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.

McIlwain joined us to discuss the book in the latest installment of our Booklight PA book club author series. Watch the conversation here:

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.

OTHER BOOKLIGHT PA EVENTS:

Mother Tongue, Sara Novic. Watch here.

Black Genius, Tre Johnson. Watch here.

Shut Up and Read, Jeannine Cook. Watch here.

Journalists discuss Gov. Josh Shapiro’s memoir. Watch here.

If Sons, Then Heirs, Lorene Cary. Watch here.

Saturnalia, Stephanie Feldman. Watch here.

The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan. Watch here.