Thoughts from the desk at Kalapuya Books…

Toni Morrison, in her Nobel acceptance speech said, “We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” Language is what inhabits Kalapuya – words to inspire change in the world, bound in books.
In this book, “Here on the Edge,” Eugene historian Steve McQuiddy stimulates thoughts about what it means to take an unpopular stand, based on conscience, and how that act of personal integrity carried forward to broaden its impact. Key members of the Waldport CPS (Civilian Public Service) camp – a forest service camp for conscientious objectors during World War II – coalesced into the Beat Movement, which in itself became the catalyst for a renaissance of critical thinking in America. Language… words… can lift us up and encourage us to make a better world.
Books can offer a counterbalance to the feeling of being powerless, which is needed in this crucial time. “Here on the Edge” is such a thing.
Steve McQiddy will give a presentation on this unique piece of Oregon history at History Pub at 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 at The Axe & Fiddle, 657 E. Main St., Cottage Grove.