ESSAY CONTEST

Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book

2011 Essay Contest

The “Stuff” of Life

French writer Marcel Proust famously dips his cookie – a petite madeleine – in his lime-blossom tea and is instantly transported to the security of his childhood. In Jamie Ford’s novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry Lee feels transported back to his own adolescence as he watches the Panama Hotel manager open a fragile, dusty Japanese parasol.  The discovery of long-abandoned steamer trunks brimming with once precious dresses, candlesticks, and other now “shabby knickknacks” rekindles bitter-sweet memories of bewildering events, tender love, and ultimate losses.  Other objects -- an "I am Chinese" button, a worn vinyl jazz record -- have a profound effect on Henry.

Is there an object that triggers the memory of a profound, transformative time in your life?  Small mementos from a friend or loved one, souvenirs from travels, sentimental gifts, meaningful or humorous family collectibles can have a huge personal impact. Almost any object can transcend the notion of “stuff” and prompt thoughtful reflection.

In no more than 800 words, write about a special
object that has a continuing impact on your life.

Read the winning essay by Laurie Green.

Rules:

• Essays must be no longer than 800 words.
• Entries must be typed, doubled spaced in 12-pt. Times New Roman font.
• Both a printed and an e-mailed copy of your essay must be submitted.
• Attach the completed entry form to your printed copy.
• Do not place your name or other identifying information on your essay.
• Entries must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• A winner will be selected from each of the following categories: High School (age 14-18); College and Young Adult (age 19-29); and Adult (age 30 and above)

Guidelines:

• Spelling and punctuation should be checked carefully.
• Essays will be judged on originality, creativity, the eloquence and structure of writing, and relevance to this year’s essay theme.
• All printed essays must be accompanied by an entry form (see below). Additional forms are available at the libraries and on the web at (www.thousandoaksreads.org/essay.htm).
• Your name and any other identifying information should be on the entry form only.
  Essays must be e-mailed to: essayocob@gmail.com
  Printed essays may be dropped off at the Grant R. Brimhall or Newbury Park Branch Library or mailed to:
  

  Thousand Oaks Library
  OCOB Essay Contest
  1401 E. Janss Road
  Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

  Download the entry from.

The winning essays will be presented to the community at the Thousand Oaks Reads — One City One Book author event featuring the author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford.

This free community event will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 12, 2011 at the Civic Arts Plaza Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks.