On the Shelf and Silver Screen: Hidden Figures

For movie lovers and book lovers alike: have you ever had a book you've been wanting to read be made into a movie, only you want to read it before you watch it? Have you ever watched a movie based on a book and loved it, but were never quite able to commit to reading its inspiration? Well now is your chance to do both in one fun, popcorn-scented bonanza! Come down to East Shelby for the experience of both a book club and a movie club, in the company of fellow bibliophiles and cinephiles. And you'd better believe there will be popcorn. 

This month, we will be discussing Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 book Hidden Figures and watching its critically acclaimed screen adaptation. Following the lives of Black women who served as "computers" for NASA during the 20th Century, Hidden Figures tells the powerful story of how these women overcame obstacles due to racial discrimination and sexism both in the workplace and their personal lives. The book and movie extol their invaluable contributions to the United States' space program and their fight for recognition. 

Participants are invited to read the book and then attend a public screening of the film at East Shelby Public Library on February 21st. Even if you haven't read the book; come and enjoy the film with us! After watching the film, as a group we will discuss both the book and the film — especially focusing on differences between the two expressions of the story. 

Many copies of the book are available to borrow from the Memphis Public Library System.