"Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning writer Percival Everett did exactly that, though, while preparing to write his best-selling "James." The critically acclaimed book reimagines Twain's iconic 1885 tale ( britannica.com/topic/Adventures-of-Huckleberry-Finn-novel-by-Twain), creating a fascinating new story told from the perspective of Jim, the escaped-slave character who accompanies Huck Finn as they together try to flee social and familial violence to find freedom."
"Everett's book was greeted as a revelatory piece of literature and earned multiple awards and positions on "Best Book of the Year" lists after it was released in 2024. A distinguished professor of English at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and the author of previous well-received books ("Dr. No," "The Trees," "Telephone" and others), Everett is a highly sought public speaker ( dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/percival-everett-wins-2025-pulitzer-prize-for-james)."
"All of this led Contra Costa County Library system directors and staff planning this year's annual "Read Contra Costa" program to choose Everett's novel as its focus. The program began Sept. 2 and runs through Nov. 8. Physical copies are available at all Contra Costa library branches, and expanded access comes with options for e-book checkout or listening to the e-audiobook on Libby ( ccclib.org/read-contra-costa)."
James reimagines Twain's 1885 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the escaped-slave character, creating a new narrative that centers Black experience and agency. The novel received critical acclaim, multiple awards, and placements on Best Book of the Year lists after its 2024 release. Contra Costa Library selected James for its annual Read Contra Costa program, running Sept. 2 through Nov. 8. Physical copies are available at all branches, and digital options include e-book checkout and the e-audiobook on Libby. New partnerships with Los Medanos College and Richmond Public Library expand venue capacity and community programming for in-person events and special gatherings.
#literary-adaptation #adventures-of-huckleberry-finn #community-reading-program #contra-costa-library
Read at The Mercury News
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