Join us for an in-person Book Club Discussion &/or Cocktail Class on Saturday, October 19th, starting at 4:00 pm in our Reading Lounge!
This adventure features The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby, BUT PRE-READING IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT…
Local Chicago mixologist (Courtney Bay) will be demonstrating how to craft 1950's Harlem-inspired cocktails from curated drink recipes that compliment the featured story from 4-5 pm in our New Book Joy Reading Lounge (right before our book discussion from 5-6 pm). You'll get to taste her custom creations and ask any questions you might have too! NOTE: A percentage of the proceeds for this event will directly support this talented mixologist.
Psst... You can join us for either or both events!
If you've already paid for a Book Tastings Experience or Subscription, the Book Chat is FREE - no need to buy a ticket - just show up for our discussion! You only need to sign up & pay for the additional event...
If you're not signed up for our Book Club and would like to join us for the discussion or paired activity, please sign up and pay for one or both events! You can pick up a physical copy or Book Box with curated reading pairings from the dropdown menu above, or an audiobook from the link below before the event OR join us for the workshop before you dive into the book - your choice!
CLICK HERE FOR AN AUDIOBOOK COPY
BOOK SYNOPSIS
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE - The forgotten story of a pioneering group of five Black ballerinas and their fifty-year sisterhood, a legacy erased from history - until now...
At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a Black prima ballerina with a major international dance company - the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a troupe of women and men who became each other's chosen family. She was the first Black company ballerina on the cover of Dance magazine, an Essence cover star; she was cast in The Wiz and in a Bob Fosse production on Broadway. She performed in some of ballet's most iconic works with other trailblazing ballerinas, including the young women who became her closest friends - founding Dance Theatre of Harlem members Gayle McKinney-Griffith and Sheila Rohan, as well as first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells.
These Swans of Harlem performed for the Queen of England, Mick Jagger, and Stevie Wonder, on the same bill as Josephine Baker, at the White House, and beyond. But decades later there was almost no record of their groundbreaking history to be found. Out of a sisterhood that had grown even deeper with the years, these Swans joined forces again - to share their story with the world.
Captivating, rich in vivid detail and character, and steeped in the glamour and grit of professional ballet, The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of five extraordinarily accomplished women, a celebration of both their historic careers and the sustaining, grounding power of female friendship, and a window into the robust history of Black ballet, hidden for too long.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Grown-Ups
OUR BOOKS ARE LISTED BY AGE GROUP to indicate that the content is engaging and appropriate for those selected ages. PLEASE NOTE: They may not be the appropriate reading level for every individual at those ages or may extend beyond the brackets.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Publish Date: April 30, 2024
Pages: 304
Dimensions: 6.3 X 9.3 X 1.3 inches | 1.25 pounds
Language: English
Type: Hardcover
Condition: NEW