Go Read! is reaching its climax. P

The program -- which has been encouraging the entire Richmond community to read "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest J. Gaines -- has a special guest in store for Richmond readers.

The visitor: Ernest J. Gaines.

The Louisiana author is scheduled to read to the Richmond community on Thursday, Dec. 12, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace St. The program, which includes a free reception, is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"We're just really happy that he's going to be here," said Beth Coakley, Go Read! project coordinator. "We hope that people will just come out in droves." The church can accommodate 700 for the project's capstone event.

An Oprah's Book Club selection and winner of the National Book Critics Circle award, "A Lesson Before Dying" explores race, inequity and capital punishment. The 1993 novel tells the story of a young black man in the deep South in the 1940s. Jefferson finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A disillusioned schoolteacher tries to help him face his execution with dignity.

Modeled after programs in cities including Seattle, Chicago and Rochester, N.Y., Go Read! encourages participants to read the chosen book, then get together with fellow readers to engage in lively discussion.

Several discussion groups on "A Lesson Before Dying" have cropped up around Richmond, including a panel discussion at the First Unitarian Church of Richmond, 1000 Blanton Ave., scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9.

Used by permission of the Richmond Free Press.

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