Awards season is always one of our favorites, but the Emmy’s, Golden Globes, SAG awards, BAFTAs, and the Oscars have all come to a close. However in March we celebrate some of the nominees and winners by reading a book that was turned into one of last year’s acclaimed films.

This year we’re reading James Baldwin’s classic If Beale Street Could Talk. Published in 1974, it’s the story of young love, family, injustice, and hope. Tish has fallen in love with Fonny, the father of her child, who’s falsely imprisoned and seeking the justice he deserves. Facing their uncertain futures, the lives of these two characters twist tragedy and joy in ways that make their stories unforgettable. Baldwin is a legendary American author whose writing is a beautiful as it is poignant (and if you haven’t read The Fire Next Time by Baldwin do so ASAP).

In December of 2018 the movie, written and directed by Barry Jenkins of Moonlight fame, was released to critical acclaim (94% on Rotten Tomatoes people). It was nominated for several awards including Best Motion Picture (Golden Globes, AFI Awards), Best Adapted Screenplay (Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs), and Best Original Score (BAFTAs, Oscars). And Regina King has won Best Supporting Actress at both the Golden Globes AND the Oscars!

We’ll have to read and watch to see how the movie holds up to the book, but either way we’re excited to read this story.

We hope you’ll read with us (and maybe watch when it’s released for purchase March 26th). How? It’s easy! Read your own pace and finish up by the end of the month. You can also share your thoughts and updates as you’re reading here or on Instagram (don’t forget to use #booklymark and tag us @thebooklyclub). Then on the last day of the month look out for our Instagram discussion post to join in the conversation!

Happy reading 🙂