The Book of Kin Book Discussion with Peter Rachleff & Beth Cleary

Share

For three weeks in May, join us to read and discuss The Book of Kin: On Absence, Love, and Being There by St. Paul writer Jennifer Eli Bowen, founder of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop. Published by Milkweed Editions, this moving essay collection explores family, community, and belonging. Professors emerita Peter Rachleff and Beth Cleary will guide lively, thoughtful conversations, building on their previous discussions of James with TPAC participants. Please acquire or borrow your own book to bring to class.

Presenters: Peter Rachleff & Beth Cleary, co-founders of the East Side Freedom Library

What to expect in this course~

Please buy the book as soon as you can and start reading! Milkweed Editions is a local press, and local independent bookstores should either have it in stock or be able to order it quickly. Here is how we will discuss the book in 3 sections:
For Meeting #1, May 14, read pp.  1 - 82

For Meeting #2, May 21, read pp. 83 - 159

For Meeting #3, May 28, read pp. 160 - end

We only have an hour together each week, so we will be offering prompts during class (1st week) and ahead of class (weeks 2 and 3) to help organize discussion. 

Options
1178-S26
Starts Thu, May 14th 2026 1:00 - 2:15 PM
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
197 Thompson Park Activity Center
Price: $16.00 - 3 sessions
Enroll Now
DateTimeLocation
Thu, May 14th 2026 1:00 - 2:15 PM 197 Thompson Park Activity Center
Thu, May 21st 2026 1:00 - 2:15 PM 197 Thompson Park Activity Center
Thu, May 28th 2026 1:00 - 2:15 PM 197 Thompson Park Activity Center
Map / Location
Location map for 197 Thompson Park Activity Center