Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Skip Keesal, A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact in Long Beach
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
This month, we are honored to feature Skip Keesal, the driving force behind Keesal, Young & Logan, a prominent law firm with deep roots in Long Beach. Skip’s remarkable leadership is matched by his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, impacting countless organizations, from the Boys and Girls Clubs to the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.
Skip’s contributions to the Long Beach community are immense. He has consistently risen to the occasion, supporting critical library programs through events like the annual Grape Expectations gala and offering his firm’s expertise to our Board of Directors. His dedication to giving back has been a cornerstone of his leadership, making him a vital part of the fabric that defines Long Beach as a world-class city.
Join us in celebrating Skip Keesal, a leader whose generosity and vision continue to elevate the Long Beach community.
The Education of a Poker Player
by Herbert O. Yardley
Meet Skip Keesal:
What made you choose The Education of a Poker Player as your book recommendation?
I read this book in High School which later helped me win enough money to buy my first (almost) new car using poker proceeds won during my first six months in the Army. As important as the poker wisdom was, so was the unique, interesting and fun stories used as the backdrop for the poker games which were the bases for the strategies applied.
About Skip Keesal
Skip Keesal is the founding partner of Keesal, Young & Logan, a distinguished law firm based in Long Beach. Renowned for his leadership and deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy, Skip has made a lasting impact on a wide range of organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Long Beach Cancer League, Steel Magnolias, and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. His dedication to community service and his extensive contributions have earned him recognition as one of the “10 Most Powerful People in Long Beach.”
Skip also serves on the Board of Governors for Cal State Long Beach and the national Board of Trustees for the Boys and Girls Club. Whether through his professional work or his philanthropic efforts, Skip continues to shape and support the Long Beach community with vision, generosity, and a passion for giving back.
Learn more about Keesal, Young & Logan on their website.
Find The Education of a Poker Player at your local library branch soon!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Senator Lena Gonzalez, A Voice for the Community
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
As we approach the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, we are honored to spotlight Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, a proud Latina leader representing California’s 33rd District, including Southeast Los Angeles, Signal Hill, South Los Angeles, Lakewood, and her hometown of Long Beach. Since her election in 2019, Senator Gonzalez has been a powerful advocate for nearly 1 million residents.
Senator Gonzalez is a strong voice for working families, tirelessly advocating for improved working conditions and elevating the voices of all workers. She prioritizes a clean environment, digital inclusion, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, and the economic vitality of small businesses. Her dedication to these causes, combined with her deep connection to her Latina heritage, makes her an inspiring figure as we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic leaders in our community.
Join us in recognizing Senator Lena A. Gonzalez and her unwavering commitment to creating a better future for all.
The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History
by Manjula Martin
Meet Senator Gonzalez:
What made you choose The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History as your book recommendation?
When Manjula Martin moved from the city to the woods of Northern California, she wanted to be closer to the wilderness that she had loved as a child. She was also seeking refuge from a health crisis that left her with chronic pain, and found a sense of healing through tending her garden beneath the redwoods of Sonoma County. But the landscape that Martin treasured was an ecosystem already in crisis. Wildfires fueled by climate change were growing bigger and more frequent: each autumn, her garden filled with smoke and ash, and the local firehouse siren wailed deep into the night.
In 2020, when a dry lightning storm ignited hundreds of simultaneous wildfires across the West and kicked off the worst fire season on record, Martin, along with thousands of other Californians, evacuated her home in the midst of a pandemic.
This book is mesmerizing, beautifully written account of living through and trying to come to terms with the harrowing impacts of the climate crisis.
Senator Lena A. Gonzalez was first elected to the State Senate to represent the 33rd District in a special election in June of 2019 and was subsequently re-elected in the November 3, 2020 general election for her first full 4-year term. As State Senator, she represents nearly 1 million residents in Southeast Los Angeles, Signal Hill, portions of South Los Angeles, Lakewood, and her hometown of Long Beach.
In the Senate, Senator Gonzalez is a strong voice for working families, advocating to improve working conditions and lifting up the voices of all workers. She prioritizes and fights for a clean environment, digital inclusion, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights and the economic vitality of small businesses among other policy areas.
Find The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History at your local library branch by clicking here!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Jennifer Kumiyama, Singer, Actress and Accessibility Champion
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
This August, in honor of Women’s Equality Month, we are delighted to spotlight Jennifer Kumiyama, the Citywide Accessibility Coordinator, actress, and singer. Jennifer’s remarkable journey and dedication to accessibility and inclusion make her a true inspiration.
Jennifer recommends WISH. This delightful story emphasizes the importance of hope, perseverance, and believing in oneself. Jennifer shares this book to highlight these themes, which resonate deeply during Women’s Equality Month. Discover how this charming tale reflects Jennifer’s advocacy and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
Join us in celebrating Jennifer Kumiyama and her impactful contributions to our community.
WISH
Adapted by Luna Chi (Little Golden Book)
Meet Jennifer Kumiyama:
What made you choose WISH as your book recommendation?
I chose this book, because I voiced the character, Dahlia, in the animated feature film.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
That regardless of circumstance we have more power to make our own dreams a reality.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I was ten years old.
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
We have the power to make our own wishes come true.
Why do you think reading is important?
Reading introduces us to other ways of life, teaches us new things that we may have never learned otherwise.
Jennifer Kumiyama, Actress, Singer and Accessibility Champion
Jennifer Kumiyama was born with Arthrogryposis and uses a wheelchair daily. Kumiyama earned a spot on Warner Bros. reality TV show “Popstars 2” and earned national accolades from many publications including Variety Magazine and TV Guide – referring to her as “the girl in the wheelchair, who’s voice blew everyone out of the water”. Shortly after that in 2002 – Jennifer was cast in Disney’s “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” at Disney California Adventure Theme Park, where she is the first performer in a wheelchair to ever be on any Disney stage in the world. She performed 4 times a day for 8,000 guests a day, who visit from every corner of the world. It was at Disney that Jennifer took on her real role as an advocate for people living with disabilities – showing the entire world that talent sees no boundaries. This motivated her to become a speaker – sharing her story with schools, social groups, and major businesses. Her new passion, in addition to singing – is being a voice for people living with disabilities by breaking attitudinal and architectural barriers. “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” closed on January 10, 2016.
In 2010, Jennifer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California and Ms. Wheelchair America 2011, 1st Runner Up. During her reign she spread the message of hope through her platform “Empowering Children with Disabilities to Make Their Own Dreams Come True”.
Jennifer was cast in a major role as ‘Carmen’ in Sundance Film Festival hit and Academy Award Nominated film “The Sessions”, MTV’s teen sensation “Awkward” and “Celebrity Undercover Boss”.
Since the closing of ‘Aladdin’ Jennifer worked for former Long Beach Councilwoman, Senator Lena Gonzalez, former Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia and is also an elected AD 70 Delegate in the California Democratic Party.
Jennifer can be heard as the voice of Dahlia in Disney’s new hit animated feature WISH, released in theaters everywhere November 22nd, 2023.
Jennifer is currently the City of Long Beach Citywide Accessibility Coordinator. You can learn more about Jennifer on her website.
Find Wish at your local library branch by clicking here!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: City of Long Beach 2024 Youth Poet Laureate, Helena Donato-Sapp
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In July, we spotlight Helena Donato-Sapp, the City of Long Beach’s 2024 Youth Poet Laureate. Helena is a published author, exhibited artist, and a passionate disability justice activist. Her book recommendation, Figure It Out, Henri Weldon, tells the story of a young Black girl who loves poetry and has dyscalculia. Helena, who also has dyscalculia, shares this book to highlight Disability Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of diverse literature in reflecting our experiences and fostering understanding. Discover how this young adult novel beautifully mirrors her journey and advocacy.
Figure It Out, Henri Weldon
by Tanita S. Davis
Meet Helena Donato-Sapp:
What made you choose Figure It Out, Henri Weldon as your book recommendation?
My book recommendation is Figure It Out, Henri Weldon and it is about a young Black girl who loves poetry and has a learning disability called dyscalculia, which is a math disorder. This book is important for me to share because July is Disability Awareness Month, I am a Disability Justice activist, I am a poet, and I have dyscalculia also. Not only are diverse books important because they help so many of us who were erased from literature for centuries, but they provide a rich window into the lives of others that many might not be able to witness otherwise. As the 2024-2025 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate, I wanted a young adult novel that highlighted poetry, of course, but also one that informed readers about learning disabilities and the struggles those of us that have them face daily. I encourage everyone to go to your local library and find a book that beautifully mirrors you as well. It makes me, for one, feel less alone. Let’s all lift up Disability Pride!
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I believe that kids can tackle tough topics and this book shows a story where this happened quite beautifully. I am so impacted by this book, that I want to buy a copy of it for every math teacher I have going forward – and for any peer who becomes a good friend – so that they can have a deeper understanding of what it means to have dyscalculia.
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?
Good literature always has an abundance of universal themes and Figure It Out, Henri Weldon is no exception. I liked the themes of friendship, taking risks, and boldness.
What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
I was affirmed by Henri writing poetry, writing in journals and on scrap paper because I have that done that all my life too. But when I saw that she was writing about math and to math…that inspired me to want to think more deeply about how I communicate about my math disorder to others. It inspired me, actually to write a poem on dyscalculia where I used some numbers for letters to make it a bit more difficult for readers so that they might get a sense of how hard it is to decipher numbers for those of us with dyscalculia. And guess what? I read that poem at the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finals and I think it won me the Poet Laureate position!
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
I read a lot of books on disability in my partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) and my role as a social media influencer for their organization, particularly their Disability Awareness Booklist and their Read Across America initiative. But I was shocked to find a book that was about a teenage Black girl who loves poetry and has one of the same learning disabilities that I have – dyscalculia. It’s hard not to feel all alone when you have a disability that rarely comes up and this book really touched my life because the stories of Henri struggling with math are the exact same things that have happened to me in my schooling.
How did your recommended book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
Like I said, since it mirrored me so much, it made me feel less alone. It also emboldens me because if Henri can push forward and be bold and brave, then I feel that I can too!
Did your recommended book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?
It reaffirmed my belief that it is important for diverse authors to write diverse books about diverse kids who have diverse intersectional identities! The more diverse, the better!
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I was 15 years old.
Has a book ever changed your life?
It was really a genre that changed my life more than a book. I was a struggling reader because of my four learning disabilities and the books that saved me were graphic novels! Oh! I ate them up! They were the first books that I “read” because I could cue from the pictures and I read hundreds of graphic novels throughout my childhood. They boosted my confidence and graphic novels the books that are most responsible for me being an avid reader today.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
I just got a Kindle for my birthday from my Grandma and I am loving it! But I will always be in love with paperbacks. The touch of them, the smell of them, running my fingers over the lines on the pages, being able to take pencils and highlighters and annotate them…that is heaven to me!
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
Oh yes! My two dads are avid readers and I have pictures of them holding me in their arms and reading to me since the first day I got home from the hospital. My Grandma is the most hungry reader I know and she reads day and night. She even gets my booklist from school and reads every title alongside me!
What are your favorite genres to read?
This is an easy answer – science fiction and horror! Three cheers for Stephen King!
Where is your favorite place to read? Outside? Local coffee shop? On vacation?
On our couch, in a chair, and laying in bed at night with my night light putting a warm glow on the pages.
Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?
I would want to meet Stephen King! Plus, I also really like his politics. Plus-plus, I love how he thinks about writing too.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read for school was The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri. I loved it and nearly all of our books in freshman year were about immigration and refugees. But yesterday was my first day of summer and so I started reading The Hunger Games again.
What book will you read next?
The next on my list is a book is titled Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens edited by Marieke Nijkamp. It is a great YA book featuring all disabled authors. The thing I love about it is that it has so many different genres in it – from realistic fiction to romance to fantasy to science fiction and horror. Science fiction and horror are my favorite genres so that is what caught my attention about this wonderful book.
If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
The Evil Teacher Who Said “You can’t”
Why do you think reading is important?
I was bullied a lot in K-8 and didn’t have a lot of friends. Books were my friends. I always had a book on me because if I was going to be alone at lunch or on the playground I could find safety in the pages of books. To this day, I never leave home without a book in my hand. I have spent my entire childhood reading and reading and reading and it is informative and fun! Books are friends and there are lots of friends at your local library waiting to meet you!
Helena Donato-Sapp, 2024 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate
Helena Donato-Sapp is the City of Long Beach’s 2024 Youth Poet Laureate, a published author, exhibited artist, working poet and sought-after keynote speaker who has been featured on the Disney Channel and in Discovery Education. Helena Donato-Sapp has also been appointed to the Long Beach Commission for Women and Girls. Her awards include the Global Youth Award for Educational Leadership, the 2023-24 Heumann-Armstrong Award and the “Yes, I Can Academic Award,” among others.
Find Figure It Out, Henri Weldon at your local library branch by clicking here!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Doug Haubert, Long Beach City Prosecutor, Shares His Literary Journey
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In June, we spotlight Doug Haubert, the Long Beach City Prosecutor known for his innovative gang prevention strategies and advocacy for alternative sentencing programs. As a father, Doug found a renewed love for reading through bedtime stories with his son. He shares his profound connection with literature, specifically The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Discover how this classic novel rekindled his love for reading, offering timeless insights into human resilience, friendship, and the simple joys of life.
The Old Man and The Sea
by Ernest Hemingway
Meet Doug Haubert:
What made you choose The Old Man and the Sea as your book recommendation?
The Old Man and the Sea was the first book I read as an adult when I decided to return to reading. My mother-in-law, Kathy, gave my son Alice in Wonderland, the original version. He was too young to read it himself, so I read it to him every night and realized this is a story for grownups. The themes and constant play on words were definitely for adult readers. I started to enjoy our bedtime ritual as much as my son, wondering if I was missing out – maybe the classics we were told to read (but never wanted to) in our younger years were actually meant for us as adults.
After that experience, starting with The Old Man and Sea, I started binge reading the classics. They are considered great for a reason, Ernest Hemingway, Willa Cather, John Steinbeck, Jack London, Victor Hugo, and others, they don’t just write great stories, they capture the human condition in a way that is timeless.
The Old Man and the Sea is a tender, but sad story about a very old, very poor fisherman, Santiago, who goes through a long dry spell where he cannot catch a fish for months. Then he hooks the fish of a lifetime, a giant Marlin, and most of the book is the struggle between Santiago and the Marlin.
Santiago is the underdog, and you cannot help but cheer for him. You want him to break his dry spell with a record catch.
I also loved the book because of the relationship between Santiago and a boy, Manolin, who clearly loves and respects Santiago. They talk about baseball and the way I used to talk to my grandfather about baseball.
I had just finished The Old Man and the Sea when Kathy passed away unexpectedly. She was only 59. I took my son to the Belmont Pier and shared the news with him. We took a place on a bench and cried for a while, then we just sat, looking out at the deep, dark ocean.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I intentionally picked a book that most people have heard of, but have never read or perhaps have not read recently. One might have read it in high school, or were supposed to read it (hey, there’s a reason for CliffNotes).
As I mentioned, after reading Alice in Wonderland, I read The Old Man and the Sea, then I started binging on books considered classics. I was in my late 30’s and had not read for fun in many, many years, but now I was returning to the library each week until I had read virtually everything on TIME Magazine’s “All TIME 100 Novels.”
The Old Man and the Sea is a short, easy read. I hope people read it again, as an adult. If people like it, maybe they will start to re-read other classics, like The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, or Death Comes for the Archbishop, by Willa Cather. They are short, sweet stories that a teenager might skim through just enough to pass a literature class, but an older reader might find deeper meaning.
I would be curious if anyone discovers what I discovered. That most of the books we consider old classics are more enjoyable and more profound if we read them as adults, and are actually pretty relevant to our lives still.
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?
In modern times it seems that status, money, fame, influence, power, are the things by which we judge people and expect to be judged by others. Just think of what you see on social media. Our society has never had more material wealth, and yet been less happy.
Santiago may be poor, but he has friendship in Manolin. The old fisherman is not fishing for money. He is not trying to catch a great fish for fame or glory. He is fishing because that is what he is, a fisherman. He, along with the boy, Manolin, are very poor, but there is no mention of having to catch fish to survive. In fact, when the story begins Santiago has just had 84 days without a catch. He feels 85 is a lucky number so he goes out again.
The story is about struggling and persevering, not giving up, not complaining about bad things that happen to us. The story is also about friendship. The book is timeless and there are life lessons that should keep our minds off material things so we can focus on what really matters.
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
There are two things that I will always remember about this book. First, it is the friendship between Santiago, the very old fisherman, and Manolin, the apprentice. Manolin wants to fish with Santiago, but his parents won’t let him because Santiago is “unlucky.”
Manolin takes care of the old fisherman man and brings food to his room. They talk about the Yankees and Joe DiMaggio. “I would like to take the great DiMaggio fishing,” the old many said. “They say his father was a fisherman. Maybe he was as poor as we are and would understand.”
Even if you do not recognize names like Joe DiMaggio, Dick Sisler, John McGraw and Leo Durocher, you will be touched by the relationship between Manolin and the old man.
The second part I will never forget is when Santiago is heading back to shore with the Marlin on the line. Due to its size, the Marlin can’t be brought into the boat, and this eventually attracts the attention of sharks. I don’t want to give away too much, but you can only imagine that Santiago had enough to overcome, and now he has to fight off sharks coming after his prize fish.
Hemingway is known for his dialogue, but since most of the book is about the struggle between Hemingway and the Marlin, Santiago either talking to himself, or talking to fish and birds around his boat. Here’s one example: “Fish,” he said, “I love and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends.”
How did your recommended book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
No matter how bad things get in my life, I still have it easier than the old fisherman, Santiago. Sometimes we forget how good we have it.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
Probably 9 years old
Has a book ever changed your life?
Yes, but too many to list and all for different reasons. The late-in-life binging that started in my late 30’s was a period of personal growth for me. I would not have run for City Prosecutor if that experience never happened.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
I don’t own an e-reader. Maybe someday I will get on that bandwagon because it’s more practical. I still prefer books, whether paperback or hardcover. I admit I also prefer newspaper to online, but I seem to get all my news online these days.
Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?
John Grisham. His life story is fascinating to me. Everyone knows his legal thrillers, but there’s one called Playing for Pizza that is totally different.
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
I do not recall being read to as a child, but I liked books when I was a kid. I was a high energy child, always playing sports, but on Saturdays our local library had programming for kids, so I would get dropped off at the library with my brother. I was about 9 or 10 years old.
Really, though, I stopped reading when I started to be given reading assignments. If I had to read, it wasn’t as much fun. I read a lot in college and law school, but it wasn’t for pleasure. In fact, many years had passed before I started to read for fun again, in my late 30’s.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Fiction.
Where is your favorite place to read? Outside? Local coffee shop? On vacation?
I love to read on vacation, in fact, when I am going to travel somewhere I will usually find a novel set in that location. For example, I read The Descendants right before I went to Kauai.
What’s the last book you read?
I have been reading Malcom Gladwell recently. I read Outliers, then Blink, now I am finishing The Tipping Point. This is unusual for me because I love fiction, especially fiction with some history, legal and political accuracy.
What book will you read next?
I still need to read Sparring Partners, by John Grisham, so that will probably be next. But I’m always looking for recommendations!
If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
City Prosecutor – because the most interesting part of my life (up to this point) has happened during my time as the City Prosecutor.
Why do you think reading is important?
It’s been said that all learning is self-taught. The written word is a form of art that can take us to different time periods and places in the world, and beyond our world. The act of translating letters into words, and words into thoughts, is unique, and there are parts of the brain that are stimulated only by reading.
Doug Haubert, Long Beach City Prosecutor
Doug Haubert is a skilled attorney with 24 years of experience as a civil and criminal prosecutor. He was elected Long Beach City Prosecutor in 2010, and re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
As City Prosecutor, he started Long Beach’s Gang Prevention Strategy, a three-part approach to reducing gang activity through intervention, rehabilitation, and enforcement of gang court orders. He is also recognized as a national leader in court diversion and alternative sentencing programs for low-level, first-time offenders. One of his programs, the Long Beach Community Service Worker (CSW) program, was named “Best Neighborhood Program” in America by nonprofit organization Neighborhoods, USA.
City Prosecutor Haubert received his B.A. in Political Science from U.C. Santa Barbara, and his Juris Doctorate With Distinction from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He has served on many local boards and commissions, including the California State Bar Public Law Executive Committee, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, and Goodwill Industries of Southern Los Angeles Board of Directors, WomenShelter of Long Beach, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Southern California. He is currently the President of the Los Angeles County Prosecutors Association.
Learn more on the City Prosecutor website.
Find “The Old Man and the Sea” at your local library branch by clicking here!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Olga Chavez, Empowering Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Leader
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In celebration of Mother’s Day and the power of community engagement, Long Beach Leaders are Readers proudly presents Olga Chavez, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, highlighting her philanthropic journey and dedication to empowering Southern California communities.
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. Chavez’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
La Edad De Oro (The Golden Age)
by
José Martí
Meet Olga Chavez:
What made you choose La Edad de Oro as your recommendation?
This book, La Edad de Oro, holds a special place in my heart because it embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge despite adversity. José Martí, a Cuban icon of independence and freedom, first published this book in 1889. For me, this book was not just a collection of stories; it was a beacon of light during challenging times.
Martí’s words, penned in exile, spoke of a Cuba he longed to see—one where children were nurtured with love, educated with wisdom, and inspired to dream boldly. As a Cuban myself, La Edad de Oro reminded me of the importance of preserving my heritage, even when far from home. It taught me to cherish my culture, language, and history, no matter where life took me.
This book resonates with me because it represents the resilience of the human spirit, the power of education, and the beauty of dreaming beyond one’s circumstances. It reminds me that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of inspiration that can ignite change and illuminate the path forward.
I believe La Edad de Oro can inspire others by showing them that literature is not just words on a page; it is a mirror reflecting our deepest aspirations and a window into a world of possibilities. It encourages readers to embrace their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better future, just as Martí envisioned for his beloved Cuba.
Where there any stand-out scenes?
There are several standout scenes and passages from La Edad de Oro that have deeply impacted my life. One of the most memorable passages is from the preface, where José Martí writes about the importance of children and the role they play in shaping the future:
“Los niños, los niños, los niños son. Los niños, los niños, los niños serán. Y entre ellos, en primer término, los pobres, a quienes no es lícito negar cuanto es posible darles: no para compensarles de la herencia de las lágrimas, sino para redimirlos de ella.”
Translated, this passage emphasizes the importance of children, especially those who are less fortunate, and the need to provide them with everything possible, not to compensate them for the inheritance of tears, but to redeem them from it. This passage has resonated with me deeply, reminding me of the responsibility we have to nurture and educate the next generation.
Another impactful scene is the story of “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” (The Little Pink Shoes). This story tells the tale of a poor Cuban girl named Rosa who, despite her humble circumstances, remains kind-hearted and generous. When a wealthy woman passes by and admires Rosa’s beautiful pink shoes, Rosa selflessly gives them to her, even though they are her only pair.
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and empathy. It teaches us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the goodness of our hearts. “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” has left a lasting impact on me, inspiring me to always be compassionate and considerate towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I hope that other readers, like myself, will be inspired by the timeless wisdom and profound insights found in La Edad de Oro. I hope that they will see the importance of education, empathy, and kindness in shaping a better future for all. I hope that this book will encourage readers to cherish their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better world, just as José Martí envisioned for his cherished Cuba. Ultimately, I hope that La Edad de Oro will ignite a spark of curiosity and compassion in the hearts of its readers, inspiring them to dream boldly and act with courage and conviction.
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
Yes, my brother..
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude). Find it at your local library branch here.
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life or to society today?
The themes and messages of La Edad de Oro are highly relevant and relatable to my own life and to society today. The book’s focus on the importance of education, empathy, and kindness resonates deeply with me. In today’s fast-paced and often divisive world, the message of nurturing the next generation, especially those who are less fortunate, is more important than ever.
Additionally, the book’s emphasis on the power of literature and storytelling to inspire change and shape a better future is something that I strongly believe in. In a world where information is constantly bombarding us, the ability to step back, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of language and storytelling is invaluable.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
I don’t have a preference myself, but many people enjoy the convenience of e-books, while others prefer the feel and experience of reading a physical paperback.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Poetry
Why do you think reading is important?
Reading is crucial because it enhances our learning, understanding of the world, and communication skills. It’s also an enjoyable way to unwind and escape reality. Reading enriches our vocabulary, critical thinking, and empathy, adding depth to our lives. Personally, I’m drawn to poetry because it provides a distinctive and compelling means of expressing emotions, ideas, and experiences.
If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
Embracing the Rainbow: A journey from Habana to Hope
Olga Chavez is the Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations Lead for Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Refinery. For the past 12 years, Olga has been responsible for overseeing the management of a multi-million-dollar philanthropy budget to support local non-profits and the communities they serve. Olga works with the Marathon Leadership Team to develop and implement priorities and strategies for achieving balanced public policy and a consistent approach to ensure impactful community investment and outreach, and employee volunteerism.
Olga Chavez was born and raised in Cuba. She and her family immigrated to the United States 40 years ago. She comes from humble backgrounds, her father was a chef, and her mother a caregiver. Her beloved brother passed away not long after their arrival in the United States.
Olga has been very involved in the nonprofit world. Working within the energy industry has enabled her to establish several nonprofit organizations in the community. Some of the foundations formed by Olga are the Wilmington Coordinating Council, under the leadership of the late Shirley Atencio, Gulf Avenue Elementary PTO, and the Friends of the Rotary Club of Wilmington. Olga firmly believes in giving back to the community, and Marathon supports her efforts. She is engaged in several nonprofit boards, such as the Wilmington and Gardena-Carson YMCAs, the Rotary Club of Wilmington, and the San Pedro and Wilmington Chambers. Additionally, she is a member of the President’s Advisory Board – Special Advisors to the Battleship IOWA Museum.
Find “La Edad de Oro” at the library soon!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Cathy De Leon, City of Long Beach Director of Library Services
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In honor of National Library Month, we are featuring the City of Long Beach Director of Library Services, Cathy De Leon!
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. De Leon’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
Hello, Universe
by
Erin Entrada Kelly
What made you choose Hello, Universe as your recommendation?
Erin Entrada Kelly is the first author of Filipino descent to be awarded the most prestigious award in children’s literature, the Newbery Medal, and she won it for this book. Hello, Universe tells the story of a shy Filipino boy named Virgil Salinas and three fellow middle schoolers whose worlds collide in unexpected ways. Published in 2017, this book resonated with me because it was one of the first times I ever saw myself–my culture, my family–in a book, as the stories and experiences of Filipino Americans are not often reflected in American literature. As a longtime children’s librarian, this book made me cry because of its candid and heartwarming depictions of Filipino American intergenerational family life. To me, this book embodies the power of telling diverse stories and how affirming and inclusive literature can and should be.
Where there any stand-out scenes?
There’s a scene where Virgil observes his grandmother, or lola, slicing mangos. The way that Entrada Kelly described this simple act really hit me because it’s something my lola did for me when I was a child and brought up a lot of powerful personal memories.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I never realized until I read Hello, Universe how starved I was to see these cultural aspects of my own experience on a page. Representation matters and I hope readers someday get to see themselves reflected in literature if they haven’t already.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
Paperbacks!
What was the last book you read?
Crying in H Mart. Find it at your local library branch here.
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Billie Jean King, Long Beach Hometown Hero and Equality Champion
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are featuring a Long Beach hometown hero, legendary sports icon, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and equality champion Billie Jean King.
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. King’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
The Bluest Eye
by
Toni Morrison
What made you choose The Bluest Eye as your recommendation?
Some of the best learnings come from books that are tough to read. This is one of those books. In this book, her first novel, Morrison, takes a stark look at racism and a quest for equality and authenticity through the eyes of a young African-American girl in the depression era. We have to remember when it was written and how much things have changed, and how much things can still improve.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love history. My parents got my brother and me library cards when we were in elementary school so we learned how to use them early. Randy and I loved to read. I really loved bios on people. Just like I love documentaries on streaming and television now. I still like true stories about people – people’s stories inspire me.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I had wanted to read this book for years and it took me a while to get to it and it was worth it. It is a heartfelt look at a difficult story. Never give up on a good book. As they say, it’s better late than never.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I was in Elementary school at Los Cerritos Elementary in Long Beach when I got my first Long Beach Public Library card.
As a kid I asked if I could use my parents library card and the first library I remember going to was at Los Cerritos elementary school. We also went to Harte Library on W. Willow.
Reading for free was a privilege which our parents were very clear on. Also having a choice of what we were able to read was also a privilege.
Why do you think reading is important?
Information gives you knowledge and knowledge gives you power.
Finally, if you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
All In
All In is an autobiography/memoir and New York Times Bestseller written by Billie Jean King.
“An inspiring and intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her brilliant tennis career, unwavering activism, and an ongoing commitment to fairness and social justice.” Visit www.PenguinRandomHouse.com for the full overview.
Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles and 3 World TeamTennis championships, founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association and was the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She founded the Billie Jean King Foundation and is part of the ownership groups of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City FC and on the Advisory Board of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. A New York Times bestselling author, her memoir, All In, was released in 2021 and released in paperback in 2023.
Find “The Bluest Eye” at your local neighborhood library branch!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Sharon L. Weissman, Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and Community Leader
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In honor of Library Lovers Month, we could think of no one better suited than our very own Sharon L. Weissman, a Member of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board of Directors, Member of the Harbor Board of Commissioners, and Member of the California Library Services Board of Directors.
Continue reading to learn more about Sharon’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
The Diary of a Young Girl
by
Anne Frank
What made you choose The Diary of a Young Girl as your recommendation?
I choose The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank as my book because I believe it is a book that speaks to the troubles of our time. The Holocaust and the death of millions of Jews, Soviet POWs, Poles, Roma and Sinti, the disabled and LGBTQ persons at the hands of the Nazis demonstrates in the most horrible of examples the danger and horror of prejudice and bias. But Anne’s diary also speaks of the courage and kindness of those willing to hide and help those who were targeted by the Nazis. Courage and kindness are what we need very much today. Her most famous quote is the first of these three sentences that follow, but the hope she demonstrates in the first sentence and following two are remarkable considering her circumstance when she wrote them, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.”
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
Anne’s quote, In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” This is a sentiment I think of when I despair about the world or a personal circumstance. If she could have this optimism in her situation, surely I can in a much less dire situation.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I hope they would understand that prejudice never has a good outcome. Kindness and the courage to say that something is wrong or untrue will make this a better country and a better world.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I don’t remember not having one.
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
Yes, my mother was a reader and read to my sister and me until we learned to read. This habit has served me well in school and my work life.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
Although I prefer physical books to e-books, sometimes I am eager to begin a particular book and if the e-book is available from the library, I download it so I can begin reading it right away.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Mystery, historical fiction, literary fiction and humor.
Where is your favorite place to read?
My sofa.
Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?
Anne Tyler, I loved her novels Breathing Lessons, Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, and The Accidental Tourist, among others.
What’s the last book you read?
Cannery Row (which you can find at your local neighborhood library branch by clicking here)
What book will you read next?
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
Why do you think reading is important?
I grew up in a family of modest means. Reading made a world that could have been so small, so large. Reading allows us to experience things and places we may never see. Books take us on a journey to so many worlds and we meet so many people.
Finally, if you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
It’s All About the Story
Sharon L. Weissman, former Senior Advisor to Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, is a member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. She also served as Mayor Garcia’s liaison to the arts community, the Long Beach Public Library and its support groups, including the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, and Sister Cities organizations.
Ms. Weissman has a background in public policy, having served as Chief of Staff to Dr. Garcia when he was Vice Mayor of Long Beach and Chief of Staff to former California State Senator and Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza.
Prior to her work with elected officials, Ms. Weissman was the Director of the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University, Long Beach; the Station Manager of CSULB’s jazz radio station, KLON-FM (now KKJZ), and an instructor at the university in the fields of radio, TV and film.
Serving California, Ms. Weissman was appointed by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to serve on the California Library Services Board from May 2023 through December 2025. Serving her community, Ms. Weissman is a member of the Executive Committee and former President and Vice President of Public Affairs of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation; a member of the Advisory Board of CSULB’s Long Beach Center for Urban Politics and Policy and the Advisory Board of the Museum of Latin American Art; a former Board Member of the Arts Council for Long Beach, the Long Beach Symphony and Sister Cities of Long Beach; and a former Chair of the Long Beach Fair Housing Foundation.
Part of our Long Beach Leaders are Readers program includes inviting the featured leader to sign the inside of their book recommendation so that future patrons who check the book out will be able to learn about the significance of the book to our local leaders. Keep an eye out for the signed recommendations at your local branch!
Find “Diary of a Young Girl” at your local neighborhood library branch!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Everett Glenn, Long Beach Nonprofit Founder and Community Leader
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
We invited Mr. Everett Glenn to start off our year and be our January 2024 Long Beach Leaders are Readers feature because his distinctive perspective on leadership and his commitment to positive change align perfectly with the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the profound inspiration the day embodies.
Continue reading to learn more about his month’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
Success Runs in Our Race
by
George C. Fraser
What made you choose Success Runs in Our Race to recommend to the community?
In my opinion, Success Runs in Our Race is a book folk can use to increase their ability to network, get together to get ahead, grow spiritually, and develop the resources leading to greater wealth and relationship success. The book allows us to realize our connectedness to one another and to share, give, and maximize all of our community and business resources.
Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?
“It takes teamwork to make the dream work”
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
More than a guide for personal achievement, Success Runs in our Race is an information-packed bible of networking that also seeks to inspire a social movement and a rebirth of the “Underground Railroad,” in which successful African Americans share the lessons of self-determination and empowerment with those still struggling to scale the ladder of success.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
9
How did your recommended book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
Made me think about what can happen when Black entrepreneurs, professionals and civic leaders come together to effect positive change in our community.
What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
That Black people are often our own worst enemy, relying on others who have more evidence of their disdain for us than concern, to help us solve our problems.
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
My mom
Has a book ever changed your life?
Not the book itself, but the decision to take action based on what I read…Success Runs in our Race
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
Paperbacks
What are your favorite genres to read?
Technical/professional development
Where is your favorite place to read?
On my patio
Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
What’s the last book you read?
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More With Less (Which, by the way is available at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library)
Why do you think reading is important?
I think reading is important because strong reading skills are fundamental for academic success. Being literate opens doors to educational opportunities, higher learning, and better career prospects, empowering readers to reach their full potential.
Reading also provides an avenue for the reader to see themselves reflected in stories, characters, and experiences, empowering them to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and make a difference. Finally, reading also encourages critical thinking and empathy. It allows the reader to understand different perspectives, navigate complexities, and develop empathy for others’ experiences, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Finally, if you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
The Good Glenn: The Rise, the Fall, the Resurrection
Everett Glenn is the Founder, CEO and Executive Director of Long Beach based nonprofit, BOSS. BOSS™ (Business Of Student Success) instills a mindset within their boys that advances both individual excellence and team mastery. The BOSS values are embedded in all that they do, fostering their boys’ intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
Learn more about BOSS on their website: www.bossprograms.org
Part of our Long Beach Leaders are Readers program includes inviting the featured leader to sign the inside of their book recommendation so that future patrons who check the book out will be able to learn about the significance of the book to our local leaders. Keep an eye out for the signed recommendations at your local branch!
Find “Success Runs in Our Race” in the African American Heritage Collection at the Burnett Neighborhood Library!