Duluth Reads Starts With Library Book Talk Tonight

The Duluth Fine Arts League will present a book talk and initiate a discussion on Terry Kay’s southern classic novel “To Dance With the White Dog” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library. DFAL is encouraging citizens to read the book and engage in community discussions about it as part of the Duluth Reads project. 

Mayor Nancy Harris, who founded DFAL two years ago, said questions have been prepared for a discussion at the end of the book talk.

In the novel, a mysterious white dog starts appearing to Georgia pecan farmer Sam Peek after his wife suddenly dies and stays with him until just before his own death. At first, Sam is the only one who can see the white dog, but eventually his disbelieving family begins to see it, too.

DFAL member Peggy Smith will give the book talk and lead the discussion. "I will provide questions to the people who come in order to initiate discussion on certain elements of the book such as themes, characterization, point of view, and style," she said. "I feel like there will be a lot of discussion on the book as there are many apparent themes."  

The book talk is the first of three Duluth Reads events sponsored by DFAL culminating in an appearance by the acclaimed southern writer. All events are free and open to the public.

On March 11, there will be a showing of the Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie “To Dance With the White Dog,” starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, at the Red Clay Theatre, at 7 p.m. The movie was filmed on location in Georgia, and Cronyn earned an Emmy for his performance. A wine and cheese tasting precedes the showing. 

Kay will appear in person at Duluth City Hall, at 11 a.m., March 19.