Book Parties at the Emory - 9/24

Longing for more intellectual conversation from the bar setting? Or are you just an alcoholic bookworm?

Either way – you can come discuss literature (namely, Jeffrey Eugenides’ Detroit-set odyssey Middlesex) at the Emory in Ferndale, Thursday (9/24) as part of the Ferndale Public Library's “Book Parties”; a series of warm-up events leading to their Big Read, that will share the experience of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon in March. So refresh with a reread, you Middlesex fans, and come talk about books over cocktails.

This is part of the Library’s “Big Read Program” — think, effectively, a city-wide book club, happening in March 2010, where we all progress through (this year’s selection) The Maltese Falcon, gather and discuss, but above all: connect.

To prepare for The Big Read, the Emory offers a jumpstart: gathering at the bar to informally discuss books that reflect metro-Detroit (Middlesex); bar life (The Tender Bar); social issues (Fight Club); or are full of interesting characters (Maltese, or all of the above). “One of the best things about reading a great book is sharing with someone,” said Big Read Program Director Darlene Hellenberg, who partnered with Emory Manager Emily Husband to get the ball rolling and provide livelier settings for page pow-wows. Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides (Detroiter-by-birth), is up first on September 24. Meet at the Emory, flip through pages, sip beer, meet, discuss

More info: ferndale.lib.mi.us; theemory.com

(photos: Trever Long)