This fall, Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) will introduce a new community read initiative – Books Build Bridges. HEPL serves two vibrant communities – Fishers and Noblesville. The featured novels for the inaugural Books Build Bridges Community Read are An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and Dear Martin by Nic Stone (one for adult audiences, one for teen audiences).
More than a year ago, these books were selected to build community through shared experience, provide diverse reading opportunities, and engage our communities with noted authors. Here are five reasons to join our community read.
Here are our top 5 reasons join our Community Read of An American Marriage:
1. It’s an award-winning book by a noted author.
Ms. Jones treats you to a quality reading experience. An American Marriage was awarded the 2019 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Work in Fiction, the 2019 UK Women’s Prize for Fiction, and the 2019 Aspen Words Literary Prize. An American Marriage was a 2018 Oprah’s Book Club selection and a New York Times and Washington Post notable book.
2. The story will draw you in.
The characters in this book face difficult situations and decisions. As you read the book, you will care about Roy and Celestial and the circumstances that shape their lives. Fiction develops empathy. You may not walk in their shoes, but you can certainly feel their emotions.
3. It will spark thought and discussion about important but challenging topics.
This book is a springboard for discussion of topics that are difficult to bring up, such as racial inequity, gender roles in relationships, and maintaining dignity in the face of injustice. Think as you read and take opportunities to discuss the topics that become top of mind for you.
4. You can meet the author!
Make sure to visit the library’s online calendar of events here to register for Tayari Jones’ virtual visit on October 14. A limited number of seats are also available for a book discussion with the author. Information on how to join these events will be sent to those who are registered.
5. You can get a copy of the book from the library.
Visit the Fishers or Noblesville library to get a free signed copy of An American Marriage (while supplies last) or check out an ebook or audio from Overdrive or Hoopla (available through the HEPL website).
Lori Holewinski has worked at the Hamilton East Public Library for 26 years. Her favorite things to do in Fishers are visiting some of her favorite restaurants, such as The Roost, and trying out new lunch spots.
Reading is her all-time favorite pastime, but she also likes to cook with her husband and visit area parks and trails with him and her miniature dachshund that they recently added to the family. She loves the progressive vibe of the city and that Fishers is a community that says, “Yes, let’s try it!”. Lori and her husband have been married for 39 years and have two adult children.