Book discussion group
Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month, from March through November (no meetings Dec., Jan., Feb.)
Time: Coffee and conversation 2 p.m.; book discussion 2:30 p.m.
For nearly twenty years, Regional Readers have been reading and discussing books with Appalachian or Kentucky themes, or books written by Appalachian or Kentucky authors. From time to time, an author joins us for our discussion.
The book group is open to all and new members are always welcome. We encourage suggestions for the reading lists.
For more information, contact Judith Kidwell at 606.326.1667 or e-mail judith.kidwell@jsfbooks.com.
July 30, 2024 Book ~
Hill Man by Janice Holt Giles
The July selection is Red Helmet by Homer Hickam. With his past books set in Coalwood, WV, New York Times best-selling author Homer Hickam won the praise of readers and critics from around the world. Now, he returns to his beloved coalfields, not as they were more than 50 years ago, but today. In this hauntingly beautiful and romantic novel, Hickam brings alive the little Appalachian town of Highcoal and a people dedicated to mining coal according to the old ways while struggling with modern problems – illegal drugs, environmental destruction, and a world economy that threatens their very existence. In Red Helmet, Song Hawkins is a beautiful, tough, but lonely New York City businesswoman who thinks she’s met the man of her dreams in Cable Jordan, the superintendent of a West Virginia coal mine. But soon after they impulsively marry during a romantic holiday, Song realizes they’re in big trouble. She can’t imagine life outside of New York, and Cable has no intention of leaving Highcoal. Song’s visit to the little mining community to meet its quirky citizens only makes things worse and it looks like the marriage is over. But in a shocking turn of events, Song realizes it’s up to her to put on the red helmet of the new coal miner and descend into the deep darkness to make a life-changing sacrifice for both Cable and the entire town.
Red Helmet is available to Regional Readers for $20 per copy, which has been signed by the author.
We’ll meet on Tuesday, July 30; coffee and conversation at 2 p.m. and the book discussion at 2:30 p.m. The book group is open to all and new members are always welcome. We encourage suggestions for the 2024 reading list.