What makes a book a “classic”? The writer Italo Calvino defined them this way: "A classic is a book which has never exhausted all it has to say to its readers." In that spirit, the Classics Book Club will read and discuss novels that have become beloved over the years, which offer a rich experience to both the new reader and the re-reader. We’ll read one classic or modern classic book every other month and engage in a lively discussion about the text. If you’re looking for an excuse to read a few classics you’ve never gotten around to, or eager to reread a book with a fresh perspective, join us (virtually)!

This month, we’ll be reading the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. An instant hit when it debuted in 1959, the drama follows the fortunes of a Black family living on the South side of Chicago in the 1950s. A Raisin in the Sun explores racism, poverty, intergenerational differences, and the limits of the American Dream, all with a clear-eyed, deeply moving brilliance. It’s truly one of those works with such nuance that each reading opens up new ideas and fresh cultural relevance.

In addition, to celebrate April as National Poetry Month, we will also read and discuss the short poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes, which A Raisin in the Sun takes its title from. Printed copies of the poem will be available at the Library along with copies of the play, and also online here.

Available on hoopla, participants can download an eAudiobook version of the book to read or listen to and physical copies are also available at the library! Please register here to get the Zoom meeting invitation. Email us at library@rowayton.org if you need assistance with your account.

Online programs hosted by the library will be provided via Zoom. Visit their website here to find the appropriate download instructions and download link for your device. Registration for all programs is required. Participants who register for any program will receive an email with the link to join.