On October 2nd at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, residents gathered at Arcadia’s Best Foundation‘s second annual One Community, One Book program to discuss the local bestselling book, Cliff Falls, by San Marino author C.B. Shiepe.
<Editor’s Note: blogger Emily Zheng is a freshman at Arcadia High School.>
Residents gather in the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
Event coordinator Scott Hettrick and author Shiepe first discussed the book’s background and how it was created. Drama students from Arcadia High School then presented dramatic interpretations of three short scenes from the story, followed by an excerpt reading by Shiepe. Hettrick then interviewed Shiepe about what it took for the author to create the novel and audience members had the opportunity to ask questions about the story and the author.
The panel discusses the novel.
A panel of Arcadia religious leaders, teachers, students, and residents discussed pressures to meet expectations and the religious themes in the novel. Free refreshments were provided by Togo’s sandwich shop in Arcadia. At the end of the event, Shiepe sold and signed copies of the novel, which is also available at Arcadia’s The Book Rack and Vroman’s Book Store.
Cliff Falls is the story of “Little Guy Mike,” a 1980’s child star on the run, that started off as a screenplay and then turned into a novel. Clay, the main character, is on the run for 15 years until his past finally catches up to him in Cliff Falls, a city tucked in the mountains of Santa Cruz. One of the underlying themes is the cross between religion and entertainment. Humor, romance, religion, symbolism, and much more is promised in this novel.
Emily Zheng and author C.B. Shiepe.
Discussions about the book’s influence on and relation to readers were motivational and inspiring. Many audience members opened up about how this novel made them finally find peace within themselves and how important this book relates to their everyday lives. The panel discussed the pressures put on the characters of this novel and how it relates to current students and also the religious and inspiring messages in the book.
Overall, it was a memorable and inspiring event that truly displayed how moving this new novel is and its impact on every reader. It is a truly well-written book and can always be read again and again. Pick up a copy of Cliff Falls today!
— By Emily Zheng