'James' by Percival Everett | Readers Club | Ep. 107

This month’s PBS Books Readers Club pick is James—the instant New York Times bestseller and highly acclaimed novel by distinguished Professor Percival Everett, that puts a transformative spin on the canonical work The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In James, Everett places Jim, the enslaved character from Twain’s novel, front and center in this powerful narrative, giving voice to his untold story. Brimming with humor while delivering biting observations on themes of race and freedom, James is a provocative and unforgettable page turner that will forever alter our perception of American literature.

Says Everett, “I have to say I didn’t write this as a corrective to Twain’s novel. He was telling the story of the adolescent white boy. And I’m telling the story of a full-grown black man who has a family and a life.”

Don’t miss the PBS Books Readers Club as eminent author Percival Everett shares his vision behind this remarkable novel destined to become a modern classic.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
0:30 James Background
05:49 Percival Everett Interview
43:01 August Readers Club Book Pick
45:00 Outro

Welcome to PBS Books!

#pbsbooks #readersclub #james #marktwain #huckleberryfinn #percivaleverett #bookclub #authorinterview #huckleberryfinn

[Wordsareprayers]

“James” was medicine for me. I was terrorized by Huck Finn as it was read to me as a small child with no context. I was left feeling dehumanized and embarrassed. I felt Jim’s transformation to James while reading this incredible book. It helped me transform something in my childhood mind. Because of his pure intent as writer he has come up with something so powerful, I wouldn’t be surprised if this novel didn’t scare the nonsense out of some folks! Thank U, PE!! 🙏🏾🔥♥️
And thank you for profiling this novel and this artist❤

[tdd]

Such an amazing book.
The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn is an amazing book. James adds so much to those stories that it elevates Twain's works well beyond their prior status. I am certain Twain would be thrilled with Everett 's spin on this.

[orangeocean]

This book was life-changing for me. So grateful for Percival Everett.

[cathleensibley]

Thank you for your attention to this masterpiece and book selections and this insightful interview with Mr. Everett! 👏🏻👏🏻So glad I found this book club platform! 👏🏻

[CIGreen-wgdv]

Absolutely ❤ 'ed the thoughtful questions posed to Mr Everett during the interview. I especially enjoyed hearing he still loves and has the connection to physical books as I do. For me, stemming from my childhood, the physical book is a welcomed entry into the authors world as the wardrobe was the children in the Narnia series. I was hoping you would've asked Mr. Everett about Steven Spielberg's interest in making James into a featured film. My 1st readers club experience i dont think it'll be my last.

[KennethMay-mj]

Percival is a genius! A masterful wordsmith, a black hole! In "James, " he is playing with the reader, speaking not about 'black' matters, but about 'gray' matters. Not white people, but "Wide" people (see the image of a black hole). Not slavery, but "Slavic"-ery. Not racism, but "Rascible"-ism. For instance, irascible comes from the Latin irasci, meaning “to become angry.” So, if someone or something is described as irascible, it means they have a quick temper or are easily provoked to anger. Rudeness.

Examples:

"The irascible manager had a reputation for snapping at employees."
"Her irascible nature made it challenging to have a calm discussion with her."