Acclaimed author Percival Everett will discuss his celebrated novel, “James,” at a community event this fall. The live event, taking place at Los Medanos College, promises a deep dive into the book that re-examines Mark Twain's classic. Everett will explore the novel's themes of language, identity, and freedom, offering unique insights into his creative process and literary influences. Following the discussion, Mr. Everett will be available to sign copies of the book.
A Conversation with Percival Everett
Saturday, November 8 at 11 a.m.
Los Medanos College Student Union
2700 East Leland Rd. | Pittsburg
Mr. Everett’s novel won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for fiction in 2025 and is the book chosen for this year’s Read Contra Costa program. Read Contra Costa is an annual event created by the Contra Costa County Library that brings the community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.
The book is a powerful retelling of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The story is told from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man who runs away after he discovers he's about to be sold and separated from his family.
This event will also be available live on Zoom and via CCTV on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99, or Astound channels 32 and 1027. To watch via Zoom, register by scanning the QR code or at ccclib.org. Registration is not required to attend in person.
Read Contra Costa runs from Tuesday, September 2, through Saturday, November 8. Books are available in hardback, eBook, and eAudiobook formats. For more information about Read Contra Costa events, visit ccclib.org.
This year, the Contra Costa County Library is proud to partner with Los Medanos College and the Richmond Public Library to bring this program to the community.
Funding for this event is provided by the Contra Costa County Library, Los Medanos College, the Library Foundation of Contra Costa, and the Richmond Public Library Foundation.