As readers browse the shelves, brushing against the spines of the books, they can be met with books addressing vast themes, sometimes encountering uncomfortable truths. Now, these readers can meet one of the minds behind those narratives.
Richland County Public Library will host Rebecca F. Kuang, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author on Nov. 15 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
From the language-driven world of Babel, set in Oxford during the 1800s, to the sharp critique of literary injustice in Yellowface, Kuang's readers can challenge themselves to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, cultural appropriation and systemic racism.
"Kuang's books have a way of staying in your head long after you've finished reading them," said Sarah Cameron, a librarian with the Research and Readers’ Advisory Department at Richland Library.
The evening with Kuang offers an opportunity to engage with the author and take part in a conversation about the topics in her literary work. Whether you are drawn to her examination of power in Babel or intrigued by a satirical critique of the publishing world, focusing on issues of racism and the erasure of marginalized voices, the event will discuss these themes, precipitating a conversation with readers about the topics.
Second-year psychology and english major, Lorraine Shelton said she was excited for conversation with Kuang and other readers that goes beyond the book.
With an open Q&A and a chance to hear from Kuang herself, this event will foster a dialogue beyond the text itself, Shelton said, and offering a deeper experience for all book enthusiasts.
The event comes from the Broader Bookshelf Annual Reading Challenge. The Library is holding the Annual Reading event for its eighth year. The challenge, started in 2017, invites local readers to step outside their usual selections and to seek out new authors, giving readers an experience to explore an issue from a different viewpoint.
Kuang’s bestselling novels offer insights into themes such as cultural appropriation and racism. Her work also explores historical trauma, colonialism and systematic power structures.
USC Associate Professor of Comparative Literature, Jie Guo is a scholar with expertise in comparative literature, gender theory and Chinese literature and will serve as the moderator of the event, guiding the conversation in an interview-style format. This will allow students to ask questions directly to Kuang, with the opportunity for everyone to participate in an interactive discussion. There will also be a book signing, giving people the chance to meet the author personally and get their copies signed.
Guo has translated numerous works informed through her research in specific interests that include gender theory, sexuality, visual culture, Chinese literature and film and the history of Chinese women. As she prepares to moderate the upcoming event with Kuang, Guo said she is reflecting on the significance of Yellowface and why it has become such a popular book among students.
“I think Yellowface is mesmerizing because it depicts contemporary life that many of us are familiar with—social media, the ecology of writing and the challenges of cultural appropriation," Guo said. "The novel also focuses on identity and how it intersects with the publishing industry. For students, engaging with Rebecca F. Kuang in person offers the opportunity to understand her creative process and how she navigates these complex themes in her writing."
Beyond the themes and the text itself, attending this event will offer more than just a deeper look into Kuang's creative process.
"Yellowface in particular is a unique book about writing and publishing and the industry as a whole," Guo said. "Attendees of the event will gain insight into how she incorporates her background in Asian studies into her work."
Sarah Cameron, a librarian with the Research and Readers’ Advisory Department at Richland Library, said each of Kuang's novels can appeal to each reader.
“We knew that Rebecca Kuang was popular with our readers, and that even some who may not have read her might pick them up because she writes in a variety of genres, she writes fantasy, speculative, historical, and literary thrillers," Cameron said. "She is very expansive ".
Event organizers will allocate 15 minutes for a Q&A session, allowing audience members to take the microphone and ask Kuang questions directly, Cameron said.
"After, we do have a catered reception. We have a great partner, an independent bookstore in five points called All Good Books," Cameron said. "They always come and set up and sell copies of the author's book, because there is a book signing afterwards, so you can line up and get to speak with her and have your book signed, so there is an opportunity to engage with her and speak with her then as well."
Shelton said students who attend the event will walk away with information they might not get from reading Kuang’s books on their own.
"An event like this allows readers who are interested in reading her books to truly interact beyond a surface level understanding of the text," Shelton said. "I also think if people have questions, or they are interested in writing themselves, Rebecca F. Kuang is an established author and it would be amazing to hear directly from her."
Registration is not required. The library will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 6:30 p.m. for those attending the event. An ASL interpreter will be provided for this occasion.