Memphis Reads, a citywide bookclub, rolls out its plans for 2015

A large scale book club of sorts, Memphis Reads, hosts a citywide community read in October, culminating in a book talk with an award-winning author and featured guest.  The planners--which include The Memphis Public Library & Information Center, Christian Brothers University, City of Memphis, Friends of the Library, Shelby County Schools, Facing History and Ourselves, Rhodes College, The Univerity of Memphis, and Southwest Tennessee Community College--have announced their selection for 2015.

Next fall the cities biggest book club welcomes noted author and entrepreneur Dave Eggers as the featured guest and speaker.  Eggers has penned more than 20 books like A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (2000), You Shall Know Our Velocity (2002), How We Are Hungry (2004), and several others. Founder of independent book publishing house McSweeney’s, Eggers is known for his work as an editor of The Best American Nonrequired Reading series and co-editor of the Voice of Witness series of oral histories. With a heart for youth and education, he opened a writing lab for teens and young adults called 826 Valencia, which has expanded to more than 800 locations in major U.S. cities. In addition, Eggers co-wrote the book Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America’s Teachers, a comprehensive look at America’s classrooms through the eyes of hundreds of educators.

Additionally, he will visit Shelby County Schools the next day to talk to students and local educators. 

To prepare for this exciting event, Memphians of all ages are encouraged to read this year’s featured book written by Eggers. The book title will be announced at a special Memphis Reads KickoffCelebration at Central Library on Friday, September 25, 2015. In book club fashion, Eggers enthusiasts will read the book during the month of October to discuss at the November events.

“By reading one book, Memphians can find a common ground despite their class, race, educational, or economic differences,” explained Christian Brothers University Associate Professor and program organizer Dr. Karen B. Golightly. “The goal of Memphis Reads is to build our community one book at a time.”

For more program information, visit the Memphis Reads website for the latest updates.

Memphis Reads 2015 (Sponsored by International Paper)
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Creative Arts Building (2375 Tiger Lane South, Memphis, TN 38104)