One Michigan family's memoir becomes a gripping detective story
Many cities and states across the country celebrate reading with programs like: One Book-One Community.
Ferndale and Michigan are no exception. This March, we're hosting our 5th annual Ferndale Reads program, where we, the Library, encourage you, the entire city, to read-along with us and attend a series of engaging events tied to the theme of our chosen book.
We'll be reading The Great Michigan Read selection: Annie's Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret by Steve Luxenberg.
Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The book takes place mostly in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs. Author/journalist Steve Luxenberg grew up never knowing he'd had an aunt. He and his siblings were told their mother was an only child. Annie's Ghosts is a true story about Luxenberg's investigation into why his mother denied the existence of her sister for decades. If you want to know what happens, you'll have to read the book!
The kick-off for our series of programs tied to Annie's Ghosts' themes will be March 22nd from 1pm - 3pm, with: "Secrets of Ferndale Scavenger Hunt," taking teams of would-be detectives through the downtown area to learn about Ferndale's little-known histories. Other planned programs include a presentation on memoirs, a special spoof of the book performed by improv-specialists, Go! Comedy, and more. For a full schedule visit:ferndalepubliclibrary.org
Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Stop in at the library between March 22nd-April 22nd to get yourself a copy of the book! Read-up through March and join us at Go Comedy! for the first Annie's Ghosts event.
Ferndale Reads 2014 Events
Ferndale Reads Schedule of Events
For the Love of Reading, Volume 2
Art exhibit: Monday, March 3 – Saturday, April 12
Kick-Off:
Secrets of Ferndale Scavenger Hunt
March 22, 2014 - 1-3 pm
Event will begin at the Ferndale Public Library. Bring a team or form one at the library. Follow the clues and you’ll receive a free copy of the book at the end.
Go Comedy!
Secrets, Secrets
Wednesday nights in April @ 9:00 pm
Show your library card and receive a $2 discount at the door
My Mother’s Voice
April 9, 2014 @ 7:00 pm
Judy Sima will speak about her mother’s history and prompt the audience to also tell stories of their families.
Thursday Afternoon Book Club
April 17, 2014
12:30 pm
Ferndale Library
Discuss this year’s Ferndale Reads book selection
Friends Book Club
Discusses Annie’s Ghosts
April 22nd @ 7:30 pm
Ferndale Library
Discuss this year’s Ferndale Reads book selection
How to Write a Memoir: Preserving Your Stories for Generations to Come
April 23rd @ 7:00 pm
Gigi VanderWeele & Susan Carroll will inspire attendees to write down their family’s stories. They’ll provide guides for getting started and answer your questions.
Who You Callin’ Crazy: The History of Mental Illness
April 29 @ 7:00 pm
Professor Dennis Fiems will talk about mental illness and how it was treated through the ages.
Getting Started: Researching Your Family’s Heritage
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
Kris Rzepczynski from the Library of Michigan will teach people how to get started with their own family history research.
Book Party @ The Emory
Ferndale Reads Edition
May 15 @ 7:30 pm
Discuss the book, have a drink, hang out at The Emory.
Meet the Author
Steve Luxenberg will speak about his book
May 22nd @ 7:00 pm @ The Rust Belt Market