Table Talk Book Club: The Violin Conspiracy

Join the Champaign Public Library’s casual monthly get-togethers to talk about books by contemporary African American writers. New members are welcome; call 217/403-2090 for more information.

On January 10, 2023, the book club will discuss Brendan Slocumb’s novel The Violin Conspiracy.

“Ray McMillian loves playing the violin more than anything, and nothing will stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. Not his mother, who thinks he should get a real job, not the fact that he can’t afford a high-caliber violin, not the racism inherent in the classical music world. And when he makes the startling discovery that his great-grandfather’s fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, his star begins to rise. Then with the international Tchaikovsky Competition–the Olympics of classical music–fast approaching, his prized family heirloom is stolen. Ray is determined to get it back. But now his family and the descendants of the man who once enslaved Ray’s great-grandfather are each claiming that the violin belongs to them. With the odds stacked against him and the pressure mounting, will Ray ever see his beloved violin again?”– Provided by publisher.

Books for this season are:

• Jan 10, The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
• Feb 14, The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
• Mar 14, Sister Friends Forever by Kimberla Lawson Roby
• Apr 13, Brighter by the Day by Robin Roberts *Note: This is a joint meeting with the library’s other book clubs and will be held at the Main Library.
• May 9, No book discussion. We will meet to select the books for next season.