Griot African-American Book Discussion

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

We read books by African-American authors and meet monthly for discussion in person and virtually via Zoom. August's selection: By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

Meeting location change beginning in July 2025! Due to Eola Road Branch renovations, the Griot Book Discussion will meet in person at the Santori Library, 3rd floor Quiet Reading Room until further notice.

Attend in person at Santori Library or virtually via Zoom. Print copies of the book are available for checkout at the Santori Library, 3rd floor, or the Eola Road Branch Adult Reference Desk, 2nd floor. Email group facilitator Becky Clark at rclark@aurorapubliclibrary.org for more information.

Join us virtually here.

Book description:

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

Less than a week before the society wedding of the year where Jacqueline Bouvier will marry John F. Kennedy, a pipe bursts at Ann Lowe’s dress shop and ruins eleven dresses, including the expensive wedding dress, a dress that will be judged by thousands. A Black designer who has fought every step of the way, Ann knows this is only one struggle after a lifetime of them. She and her seamstresses will find the way to re-create the dresses. It may take all day and all night for the next week to accomplish the task, but they will do it. 

1918, Tampa 
Raised in Jim Crow Alabama, Ann learned the art of sewing from her mother and her grandmother, a former slave, who are the most talented seamstresses in the state. After Ann elopes at twelve with an older man who soon proves himself to be an abusive alcoholic, her dreams of becoming a celebrated designer seem to be put on hold. But then a wealthy Tampa socialite sees Ann’s talent and offers her an amazing opportunity—the chance to sew and design clothing for Florida’s society elite. Taking her young son in the middle of the night, Ann escapes her husband and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. 

Based on the true story of one of the most famous designers of the twenties through the sixties who has since been unjustly forgotten,?By Her Own Design?is an unforgettable novel of determination despite countless obstacles and a triumph celebrated by the world. (publisher description)

I acknowledge my participation (or my child’s participation) in this virtual program includes the recording of this program which may include my name as listed on my account, images and/or video footage. I grant the Aurora Public Library District my permission to use the photographs and/or video footage for any legal use, including but not limited to: publicity, copyright purposes, illustration, advertising, and web content.  
 
Furthermore, I understand that no royalty, fee or other compensation shall become payable to me by reason of such use.

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