A monthlong One Read program came to a close on Wednesday night with a talk given by Angela Flournoy, author of “The Turner House,” in Launer Auditorium at Columbia College.

 

Flournoy gave a short speech about her motivation to write the novel and talked about how the story was influenced by her father and his family. The book tells the story of the 13 Turner siblings and the selling of their childhood home in Detroit.

 

“I like to call this book a kitchen sink book. I found a way to cram all the things that I like, including food in Detroit, into this book,” Flournoy said.

 

After reading a short excerpt from the book, Flournoy answered 11 audience questions, including a question that was texted in, about the process of writing the book. Her talk was broadcast via livestream to William Woods University and on the radio station KOPN. Flournoy signed copies of her book and spoke one-on-one with attendants at the end of the event.

 

“I thought her talk was engaging, funny, she’s so smart and articulate,” said Betsy Collins, the collection development manager at Daniel Boone Regional Library.

 

Collins estimated that between 700 and 1,000 people participated in this year’s One Read. It is the 16th year Daniel Boone Regional Library has hosted the program. Other events held this month include book discussions, film screenings, an art contest and a panel discussion.

 

The reading panel for Daniel Boone Regional Library will begin to take suggestions for next year’s One Read book starting in November, Collins said. Collins is a member of the panel and said she looks forward to the process of taking a list of over 100 suggestions from the community and choosing the two finalists for the public to vote on.