March’s Book Chats feature compelling, stimulating books that take a look at two of the most important issues facing our society: racism and the opioid crisis. Both books—one journalistic, the other a novel—entertain while educating, and we invite you to share your own thoughts on them at these events.
- Tuesday, March 19
- 1:00 p.m.
Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America, by Beth Macy- For anyone who has ever contemplated how and why opiate addiction has become an epidemic spanning all ages, races and socio-economic groups, this is the book to read, as it reveals the greed that drove Oxycontin to become America’s drug of choice. Jessica Bruder at the New York Times Book Review said, “A harrowing, deeply compassionate dispatch from the heart of a national emergency…a masterwork of narrative journalism, interlacing stories of communities in crisis with dark histories of corporate greed and regulatory indifference.” This book was chosen as an Amazon Best Book in August, 2018, and has won numerous awards and commendations. Macedon Library’s own Kathy Koehler will lead this book chat that is sure to help you bring clarity to this confounding situation.
- Saturday, March 23
- 2:00 p.m.
The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas- Now a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg and Regina Hall, this stunning young adult novel is a great read for anyone, adults or teens, from grade 8 and up. It tells a harrowing story: Starr Carter, an African American teen, witnesses her dear friend Khalil being shot and killed by a police officer when he is driving her home from a party. Starr must testify before a grand jury on whether to indict the officer, even while she is facing gang pressure at home, subtle racism at her mostly-white school, and all the normal pressures that come with being a teen. John Green, author of The Fault of Our Stars, said about this book “Angie Thomas has written a stunning, brilliant, gut-wrenching novel that will be remembered as a classic of our time.” This #1 New York Times Bestseller was a Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best winner, National Book Award longlist, and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. Join writer Mary Van Keuren in a discussion of the book and the issues it raises.
You’ll find plenty of copies of each of these books at the Macedon Library. Pick one up today and let us know if you’d like to come to a Book Chat by calling us at 315-986-5932 or stopping by to add your name to the sign-up sheet.
Macedon Public Library 