This month's book discussion is part of a San Leandro Library community reading event called "Read the Book — Join the Conversation," modeled on the NEA "Big Read". More information about Brother, I'm Dying including a list of characters and links to further reading, can be found on the NEA website by following this link. Edwidge Danticat's biography can also be found at this site by clicking "About the Author" on the list on the left side of that page or by following this link.
From the NEA website: "In addition to Brother, I'm Dying, Edwidge Danticat has written several novels, young adult fiction, a collection of short stories, a children's book, and several essays for The New Yorker and The New York Times, among many other publications. Danticat's writing—whether fiction or nonfiction—is united by its dedication to Haitian peoples and culture, drawing heavily on her own experience as an American immigrant from Haiti."
A list of Danticat's articles for The New Yorker can be found at this link.
In the video below, Edwidge Danticat discusses Brother, I'm Dying
For some historical background on the country of Haiti, which Danticat frequently refers to in the book, here is a timeline published by the BBC.
I went looking for some Haitian music to set the mood, and I found everything from jazz-influenced to rap and reggae. The Haitian music I thought most pertinent to this book though, because of the importance of faith to the lives of the two brothers, was Haitian Christian music. The song below is called "Avรจk Ou," which is Creole for "With You".
