SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH
Back by popular demand, local book club The Sisters will headline the Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library Table Talk series on Feb.15. The Sisters, whose examination of Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help,” drew record crowds last fall, will tackle best-selling author James Patterson’s detective-psychologist Alex Cross.
Of the nearly 20 novels featuring Patterson’s protagonist, the Sisters will focus on the 2006 novel “Cross,” and analyze the book’s setting, its taut characterization of the main characters and the complex plot. The antagonist in this novel is the one which haunts Alex Cross — his wife’s murderer. The hunt for this killer challenges him both personally and professionally. The Sisters’ opening presentation sets the stage for a wider discussion of the book with the Table Talk audience.
“Our group has been meeting for about seven years,” said Sisters’ member Jessie Koonce. “We focus on African-American authors, African-American characters, books by local authors, or books having Southern characters. Cross, an African-American detective living in Southwest Washington, D.C., offered us a unique character to explore.”
The group, which meets monthly, brings a variety of viewpoints to its book discussions. Members include retired professionals, office managers, social workers, a postal worker, student, teacher, and business owner.
“Patterson’s novel has recently been adapted for the screen and should open later this year. This is the third Alex Cross novel to be filmed; the first two featured Mississippi native Morgan Freeman, related Friends’ board member Jo Shumake. “The Sisters discussion of this novel will set the stage for mystery fans who follow this iconic and driven detective,” she said.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for those wishing to bring their lunch and socialize before the program begins at noon. The Friends will serve iced tea.
Table Talk will be presented on Wednesdays in February at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. For more information on the series, contact the Friends at [email protected]
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