Bridge Book Club presents ‘Black Bottom Saints’ on Feb. 2
Bridge Book Club has returned and this time we’re having a bookish happy hour with our friends and partners at BridgeDetroit.
The vote was close but Bridge members surveyed chose “Black Bottom Saints” by Alice Randall as January’s book club pick. We’re thrilled that Randall, a native Detroiter, has agreed to join our discussion on Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2. To be invited to participate in this discussion, please complete this form and we’ll email you a link to join.
The novel “Black Bottom Saints” plays tribute to Detroit’s legendary Black Bottom neighborhood, a mecca for blues, jazz, sports and politics in the 1930s to ‘50s.
The narrator, Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson, a Michigan Chronicle gossip columnist, is just one of the more than 50 saints — artists, doctors, sports figures, activists and behind-the-scenes movers and shakers — in the novel.
Randall’s novel has plenty of cocktail recipes to help the more difficult stories go down a bit easier. Sign up for our event and get some recipes to make your own.
We’re looking forward to discussing the book with you.
Related:
- Miss Bridge Michigan's 'Arc of Justice' book club chat? Here's the video
- Missed ‘Fannie Davis’ book club discussion? Watch the video
How to get the book
For Bridge Club members, we will provide an e-version of the selected book as a membership benefit. If you’re not already a member, join today for as little as $1 and support our nonprofit newsroom. Members will be sent a link via email from Membership Director Amber DeLind to redeem their free book.
For those who are not Bridge Club members, would like to borrow the book, or would prefer a physical copy, you have other options. You can order “Black Bottom Saints” directly from the publisher, or download it from a Michigan library system to an e-reader or smartphone via Overdrive or Libby. The book may also be available for order from local bookstores, some of whom are offering curbside pickup. Call your local bookstore to inquire.
How to take part in the online discussion
To participate throughout the month in our weekly discussions, please join our closed Facebook group by clicking here. Bridge’s social media team will approve your membership in this closed group.
Each week in January, we will post several discussion questions about a section of chapters and group members will be invited to interact with our team and with one another.
Participation in these weekly discussions is not required to participate in the Zoom discussion.
Here’s our schedule
- Book announced: Jan. 8
- First discussion post on Bridge book club closed Facebook group: Jan. 15
- Second discussion post on Bridge book club closed Facebook group: Jan. 22
- Third discussion post on Bridge book club closed Facebook group: Jan. 29
- Live Zoom discussion: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!