Coffee & Conversation

Looking for a laid-back book club to join? Come enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as we discuss this month's book, 'What My Father and I Don't Talk About.' New members are always welcome!

In what Qian Julie Wang calls “moving and deeply relatable,” 16 notable writers break the silence on the complex—and sometimes contentious—relationships we have with our fathers in a collection of essays.

Andrew Altschul reflects on the life-altering experience of becoming a father and how it reshaped his view of his own father’s parenting. Isle McElroy revisits weekends spent tagging along as his father fixed up the homes of his wealthier colleagues. Jaquira Díaz delves into her father’s history in the 1970s, uncovering the roots of their shared restlessness. Tomás Q. Morín paints a raw portrait of an absentee father, while Kelly McMasters portrays her father’s love and dedication. Maurice Carlos Ruffin insightfully captures a father who communicated through his integrity rather than words. Jiordan Castle reveals how we can love our fathers from a distance, and Susan Muaddi Darraj explores the similar burdens placed on immigrant fathers and their eldest daughters.

With moments that are both humorous and deeply moving, Booklist explains, “these fearless essays, each one unputdownable, are likely to reassure readers that whatever relationship they have or don't have with their own fathers is just right."

Contributions by Michele Filgate, Andrew Altschul, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Dylan Landis, Jaquira Díaz, Kelly McMasters, Isle McElroy, Susan Muaddi Darraj, Tomás Q. Morín, Robin Reif, Heather Sellers, Jiordan Castle, Nayomi Munaweera, Joanna Rakoff and Julie Buntin.

Coffee and tea will be provided.

If you have any questions about this program, including accommodations, please contact Natalie at ftprograms@cc-pl.org. Please see all our program offerings in our online newsletter at cc-pl.org/connections.

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