The Aiken County Public Library will be presenting an original book and film discussion series titled “Modern Southern Novels on Page and Screen” from September 2024 – March 2025. This reading and film discussion series features novels by modern Southern writers whose works have been turned into films; it will kick off in September with two opportunities to see the film “Cold Mountain” on September 10 and September 14 and a book discussion of Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, led by scholar Dr. Tom Mack, on September 19. SC Humanities supported this project with a Fast Track Literary Grant.
The “Modern Southern Novels on Page and Screen” series at Aiken County Public Library will include five novels that have film versions. A film screening will proceed each scholar-led book and film discussion. The program dates are:
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. – Film screening of “Cold Mountain” (2003; rated R)
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – Film screening of “Cold Mountain” (2003; rated R)
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. – Discussion of Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier led by Dr. Tom Mack
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. – Film screening of “Big Fish” (2003; rated PG-13)
Saturday, October 12, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – Film screening of “Big Fish” (2003; rated PG-13)
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. – Discussion of Big Fish by Daniel Wallace led by Dr. Amanda Warren
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. – Film screening of “The Color Purple” (2023, rated PG-13)
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – Film screening of “The Color Purple” (2023, rated PG-13)
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. – Discussion of The Color Purple by Alice Walker led by Dr. Matt Miller
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – Film screening of “The Grass Harp” (1995, rated PG-13)
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – Film screening of “The Grass Harp” (1995, rated PG-13)
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. – Discussion of The Grass Harp by Truman Capote led by Dr. Andrew Geyer
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – Film screening of “American Fiction” (2023, rated R)
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – Film screening of “American Fiction” (2023, rated R)
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. – Discussion of Erasure by Percival Everett led by Dr. Todd Hagstette
This book discussion series is modeled on the “Let’s Talk About It” program which was offered for many years by South Carolina Humanities. The “Let’s Talk About It” format connects readers with classic literature, resonant themes, and scholarly interpretation in an exciting classroom-style discussion forum where ideas and insights abound.
The programs will take place at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield Street, SW, Aiken, SC 29801 and are free and open to the public. The program is for adults 18 and older. In addition to the grant from SC Humanities, support was provided by the Friends of the Library. Book registration begins August 12 at the 2nd floor Reference desk; books will be available first come, first served. Movie viewings and book discussions take place in the 1st floor Meeting Room. For more information call 803-642-2020, Ext. 3.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
