The Mexican/American border is a line that continues to haunt the minds and opinions of both nations like a shimmering heat mirage. A line both thin and utterly heavy in its ability to cause controversy, violence and heated-debate, that invisible and electric demarcation in the desert sand is a lightning-rod for both fierce politics and poignant storytelling. The Mayor’s Book Club – a storytime shindig sponsored by the Louisville Free Public Library – will give participants a chance to join in on the often polarizing topic with April’s pick, The Devil’s Highway: A True Story by Luis Umberto Urrea.
The author of Across the Wire, Luis Umberto Urrea uses an affecting mix of investigative journalism and human connection in his rendering of the true story presented in The Devil’s Highway. Following the journey of 26 men attempting to cross into the United States in May of 2001, The Devil’s Highway reconstructs the tragic and failed passage as the mere 12 survivors returned from the southern Arizona desert. What went wrong? Using rich language skills and a masterful narrative voice, Urrea explores the U.S./Mexican border – and its continuing controversy – through the lens of real human lives that ride the treacherous limbo of this politically-charged line.
Leave behind the safety of our humid, lush little womb here in the Ohio Valley and join the Book Club this month under the unforgiving hot eye of the desert Sun. The Mayor’s Book Club will meet this upcoming Wednesday, April 18th, at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch at noon. New participants are always encouraged and those wishing to bring along lunch are always welcome to do so (no word on the “sharing” policy, though). The Devil’s Highway – as well as all past and subsequent Mayor’s Book Club titles – was chosen in conjunction with the Library’s Read Your Way Around the World program, which includes a list of 50+ international literary selections for your reading pleasure. Check out your copy and bring your opinions; arbitrary or not, this dividing line is one that cannot be ignored.
The Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch is located at 301 York Street.
Image: Courtesy of Louisville Free Public Library website www.lfpl.org
