YORK, Pa. — Welcome to the next month of the FOX43 Book Club!
We are partnering with local libraries to create a Book Club featuring authors from Pennsylvania, highlighting the stories of our surrounding communities.
Mina Edmondson, director of York County Libraries' (YCL) Martin Library, joined FOX43 Morning News anchor Gabrielle Mediak to introduce March's read, "Sidle Creek" by Jolene McIlwain.
The book of short stories examines issues that affect the small, working-class towns of rural Appalachia out in western Pennsylvania. Human connection weaves each of the 22 stories together to tell the story of blue-collar workers and small-town life. Exploring diners and dive bars, mining and farming towns, "Sidle Creek" challenges the myths and stereotypes that accompany these people and places.
The collection of stories is author Jolene McIlwain's debut work. She has also published writings in many online and print literary journals. McIlwain has won critics' praise and awards for her prose. The author was born and raised in a small town in western Pennsylvania, where she still lives now.
Those who are interested in participating in the Book Club discussion on March 26 can find the book at many online retailers or at libraries in the surrounding area. A catalog search found a copy in the Adams County library system. Readers can also ask their preferred library to request the collection from Access PA, a statewide library resource-sharing network.
If "Sidle Creek" doesn't get your fingers itching to turn pages, check out the video above for two more book recommendations from Edmondson.
We invite you to join Gabby and digital content producer Kayleigh Johnson for their Facebook Live discussion of "Sidle Creek" on March 26 at 10 a.m. The Live will be hosted on the FOX43 Book Club's Facebook group.
The Facebook Live discussing February's featured book and introducing March's pick will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 27.