Novel Ideas Book Club: James by Percival Everett

Welcome to Novel Ideas — A Book Club for the Thoughtfully Curious facilitated by Leah LaFera.

Looking for a place to connect over great stories and meaningful conversation? Novel Ideas is a welcoming book club where we dive into contemporary fiction from authors of all backgrounds and explore the big themes that shape our world—identity, justice, love, loss, resilience, and more.

Each month, we gather in an intimate setting to discuss our featured novel, share perspectives, and savor light refreshments and snacks—all included with your ticket. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just rediscovering your love of fiction, this is your space to slow down, reflect, and be inspired.

We encourage you to support our local literary community by purchasing your book from The Open Door Bookstore or borrowing a copy from your local library.

✨ Come for the conversation, stay for the connection.

About the Book: A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—both harrowing and satirical—told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.

When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond. Brimming with nuanced humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before.

Details:
- Facilitator: Leah LaFera
- Frequency: Monthly gatherings
- Light refreshments and snacks included with your ticket
- Recommended: purchase from The Open Door Bookstore or borrow from your local library