African American Book Club

Join us in a discussion of James by Percival Everett. It is the story of Mark Twains’ Huckleberry Finn told from his ‘friend’ Jim’s point of view. Forbidden to learn how to read and write, punishable by death to be black and literate, Jim who is very literate speaks and acts in code. When he is around his people he speaks normal English language. When he is speaking to oppressors, he speaks and acts the way they expect, obsequiously and with little or no enunciation. His young friend, Huck occasionally overhears him and wonders why he’s speaking so fancy. Is it survival of the fittest, or survival of those who adapt? Do we still wear the mask that grins and lies and hides our cheeks and shades our eyes?

After you register you may pick up a copy of the book, available in hardcover, large print at the Central Library or call  385-0150 to reserve. Also available for check out on Libby with your library account. This title is available for check out on Libby and hoopla with your VBPL library account. Adults. Registration is required.