I Read That Movie @ the Library: NOMADLAND

For November, our "page-to-screen" book club, I Read That Movie @ the Library, is reading the 2017 nonfiction book Nomadlland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, written by Columbia Journalism School adjunct professor Jessica Bruder. Expanding upon a cover story she had written for Harper's, Bruder spent months living in a camper van (named Van Halen) documenting a subculture of mostly older Americans who, as a result of the Great Recession, choose to live a transient lifestyle traveling the country in RVs and modified vans seeking out temporary, low-wage employment opportunities. The book was a New York Times "Notable Book" for 2017, and was a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Helen Bernstein Book Award (awarded by the New York Public Library) and the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize (given by Columbia).

Thanks to a generous grant from the Memphis Library Foundation, we have a limited number of copies of each month's book selection to give to participants, so please come to the Humanities Desk on the 2nd Floor of the Central Library to claim your copy of Nomadland while supplies last. We will also gather as many circulating library copies of the book as possible for readers to borrow after the other copies are given away.

Participants are invited to read the the book during November, then come for a screening of the widely acclaimed 2020 film adaptation Nomadland that premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion award. Starring Frances McDormand and David Strathairn, and directed by Chloé Zhao, the film garnered many accolades, such as Best Motion Picture and Director at the Golden Globes, Best Film at the BAFTAs, and, most significantly, winning Best Picture, Director, and Actress Oscars at the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021. 

The screening (including popcorn, drinks, and other snacks!) will take place on November 23 at 2:00 p.m. in Room L-56 at the Central Library, followed by a discussion about the book and the movie.

Even if you don't have the opportunity to read the book, you are welcome to join us to watch the movie and participate in the conversation!