From dive bars and diners to town halls and bait shops, Jolene McIlwain’s Sidle Creek paints an intimate picture of western Pennsylvania’s Appalachian hills. The short story collection “interrogates the myths and stereotypes” of rural, farming towns where McIlwain grew up. Each story tackles life in the “mine-bruised,” working-class towns and carries themes of grief, environment, and community care.
Read the story with us then dissect the book with the author on Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m. via Zoom or YouTube Live.
This event is in partnership with A Novel Idea, a community-minded bookstore and event space in East Passyunk, Philadelphia, run by Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider. Read more about A Novel Idea and purchase your books here.
Register via Zoom and submit your questions for McIlwain here. Stay up to date with all our book club info by joining our Fable and Discord.
Upcoming Booklight PA events:
May 28: Black Genius with author Tre Johnson
June 25: Mother Tongue with author Sara Novic