Join Arlington Public Library in a book club to unlearn racism.

May Selection: "Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemi Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She's not sure what she will find--her cousin's husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemi knows little about the region. Noemi is also an unlikely rescuer: She's a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she's also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin's new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemi; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi's dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family's youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemi, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family's past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family's once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemi digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

This book discussion will be led by the Arlington Public Library group Beyond the Hashtag: Unlearning Racism, One Book at a Time. This group fosters a sustainable discussion around systemic racism while exploring these complex social dynamics through direct literary analysis and conversation.  

Instructions to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed the day before the meeting to all registrants. New members are always welcome. You don't have to read the book to join, but it is encouraged.  

18+. Registration required.  

• Location campus
• Audience:
  • Events for Adults
  • Good for Adults Age 55+
• Categories:
  • Book Club