The 2002 novel “Miracle at St. Anna” by James McBride was made into a 2008 movie directed by Spike Lee. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The Westport’s Library’s annual WestportREADS program is underway with this year’s selection the 2002 novel “Miracle at St. Anna” by author and musician James McBride.
It is a powerful and heartfelt book of an orphaned Italian boy befriended by a black American soldier in Italy during World War II.
The book choreographs the sacrifices of the four members of the all-black 92nd Infantry Buffalo Division as they and the boy are trapped in the Italian village of St. Anna di Stazzema as the German army closes in
According to Library officials, WestportREADS aims to strengthen the community via shared experience of a book and its author.
McBride will speak about his book on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Westport Country Playhouse. The book was made into a movie directed by Spike Lee and will be screened by the Westport Cinema Initiative at Westport Town Hall on Saturday at 4 p.m. Registration is required for both programs.
Described as a renaissance man and a born storyteller, McBride is also the author of “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother.”
On The New York Times bestseller list for two years, it tells the story of McBride’s mother, a white Jewish woman from Poland, who married a black man, founded a Baptist church and put 12 children through college.
“The Miracle at St. Anna” is McBride’s second of five books, the latest “Kill ‘Em and Leave: Searching for the Real James Brown” is scheduled for release in March. His novel “The Good Lord Bird” won the 2013 National Book Award for fiction.
Those interested can pick up a copy “Miracle at St. Anna” at the library or select the ebook. Those desiring a facilitator for a book group discussion should contact Kelle Ruden at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (203)291-4818.
WestportREADS, begun in 2001, is funded by the estate of Jerry A. Tishman.
Following is list by dates of WestportREADS-related scheduled events:
All month: Riverwalk Hallway Exhibit: U.S. Soldiers in World War II
Today, 2 p.m. Movie: “The Tuskegee Airmen”
Saturday, Jan. 9, 4 p.m.: Westport Cinema Initiative Screening & Talkback of “Miracle at St. Anna”
This 2008 film was directed by Spike Lee, and the screenplay was written by James McBride. Filmmaker and director Douglas Tirola and novelist, screenwriter and essayist Trey Ellis, who won a Peabody award for his screenwriting for the film “The Tuskegee Airmen,” will have a post-film discussion. Purchase tickets online ($10) at westportcinema.org or at the door. At Westport Town Hall. Community partner: Westport Cinema Initiative
Monday, Jan. 11, 4-5 p.m.: Making Victory Gardens for all ages. Children’s Library
Companion Book Discussion of “Jump into the Sky” by Shelley Pearsall, for grades 6-9: Monday, Jan. 11, 6-6:45 pm, Higgins Room.
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.: Movie: “Tea with Mussolini” Introduced by veteran Staples High School English teacher Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian
Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.: “Miracles, Signs and Wonder” A panel discussion on the interpretation of miracles in different faiths with members of the Interfaith Clergy. Community partner: The Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport /Weston
Friday, Jan. 15, 1-4 p.m.: Photo Art Workshop for Grades 5-7 Create a collaborative “I Spy” book of Italian art. Bring a phone or tablet with camera. Register online.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.: Saturday Film & Introduction: “The Secret of Santa Vittoria” with an introduction by the niece of author Robert Crichton, Westporter Maggie Mudd, and Westport professional photographer Lucia Nebel White. At Westport Center for Senior Activities
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m. Challenges Facing War Veterans: A film screening and discussion of the documentary “Leave No Soldier”
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.: PageTurners Discuss “Miracle at St. Anna”
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m.: Movie: “My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes” Introduced by Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian
Saturday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.: Keynote Talk with James McBride who discusses “Miracle at St. Anna.” Register online. At Westport Country Playhouse. Community partner: Westport Country Playhouse
Sunday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.: Partisans During World War II Rabbi Philip Lazowski speaks of his experience as a partisan with the resistance. Community partner: Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation
Monday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.: Discuss “Miracle at St. Anna” with TEAM Westport and Barnes & Noble. At Barnes & Noble. Community partner: TEAM Westport and Barnes & Noble
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.: Movie: “A Soldier’s Story”Introduced by Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m.: Discuss “Miracle at St. Anna” at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Community partner: Westport Center for Senior Activities
Thursday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.: Neighbors & Newcomers Discuss “Miracle at St. Anna” Community partner: Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.: Black Heroes of D-Day Photographer and journalist Linda Hervieux talks about her book “Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, at Home and at War.”
