Read Against the Machine

Read Against the Machine is a nonfiction book club exploring social, cultural, historical, and political topics. Selections highlight varied perspectives and encourage readers to think critically about the ideas and narratives that shape contemporary life. In June, we are reading How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones: "Haunted and haunting, Jones's memoir tells the story of a young, black, gay man from the South as he fights to carve out a place for himself, within his family, within his country, within his own hopes, desires, and fears. Through a series of vignettes that chart a course across the American landscape, Jones draws readers into his boyhood and adolescence--into tumultuous relationships with his mother and grandmother, into passing flings with lovers, friends and strangers. Each piece builds into a larger examination of race and queerness, power and vulnerability, love and grief: a portrait of what we all do for one another--and to one another--as we fight to become ourselves." Join us for discussion on the fourth Thursday of the month! A limited number of copies of the book selection are available to check out at the downstairs circulation desk.