Jimenez receives attention for prose

By Erin Ryan

All of Silicon Valley may soon get a chance to read "Breaking Through," by Santa Clara professor Francisco Jimenez. His book, the sequel to "The Circuit," has been chosen as a finalist in a reading project called Silicon Valley Reads: One Book, One Community.

The readership program has a goal of bringing the community together around one book - in schools, libraries and book clubs to promote literacy and discussion in a diverse environment. Enrollment in the groups will be voluntary, but the book will be designated to ensure a discussion that connects the community.

Three finalists were chosen by The San Jose Public Library Foundation and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. They have left it to the public to decide among "Breaking Through," "The Bonesetter's Daughter," by Amy Tan and "Catfish and Mandala" by Andrew X. Pham.

"I feel honored and very grateful to the people who selected my book as a finalist," said Jimenez, who also said what a privilege it was to be considered alongside these other authors. "Breaking Through," the winner of eight awards and recognitions in literature, includes the themes of experiencing prejudice, the struggle to get an education and overcoming poverty. It also includes some of Jimenez's experiences in his first year as a student at Santa Clara.

All of the authors have ties to the Silicon Valley community, a requirement of the program. Another requirement was that the books be available in another language. "Breaking Through" is also published in Spanish, titled "Senderos Fronterizos."

"Discussing the book gives a diverse community a chance to give their own stories that they may find are reflected in what they read," said Jimenez. "Other people have the same problems discussed in the book. This program helps people open up to each other and develop trust."

They can also learn from each others' comments. "You know from the reading you do in your classes that you learn things from what others may have interpreted from the reading," said Jimenez.

Karen Storey, project coordinator for Silicon Valley Reads, echoed Jimenez's words, saying, "The program is worthwhile by promoting reading and literacy and appreciation for good literature. It also serves as a catalyst to help people connect with one another."

The intent of the organizers is also to get the author involved in book discussions, do presentations and answer questions. This is not new to Jimenez. His book "The Circuit" was chosen for a similar readership program in Woodland, Calif.

"I went to Woodland and visited schools, made a public presentation, talked to city leaders, did book signings and talked to a small church group who chose to read the book in Spanish," said Jimenez. "It was all very rewarding and very exhausting."

The winning book will be read throughout Silicon Valley starting in Feb. 2003. Ballots are being collected at the San Jose public libraries and online at www.siliconvalleyreads.org. Votes will be gathered through Oct. 31, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 17. Jimenez urges people to get involved and vote, even if it's not for his book.

"This is an opportunity for people who reside in Silicon Valley and at Santa Clara to promote literacy and discussion of common experiences," he said.