Discussion series explores Kansas Literary Heritage

Dodge City Public Library will offer a four-part book discussion series in September and October on the theme “Kansas Literary Heritage.” Members of the community are invited to attend the free programs, which will take place at the library, 1001 North 2nd Ave.
    The series is sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council, a nonprofit cultural organization, as part of its Talk About Literature in Kansas (TALK) program. The Council’s Resource Center is furnishing the books and discussion leaders for the Dodge City TALK series.
    The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 6; at 7 pm. Charlotte Hinger of Fort Hays State University will lead a discussion of Trail of the Spanish Bit by Kansas author Don Coldsmith. In this first novel in the Spanish Bit saga, Juan Garcia from the Old World of Spanish Bit saga, Juan Garcia from the Old World of Spain arrives in the New World of America. Injured and separated from his companions, Juan begins life with a small Indian band adept at survival on the plains and possessing a culture with many similarities to his own.
    Kansas has often been depicted in unflattering terms by writers and movie-makers from outside the state. In this series, readers will discover the works of four Kansas authors who write from first-hand experience of the state’s land and people. In their books we find reflections of the many qualities that contribute to the Kansas character: hard work, humor, small town pride (and sometimes prejudice), independence, tenacity and faith.
    The series continues with Sod and Stubble by John Ise (September 20, Picnic by Kansas native William Inge (October 4), and The Last Cattle Drive by Robert Day (October 18).