Adult Book Discussion: James by Percival Everett

The West Indianapolis Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is hosting its monthly adult book discussion on Monday, November 9, from 5 PM to 6 PM. This month's pick is James by Percival Everett, a reimagining of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the enslaved Jim.

If you've read Twain's classic, you know the setup: Jim and Huck Finn end up on a raft together, drifting down the Mississippi River. Everett flips the script, putting Jim at the center. In this version, Jim overhears that he's about to be sold to a man in New Orleans and separated from his wife and daughter, so he hides on nearby Jackson Island while he works out a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. The story follows Jim's journey down the river toward the promise of the Free States.

It's a familiar story seen from a completely different angle, and that's exactly what makes it a good one to talk through with other readers. The discussion meets on the second Monday of every month, so if you miss this one, there'll be another coming up soon. If you haven't read the book yet, you can pick up a copy at the branch.

The West Indianapolis Branch has a long history in the neighborhood. It first opened in 1897 after West Indianapolis was annexed by the city, and a 1912 building funded by an Andrew Carnegie Foundation grant served the community until 1986, when the current 5,000-square-foot branch opened at 1216 S. Kappes Street. The discussion is free, and it runs from 5 PM to 6 PM on Monday, November 9.