Mary Ann Key Book Club: Don’t miss this Thursday’s online conversation

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May 15, 2023

Event promotion with portraits of panelists

Mary Ann Key Book Club – A Community Discussion of “Solito”

Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m.

Join columnist Myron Medcalf and Latino/Latinx community leaders in an online conversation. Panelists will discuss “Solito: A Memoir” by Javier Zamora and how themes from the book are reflected in our community, writing as healing, and action steps for a more equitable future. Media partner: Star Tribune. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

Registration is required.

 

A conversation with Susana De León

Screen grab of Susana and Myron from a recorded conversation

Myron and Susana discuss "Solito" (YouTube:, 15:55 duration)

Discussion question

The author is a poet. How do you think this serves the story he tells, and how does it affect the interplay between intense circumstances and beautiful images and writing?

Javier’s story is also the story of millions who have had no choice but to leave home. Have you or someone you’ve known faced similar circumstances? If so, how has this shaped your life or theirs?

Share your reflections and feedback with us aMaryAnnKey@hclib.org.

 

What readers are saying about “Solito”

“The picture painted by the media of migrants attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the US rarely personalizes the story in a way that moves us to action or compassion. As a volunteer at The Advocates for Human Rights, interviewing asylum seekers, I've heard stories like Zamora's more than once. They are always heartbreaking. And the trauma doesn't end once an unaccompanied minor arrives. Some are taken in by extended family members, often undocumented, who are already struggling to support themselves.

Also missing is a context for these waves of migration. US foreign policy is directly responsible for the poverty and corruption prevalent in many Latin and South American countries. We need to take responsibility for the damage we've done and care for those fleeing violence and poverty. And support democratic movements in countries where we've supported dictatorships.

I'll add that in spite of the horror of experiences reported during interviews, I'm awed by the resilience of so many who seek a better life for themselves and their children. It takes great courage and tenacity to make it this far.”

Mary Ann Key Book Club participant

 

Events in English

Mary Ann Key Book Club – A Conversation With Javier Zamora

Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m at Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall

Join the Mary Ann Key Book Club for an exclusive evening featuring Javier Zamora, award-winning author of “Solito.” The author will be joined in conversation by Star Tribune columnist and book club partner Myron Medcalf. The conversation will conclude with a Q&A session with participants and a book signing with the author. Media partner: Star Tribune. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

In-person registration is currently full, but this event will also be livestreamed and recorded. Register to attend online.

 

Eventos en Español

Discusión del Club de Lectura Mary Ann Key - Solito

Jueves 25 de Mayo, 6-7 p.m.

Pequeño grupo de discusión virtual comunitario alrededor del libro "Solito" de Javier Zamora (emociones, pensamientos, conexiones, preguntas, etc.) Las preguntas para la conversación se enviarán a su correo electrónico una semana antes del evento. Patrocinador: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

Regístrese aquí: https://bit.ly/ap27may25

 

Mary Ann Key Book Club – Una Discusión Comunitaria del Libro "Solito"

Jueves 22 de Junio, 6-7 p.m.

Evento de panelistas con organizadores/ activistas comunitarios que van a platicar sobre el libro “Solito” y cómo se conectaron personalmente con la historia de Javier Zamora. Este evento sera en Español. Patrocinador: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

Este programa sera por Zoom. Regístrese aquí: https://bit.ly/june22MAK

 

Resources for reading, listening, and learning

CLUES: A linguistically and culturally relevant resource and service nonprofit organization by Latinos for Latinos.

Immigration in Minnesota: Stories, demographics, and Research from and about Immigrants in Minnesota.

Modern Immigrant: A podcast hosted by Vero, originally from Caracas, Venezuela. Modern Immigrant creates a space for open discussion and communication about our unique immigration stories.

 

Can't miss upcoming Library events

May is American Indian Month in Minnesota and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

American Indian Month Celebration

Sunday, May 21, 2-4 p.m.
Franklin Library, 1314 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis

Come celebrate American Indian Month at Franklin Library with giveaway books by Native authors, button making, and yard games.

Gender Diversity in the Pacific Islands: A Conversation About Culture and Film

Thursday, June 1, 7-8 p.m.
Online

Kick off Pride Month by attending this online conversation with Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu of the film Kumu Hina, and Joleen Mataele of the film Leitis in Waiting. Hear from these two remarkable transgender women about the importance of their Pacific Island cultures, the making of the documentary films, and more.

Registration required.

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