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Hickory Public Library Hosts “Big Read” Program Featuring Author Gene Cheek

Author Gene Cheek has a fascinating and heart-wrenching story to tell. And, his story just happens to be a perfect match for Catawba County’s 2007 Big Read of “The Color of Water” by James McBride.

Cheek will discuss his highly acclaimed memoir, “The Color of Love: A Mother’s Choice in the Jim Crow South” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on Thursday, March 1 st at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to this free program that includes author talk, audience questions, book signing, and reception.

Raised in Winston-Salem, Cheek was the son of an alcoholic father and a very nurturing mother and grandmother. When his parents separated, his mother fell in love with a black man and Cheek’s life was dramatically changed. His book tells the story of his childhood and how his life was uprooted and scarred by the cruelty of racial intolerance and hatred in the pre-civil rights South.

Cheek currently lives in Black Mountain, NC, but made his home in Newton from 1985 to 1999. In agreeing to appear as part of The Big Read, Cheek commented that he looked forward to returning to the area where he enjoyed living for many years and he was pleased to be asked to be part of programs featuring James McBride’s book, which he greatly admires.

The Big Read is a collaboration of Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba County Library System, Hickory Public Library System and Lenoir-Rhyne College. All residents of the county are encouraged to read and discuss “The Color of Water” before the author’s free, public reading at CVCC’s Multipurpose Complex at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 th. McBride’s jazz ensemble will also perform at the event. In preparation for his visit, each of the partners is presenting programming to help readers study and enjoy the book.

Walden Books will have books for sale at the library’s event and will donate a portion of the sales for future library programming. For information call Janice Knotts at 304-0500 ext. 228. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3 rd Street NE on the SALT Block in Hickory.