Library Announces Alexie’s “Blasphemy” as 2017 Community Read

Tompkins County Public Library Director Susan Currie has announced the selection of Sherman Alexie’s “Blasphemy” as the 2017 Community Read.

A winner of the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award, Alexie has been recognized as a bold and irreverent observer of Native American life in the Pacific Northwest. “Blasphemy” illustrates—through the merging of new stories and classic tales—why Alexie is one of the most acclaimed talents in modern literature.

Now in its 15^th year, the Community Read encourages readers to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the Library’s collection and limited copies are available for local book groups and not-for-profit organizations.

A series of community conversations, book discussions and events are being planned in conjunction with the Read, beginning with the Thursday, October 5 screening of the recently-rediscovered film, “The Daughter of Dawn.”

A revolutionary 1920 film showcasing romantic rivalry, buffalo hunts, traditional dances, deceit, tests of courage and hand-to-hand combat, “The Daughter of Dawn” introduces a cast of more than 300 Kiowa and Comanche actors, who brought their own tipis, horses, clothing and traditions to the set. This fascinating look at American Indian history and culture was lost for more than 90 years before being rediscovered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Now, beautifully restored and with an added orchestral score, the film is an astonishing revelation about the life and plight of Natives.

The screening is free and open to the public and will be held at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room-East. For a complete list of Community Read events, visit http://tcpl.org/community-read-events.php.

For more information or to reserve copies of “Blasphemy” for a book group or agency, contact Tom Burns at tburns@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 253.