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Let’s talk about the novel

NCCU joins Durham Public Library for book discussions

Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

family_cover

J. California Cooper: Family

N.C. Central University scholars will team up this Saturday to debut a series of discussions titled “Let’s Talk About It: The African-American Experience: Looking Forward, Looking Back.”

The discussions will focus on five seminal pieces, all reflecting African American history.

This will be the second installment NCCU has been involved in.

“The purpose of these discussions is for participants to engage in dialogue about extraordinary works by African-American writers,” said Dr. Karen Keaton-Jackson, assistant professor of English.

“It is also a way for NCCU to collaborate and connect with members of the Durham Public Library and the local community.”

Dr. Keaton-Jackson will lead this Saturday’s group discussion with a book titled Family by J. California Cooper, a dynamic multi-generational story about a slave and her family.

Later discussions will consider such books as Go Tell It on the Mountain” by James Baldwin, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and the 1983 Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

The discussions will embark upon subjects that everyone, regardless of ethnic background, can relate to.

“I plan to connect many of the book’s themes to historical and current societal issues, so everyone will find some way to participate and contribute to the discussion,” said Keaton-Jackson.

Each event will be organized according to the preferences of the discussion leader.

The discussions are expected to last between one and two hours.

“For my particular session, I plan to start with a brief lecture and then mostly open discussion,” said Keaton-Jackson.

The next gathering after Keaton-Jackson’s will be held March 6 and will be led by Lynne T. Jefferson, visiting assistant professor of English.

The upcoming session of “Let’s Talk About It” will take place at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Stanford L. Warren Library.

Books will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional information, including pre-registration is available at (919) 560-0268 or via e-mail at mfragola@durhamcountync.gov.

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