This week on The Reading Life: Susan talks with historian Blain Roberts, co-author, with her husband Ethan Kytle, of “Denmark Vesey’s Garden: Slavery and Memory in the Cradle of the Confederacy.” Who owns history in Charleston, SC? Roberts talks bout historical quandaries in memorialization and the whitewashing of slavery --in landmarks, monuments, museums, tours for tourists. And there's a surprising detour into musical territory as well.
Here’s what’s on tap in the literary life this week:
- Kim Vaz DeVille celebrates the release of Walking Raddy: The Baby Dolls of New Orleans, Sunday July 22, at 2 p.m. at the Xavier University Administration Building.
- Blain Roberts and Ethan J. Kytle discuss and sign “Denmark Vesey’s Garden: Slavery and Memory in the Cradle of the Confederacy,” Tuesday, July 24, at 6 p.m. at Garden District Book Shop. Tulane University professor, Randy Sparks, moderates.
- Poet Melinda Palacio reads from and signs “Bird Forgiveness,’ Wednesday, July 25, at 6 at Octavia Books.
- Katherine Clark discusses and signs “My Exaggerated Life: Pat Conroy,” Friday, July 27 at 6 at Octavia Books.
- Jason Heller discusses and signs “Strange Stars: David Bowie, Pop Music, and the Decade Sci-Fi Exploded,” Saturday, July 28 at 6 p.m. at Octavia Books.
- This month, loyal readers are celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter. Tubby and Coo’s will sponsor a Harry Potter Birthday Party for adults, Saturday, July 28, from 6-8 with a Potions Bar above Fritzel’s Jazz Club, at 733 Bourbon St. Tickets are limited; you can get them at tubbyandcoos.com.
- Tubby and Coo’s will sponsor a Harry Potter Birthday Party for Kids, Sunday, July 29, from noon-2 p.m. at Tubby & Coo’s Mid-City Book Shop, 631 N. Carrollton Ave. Tickets available at tubbyandcoos.com.
- And coming up August 4 at the East Bank Regional Library: The Tricentennial Literary Festival! Save the date! Speakers include Patricia Brady, Emily Toth, Cynthia Lejeune Nobles, and Susan Larson. It all starts at 9:30 a.m.