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‘Song' is sung statewide
Reading program in its second year
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photos
"Song Yet Sung," by James McBride, right, a semi-fictional account of slavery in Eastern Maryland during the 1850s, is the second selection of One Maryland, One Book, a statewide reading program sponsored by the Maryland Center for the Book, part of the Maryland Humanities Council. Below, a map inside the book depicting fictional and real places relevant to the book's story.
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"Imagine how much positive change could take place in our communities if we all took the time to read the same book and then got together to thoughtfully talk about it with our friends and families."
This quote from Sharan Marshall, director of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association in a recent release describes in one sentence the goal of Maryland's only statewide reading program, One Maryland One Book. Now in its second year, the program is sponsored by the Maryland Center for the Book, part of the Maryland Humanities Council. It has been presented during the months of September and October, encouraging everyone in the state to read and then discuss one common book.
"This year's book, ‘Song Yet Sung,' by noted author James McBride, is set in Dorchester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the 1850s, and weaves an intricate and gripping tale of escaped slaves, free blacks and slave catchers. It was selected because it offers Marylanders the opportunity to discuss topics such as race, identity, the intricacy of relationships and Maryland history," according to the regional library association release.
McBride is the author of the bestseller, "The Color of Water." His second book, "Miracle at St. Anna," was made into a major motion picture directed by film maker Spike Lee.
Regarding "Song Yet Sung," the best-selling novel's cover note paints a vivid picture of the story. "In the days before the Civil War, a group of slaves breaks free in the labyrinthine swamps of Maryland's Eastern Shore, setting lose a drama of violence and hope among slave catchers, plantation owners, watermen, runaway slaves and free blacks. Among them is Liz Spocott, a runaway slave, near death, wracked by disturbing visions of the future, and armed with ‘the Code,' a fiercely guarded cryptic means of communication for slaves on the run.
"As she makes her desperate flight among the denizens of the swampy peninsula, Liz's extraordinary dreams of tomorrow create a freedom-seeking furor among the once-complacent slave community. It is one that will thrust them all into a world of haunting choices, and inexorably closer to a mysterious, redemptive, and unexpected fate."
It isn't surprising that such a story would be of interest to those who live in Southern Maryland. "There's been a lot of participation," said Victoria FalcÛn, marketing representative for the Southern Maryland Regional Library, which supports the public libraries in the state's three southern counties. "The program has generated a good deal of interest in Southern Maryland," she said. "The regional library purchased 300 books, so the [county] libraries had ample books on their shelves for this [year's program]."
Librarians from the three Southern Maryland county libraries agreed enthusiastically.
"Again, the One Maryland One Book title fits with our series to promote civil discourse, ‘Voices for a Sustainable Calvert,'" Patricia Hoffman, director of the Calvert County Public Library, said in the release. "This book and our series will provide an opportunity to respectfully acknowledge and discuss the tension in Maryland and the nation are experiencing regarding issues of diversity."
Responding to a question about the program's success, Hoffman added, "…this book brought together a diverse audience interested in talking about it; it has also inspired people to learn more about the Underground Railroad. One Maryland One Book is a wonderful partnership for our community with the Maryland Humanities Council."
Calvert Library will host "Quilt Codes and the Underground Railroad," a special free program, on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. featuring author Raymond Dobard.
In Charles County, the response has been similar. "We're very excited about the ‘Life Journeys Writing Workshops' being offered in Charles County," said Emily Ferren, director of the Charles County Public Library. "Each of the workshops … uses portions of the book to allow participants to express feelings, thoughts and opinions on their own life journeys." She added that the library "enjoyed being a full participant in One Maryland One Book. It really stirs up our imagination to be reading the same book throughout the state and getting involved in discussing ideas, writing about experiences and sharing the joy of reading with others."
"St. Mary's County is looking forward to partnering with Sotterley Mansion and the One Maryland One Book program to create an opportunity for thoughtful and respectful reflection and dialogue about a significant part of our country's heritage and its impact on our lives today," said Kathleen Reif, St. Mary's County Library director.
According to a library release, members of the Accokeek Foundation's award-winning Museum Theater will present the play, "Grandpa Joe and the Drinking Gourd," a special adaptation by Anika Prather, on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. at Historic Sotterley in Hollywood, Md. Janice Walthour, president of the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), will read excerpts from "Song Yet Sung." The program is free and will be held in the barn at Sotterley, with tours of the newly restored slave cabin following the program.
As part of the One Maryland One Book project, author James McBride has been speaking throughout the state. On Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. he will be at Bowie State University in Bowie.
