Appalachian Reads is a book discussion group sponsored by Blount County Public Library. Participants meet on the third Saturday of every other month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Dorothy Herron Room A. The first year of Appalachian Reads began July 15, 2017 and ran through May 19, 2018. Building on success, the group began its second year on July 21, 2018, and continues to meet for bi-monthly discussions.
The library will have four print copies of all titles plus R.E.A.D.S. access. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Reference Librarian Brennan LeQuire at 865-982-0981, ext. 302.
| Date | Book | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| July 20 | Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam | David Sincerbox |
| Sept 21 | Prayers the Devil Answers by Sharyn McCrumb | Jim Stovall |
| November 16 | The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman | Jan Taylor |
| January 18 | TBA | – |
| March 21 | TBA | – |
| May 16 | TBA | – |
Discuss The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Dorothy Herron Room A.
Tennessee Historian Wilma Dykeman was an author, teacher, columnist, and environmentalist who was passionate about the need for education in Appalachia. The book deals with a post-Civil War family in the mountains whose many needs included a school for their children. Discussion will be led by Jan Taylor, who teaches writing at Maryville College.
From the book description at Amazon:
Lydia Moore grew up in the Appalachian region before the Civil War and married Mark McQueen shortly after it began. Her husband went off to fight for the Union while her father and brother fought for the Confederates. While the men were gone, outliers raided Lydia’s mother’s home, assaulting her and stealing the livestock. A pregnant Lydia returned to her old home place to tend to her mother and brothers and sisters. When her labor began, the doctor was too inebriated to come, so Lydia’s Aunt Tildy delivered the baby, who was turned the wrong way, causing brain damage. After the war, when Mark returned, Lydia learned he had been imprisoned. Her Mark was a changed man who dealt with demons from the war and harbored a deep hatred for the men who had raided Lydia’s mother’s home, blaming his son’s mental problems on them. Through the years, Lydia had more children while dealing with her husband’s alienation and cynicism, hoping that through her love, he would become the man he used to be. Times were rough in their mountain region, but Lydia worked hard, trying to do her best for her children and their small community.
Open to the public, Southern Appalachian Studies programs are sponsored and hosted by Blount County Public Library with the support of Blount County Friends of the Library.
