Online and In-Person • Various Dates: April 22, April 29, May 4
Winner of the 2024 National Book Award, James is a reimagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Everett’s novel is a fugitive slave narrative told from the perspective of Twain’s enslaved character as he fights for freedom and dignity in an undignified world. Together, we’ll consider how Everett depicts the possibility of humanity in this novel about the brutality of slavery, the performance of race, and the value of language and literacy.
Salons and Author Event
Craft Salon: On April 22 at 6pm, we will host an online discussion focused on the writing craft of James. It will be led by writers and Professors of Literature, Micah Perks and Karen Tei Yamashita. Register here.
James Faculty Salon: On April 29 at 6pm, we will hold a salon-style event at the Hay Barn on campus where our participating faculty, Professors Susan Gillman, akua naru, and Greg O’Malley, will give brief presentations and discuss James with the Deep Read community. Participants can also attend virtually. Register here for attending in person or online.
Author Event – A Conversation with Percival Everett: On May 4 at 4pm, we will welcome Percival Everett to campus. He will be in conversation with Professor of Literature and Deep Read Faculty Co-Lead, Vilashini Cooppan, at the Quarry Amphitheater. This is an in-person event and will be free and open to the public. Register here.
Showing Up for Racial Justice-Santa Cruz County, CA 