The Niles District Library will host a book discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1 about “X: A Novel,” by authors Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon. The book is a fictionalized account of human rights activist Malcom X.

In the book, Malcom’s father has been murdered and his mother has been taken away. After all this loss, Malcolm has given up and he escapes into the intrigue of Boston. There he encounters danger as he tries to escape the past. But as the past so often does, it catches up to him.

The discussion will cover what will happen to Malcolm and how these changes will affect his life.

“X: A Novel” was picked as this year’s selection by the Michigan Humanities Council for the Great Michigan Read.

Each year, the Michigan Humanities Council chooses a title to be the Great Michigan Read. The goal is to have thousands of people across the state reading and discussing a thought-provoking book and to encourage engagement in humanities programs throughout the state of Michigan.

The MHC seeks to deepen the understanding of state, society, and humanity by encouraging Michiganders to participate in this statewide literacy program. Every two years a panel of teachers, librarians, community leaders, and book lovers from all over the state selects a book.

Shabazz is a co-writer of the book and a daughter of Malcolm X. The novel is a fictionalized account of Malcolm X’s early life experiences, including the time that he spent in Michigan and the events that shaped him into the Malcolm X that people know as a prominent figure during the civil rights movement.

Although X is a young adult novel, it is intended to appeal to readers of all ages and experiences. The library has several copies available for checkout. All ages are welcome to discuss this intriguing read. To check out a copy of the book, stop by the Youth Services Desk.

Dr. Michelle Johnson will also be discussing the book on Thursday, April 12. Her presentation is a part of the 2018 Spring Local History Series and her talk will include her involvement in the creation of this book.

The Niles District Library is building a community of lifelong learners that want to make Niles their lifelong home.  A library card to participate in any programs and all programs are free. For more information, call (269) 683-8545, email marketing@nileslibrary.net, check us out on Facebook (Niles District Library) and Twitter (@TheNDLib), or visit our website, nileslibrary.com.