Welcome to _Dear Evanston_'s fifth gathering of _You Can’t Judge a
Book by its Cover Book Group._ It’s like high school English or
Social Studies class, but you get to chat, eat snacks, and ... NO
GRADES!WHEN IS IT?
Wednesday, April 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHAT IS IT?
Meet new friends while reading and discussing acclaimed thought- and
action-provoking books about racial justice in Evanston, Chicago, and
the United States.
WHAT'S THE BOOK?
Our book for Wednesday, April 25 is _Parables from the Outskirts of
Polite Society _by EVANSTON'S OWN JEROME R. Summers. _ _
Here's my review:
_I have the incredible luck to know Jerome Summers. We both live in
Evanston, Illinois, which is a diverse but segregated small city.
Jerome and I have had completely different lives and life experiences.
I'm a white woman who lives in "white" Evanston. I am, as Jerome puts
it, "square," have always lived a "square" life, and belonged to
"polite society." He was born and raised in "Black" Evanston and, as
he says, he "feels like [he] lives on the outskirts of polite society,
close enough to get in, but not necessarily feeling a need to be
there." Jerome's beautifully written book of short stories about how
he committed to pursuing a square life at age 21 after a third friend
died of drug/alcohol-related causes in just one year, is part
autobiography, part self-help, part inspirational. It's an incredibly
easy read, with vivid and evocative imagery about his childhood
growing up in a house with 15 family members--siblings, cousins,
aunts, uncles, grandparents--poor but full of love; about his college
years during which he lived in his car and depended on the kindness of
strangers (most of whom were pimps, prostitutes, hustlers, and
gamblers) to keep from going hungry; and his life after college,
succeeding, failing, being evicted, starting businesses, traveling
internationally and getting elected twiceto the local school board.
His book is about all the lessons he learned with a foot in each
world--the square and the street, the Black and the white--about
humanity and compassion, redemption, forgiveness, and perseverance.
It's about his journey to self-knowledge and the advice he offers to
his readers based on his experiences. It's truthful and honest and
poetic. _
_THE EVANSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL HAVE [just four] copies
available at the second floor Reader Services desk at the main
library starting next week. First come, first served._
_AMAZON HAS THE BOOK IN STOCK FOR $14.95. KEEP IN MIND YOU'LL BE
SUPPORTING A LOCAL AUTHOR. TO PURCHASE: HTTP://AMZN.TO/2CZLQGU
[http://amzn.to/2CzLqGU]_
WHY SHOULD YOU SIGN UP?
To read and discuss interesting and challenging books and have
difficult but neccessary conversations. To develop closer
relationships with Evanstonians across race and socio-economic status.
To gain new insights from people with different life experiences. To
come up with action steps you take to build bridges and make change in
Evanston.
WHERE IS IT?
We’ll determine the venue(s) depending on the number of registrants.
Location/s will be announced prior to the date.
IS THERE A FEE?
_NO!_ There is no cost to participate, however donations to support
the refreshments and administration of the program are welcome.
WHEN CAN I REGISTER?
_NOW! _but NO later than APRIL 18 at 5 P.M.
QUESTIONS?
DearEvanston@gmail.com
Thanks to the Dear EVANSTON RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK GROUP COMMITTEE:
Eileen Heineman, Betsi Burns Landolt, Hallie Rosen, Linda Slavik,
Silveria Steele, Lesley Williams
Thanks to co-sponsors: Curt's Cafe, Evanston Public Library, Hip
Circle Studio, OPAL, Action for a Better Tomorrow-Evanston, Open
Studio Project, YWCA Evanston-North Shore, Indivisible Evanston,
Peaceable Cities, The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, Open
Communities, Evanston Cradle to Career, and Across the Table.
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26/04/2018 Last update