The rich literary and cultural heritage of Schuylkill County will be highlighted with a series of upcoming events highlighting the work of local author John O’Hara.
Book Club to Discuss Appointment in Samarra
The Local Reads Book Club invites literature enthusiasts to a lively discussion of John O’Hara’s celebrated novel, Appointment in Samarra. Set in the fictionalized Gibbsville, a thinly veiled version of Pottsville, the book provides a vivid portrayal of small-town life in 1930s America. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schuylkill County Historical Society, located at 305 N. Centre St., Pottsville.
For additional details, readers can visit the Society’s Facebook page or T102 Radio’s Local Reads website.
“Three by O’Hara” Brings Short Stories to Life
The following evening, the Schuylkill County Historical Society will host “Three by O’Hara,” a dramatic reading event featuring three of the author’s compelling short stories: “Over the River and through the Wood,” “Too Young,” and “Family Evening.” The readings will be performed by local actors Maryann Conway and Anthony Kurdilla.
Following the performances, Rex Roberts, former associate editor of the John O’Hara Journal, and Lisa Von Ahn, editor of the Society’s newsletter, will lead discussions about O’Hara’s storytelling, themes, and legacy. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Historical Society’s headquarters.
Admission is free for Society members and $5 for the general public. In case of inclement weather, a snow date is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. For more information, contact the Society at 570-622-7540.