Aiken Library’s Book Discussion Series Returns This Fall
This fall, the Aiken County Public Library is set to launch a beloved series called Let’s Talk About It, which is expected to draw literature enthusiasts from all over the community. The program, created by SC Humanities, a state program for the National Endowment for the Humanities, combines reading with lively conversations led by scholars in the humanities.
Exciting Themes and Timelines
This year’s series will focus on five modern Southern novels and their corresponding film adaptations, allowing participants to explore how stories transition from page to screen. The excitement begins on September 10 and 14 with the screening of the 2003 film adaptation of Cold Mountain, based on the 1997 novel by Charles Frazier.
A Closer Look at “Cold Mountain”
Cold Mountain tells the tale of a Confederate soldier played by Jude Law, who struggles with the horrors of war and his longing for home and a preacher’s daughter. The novel is rooted in the life of Frazier’s ancestor, W. P. Inman, and showcases Frazier’s detailed research on the Civil War era. Following the screenings, a discussion led by Dr. Tom Mack will be held on September 17, where attendees can dive deeper into both the book and the film.
Upcoming Films and Discussions
The next film scheduled for the series is Big Fish, directed by Tim Burton, based on the novel by Daniel Wallace. This enchanting story is about a son trying to unravel the fantastical tales his father has woven over the years. Screenings for this film will occur on October 8 and 12, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Amanda Warren on October 15.
A Highlight of Classic Literature: “The Color Purple”
November will feature Alice Walker’s celebrated work, The Color Purple, which explores intense themes such as domestic abuse and resilience. It has stood the test of time, and even saw a second film adaptation released last year. The screenings for this are set for November 12 and 16, with a subsequent discussion on November 19 led by Dr. Matt Miller.
Continuing the Exploration in 2025
As the new year rolls in, the series will continue with the screening of The Grass Harp on February 18 and 22. This film is based on the early work of Truman Capote, telling the story of an orphan boy and his adventures with his eccentric aunts. The discussion will be held on February 25, led by Dr. Andrew Geyer.
Finally, the series will conclude with the film American Fiction in March. Scheduled for March 18 and 22, it will be followed by a discussion session on March 25 led by Dr. Todd Hagstette.
How to Participate
All discussions and film screenings will be free and open to the public, welcoming anyone who loves literature and cinema to join. For those who wish to participate in the book discussions, registration starts on August 12, and registered members will receive copies of the books to read. If you already have the books, you are welcome to attend discussions and screenings without needing to register.
For any additional information or questions, community members can contact the library reference desk at 803-642-2020. This series promises to enrich the community’s literary experience and foster engaging discussions about well-loved stories.
