Peter Hedges and the Big Iowa Book Sale

Incase you are wondering what is on my nose in this video, I fell on my face last Friday and have a few unsightly gashes. The show must go on, so a combination of bandages and concealer were deployed to hide the evidence. Sorry. Filmmaker Peter Hedges returns to Iowa this week for an event at the Iowa State Capitol Saturday at 11:00 a.m., hosted by a growing grassroots group called Iowans for Decency — an organization formed by former Valley High School classmates and other Iowans searching for ways to reconnect community across political divides.But before Peter joined our Monday gathering, we began with another beloved Iowa institution making a comeback: the annual book sale once affiliated with .Now revived as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The massive volunteer-run event benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, which has supported girls and young women in Iowa for nearly 50 years.There turned out to be a surprising thread connecting both conversations: the legacy of Louise Noun — activist, visionary, and founder of the YWRC — was connected to Peter through our mutual friend, Dan Johnston, former Polk County Attorney. Small world. Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale ReturnsThe first podcast conversation focused on the revival of the beloved Planned Parenthood Book Sale, now reborn as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The event is organized by volunteers and benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, a nonprofit serving girls and young women ages 10 to 24.Rachel Woodhouse and Madeline Rutledge described the organization’s mission of supporting young women emotionally, socially, financially, and educationally. Programs include support for young mothers, doula care, financial literacy, parenting education, childcare, meals, internet safety education, and community-building opportunities for teens.The discussion explored how today’s teens are struggling with isolation, online dependency, and relearning how to build real-life friendships after years of digital interaction. There was also conversation about increasing pressure on nonprofits due to changing public policy, funding uncertainty, and rising community needs.The book sale itself promises approximately 900 tables filled with puzzles, games, DVDs, vinyl records, collectibles, and — of course — books. It will be held at the 4-H Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Volunteers shared stories about the massive sorting effort behind the scenes, along with amusing discoveries hidden inside donated books — including forgotten checks and gift cards.Throughout the conversation, themes of literacy, storytelling, women supporting women, and preserving community traditions kept resurfacing.I also offered a scholarship to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat for a participant connected to the Young Women’s Resource Center, because storytelling can be deeply healing and empowering.Your paid subscriptions help send scholarship recipients to the retreat.Peter Hedges on Iowa, Storytelling, and DecencyThe second podcast conversation featured acclaimed author and filmmaker Peter Hedges, who reflected deeply on Iowa, legacy, creativity, political division, and the importance of human connection.Peter spoke movingly about rediscovering his connection to Iowa during and after COVID, and about the emotional impact recent political events have had on him personally. He talked about the importance of honest storytelling and his belief that communities survive when people continue listening to one another.He also spoke generously about the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and the importance of creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can gather and share stories. Peter compared those efforts to the legacy of Louise Noun, emphasizing that visionary people create “rooms” where others can contribute their gifts.One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered around leadership and democracy. Peter described feeling devastated after the recent election and worried about growing polarization, cruelty, and the erosion of truth in public life.In response, he began reconnecting with former classmates from Valley High School through Zoom conversations. Those gatherings evolved into a larger civic group first called “Tigers for Democracy,” later renamed “Iowans for Decency.”The group now includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents focused on protecting democratic norms, human dignity, and respectful conversation.Peter also shared personal stories about growing up in Iowa, his minister father, his artist mother, and the teachers who changed the course of his life. He credited Valley High teacher Mr. Jim Lamson and his wife, Cindy Lamson, with helping him see potential in himself before he could see it on his own.Both conversations ultimately circled back to the same idea: communities survive when people gather together — to tell stories, to listen carefully, and to remind one another of our shared humanity.That may be the real thread connecting a book sale, a writers retreat, and a filmmaker returning home to Iowa.Peter Hedges is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here is a tribute he wrote about his teacher, Mr. Jim Lamson: OkobojiPeter Hedges will be teaching during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Early Bird pricing is now in effect until July 1. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe