Richmond Reads

Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs.

2022 Program Review Contest Winning Entries

"I was very moved by The Violin Conspiracy. As a music educator, the book sparked a lot of questions and ideas for me, such as, “How can we connect students of color with all genres of music?” and “How can classical music ensembles become more accessible to people of color?” Many times throughout the book, I thought, “it’s 2022, do these explicitly racist events still occur?” Yes, they do, and Brendan Slocumb brought these to the forefront through his writing.

The idea that it only takes one person to believe in you and help you succeed on your journey was also paramount in this novel. Janice’s unwavering guidance and support allowed Ray to fulfill his dreams. Family conflict and an exhilarating mystery made for a relevant and thought-provoking story. Despite countless hardships and systemic racism, Ray always worked twice as hard and stood up for himself, just as his Grandma Nora told him, and now he can do what he truly loves to do. It was an inspirational reminder for me to see how Ray truly connected with the music he was playing and how much it meant to him. I know that this story will stay with me for a long time. "
-Melzie Case-

"To be worthy, to deserve the respect of others, and to be on the right path to accomplish his dream. These are the struggles Ray deals with on a daily basis on his journey to be successful.

Gramma Nora not only gave Ray PopPop’s beloved violin, she gave him the gifts of unconditional love, understanding and precious words of encouragement. Feelings of perjurious and injustice in the social, academic and music world get into Ray’s head and leaves him yearning for acceptance as a solo performer.

After his loss of his priceless Stradivarius, Ray considers giving up his dream of competing in the world renowned Tchaikovsky Competition. Only after the encouragement of Professor Stevens and his girlfriend Nichole and the memory of Gramma Nora’s loving words does Ray compete with his whole heart and soul, believing in himself and his ability to hear and feel his music.

This wonderful novel brought me back to my childhood. I was an eight-year-old girl who loved music. My Dad played the banjo and guitar, and his brother Ted played the violin. I was in love with the beautiful sound of the violin and wanted to learn to play. Uncle Ted had an old second-hand violin and let me take it home to practice and learn. We had no money for lessons, but an after-school program offered by the Grange Hall gave lessons once a week. I will never forget arriving after school so excited for my first lesson. Twenty students were told to line up, bows at your side, violins under your chin. Each child was told one at a time to step forward and state their name. She never asked if we could read music or if we could play our violin. My turn came and I stated my name. The teacher said “Your arms and fingers are too short, you will never be able to play the violin, you are dismissed, next child step forward.” I learned much later that only certain children with the right last names would be allowed into this program. I was so discouraged that I returned my Uncle Ted’s violin and to this day I will always regret not keeping the violin and finding a different path for lessons. How I wish I had had a Gramma Nora to encourage me to “be strong and be myself.”
-Rita Nan Tresco-

Author Brendan Slocumb will visit the library IN PERSON on Thursday, October 20 for a talk and book signing.

2022 Title Reveal Recording
2022 Message from the Author 

Past Selections: 

2019 Selection: Southernmost by Silas House
2020 Selection: Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens
2021 Selection: The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin

Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library!