource Center (L-29) on Barstow College’s campus.
Barstow Reads has quickly become a cornerstone of BCC’s mission to build bridges between the campus and the community. Last year’s program engaged hundreds of participants and sparked critical conversations about culture and belonging. This year, the program promises to build on that success by highlighting perspectives that inspire compassion and spark meaningful dialogue.
Barstow Community College invites all members of the community to participate in Barstow Reads 2025 and discover the transformative power of literature.
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Director, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing
Barstow Community College
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