CHAPTER 1 BOOK CLUB SOARS IN SEPTEMBER!

SUE MONK KIDD

Cecelia has picked another good title for her book clubbers!

The Chapter 1 Book Club, at the Pearl Public Library, will discuss author Sue Monk Kidd's most recent book, The Invention of Wings, a New York Times bestseller.   Kidd is also the author of The Secret Life of Bees, another bestseller and her first novel. 

The Invention of Wings was inspired by the true, 1830s story of southern, abolitionist sisters, Sarah and Angelina Grimke. The two were exiled from their home city of Charleston, S.C. for speaking against slavery and standing for liberty and equality. 

Kidd discovered that at the age of 11, Sarah's parents gave her the "human present" of 10-year-old slave girl Hetty as her handmaid. Sarah totally rebelled by teaching Hetty to read. It resulted in Hetty being punished with a beating so severe that it killed her. Kidd wanted her novel to bring Hetty back to life, and that's exactly what she did in this riveting story.

Published January of this year, The Invention of Wings, tells a lively story revolving around fictional Sarah and Hetty in a story of what might have been. Kidd begins the fictitious account with both girls cast in life circumstances they both despised, giving Hetty her own life of struggle and change. The story, which is immensely alive and believable, unfolds throughout years of the girls' lives.  

The Invention of Wings remained on the bestsellers' list for over five months. It has been translated into 20 languages, was chosen for Oprah's Book Club and there are plans to turn the book into a film.

Don't miss out on this sure-to-be stimulating discussion of The Invention of Wings. The Chapter 1 Book Club meeting is Thurs. Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Don't miss out! No reservations needed. You don't even have to be a member to stop on by. Light refreshments and door prizes are always included.

We'll see you there!