Book Discussion and screening of In America

Tonight you have a choice of two Somerville Reads events in two different venues.

At 7:00 p.m., Kevin O'Kelly will lead a discussion of The Namesake at Sherman Cafe (257 Washington Street.) Kevin is a librarian at the Somerville Public Library and a writer. His book reviews appear regularly in The Boston Globe.

Also at 7:00, we'll be screening Jim Sheridan's In America at the Central Library. This is the second film in the Somerville Reads Film Festival, which explores the experiences of immigrants to America.

Amazon.com says, "In America stars the incandescent Samantha Morton and Paddy Considine as two young Irish parents who have lost their only son. Trying to run away from their grief, they move (illegally) to a junkie-infested apartment building in New York City with their two daughters, Christy (Sarah Bolger) and Ariel (Emma Bolger). Though they struggle with meager jobs and suffocatingly hot weather, a friendship with an artist in an apartment below them (Djimon Hounsou) becomes a catalyst that allows them to rebuild their family. In America is splendidly acted throughout - of particular note are the two girls, real-life sisters whose on-screen charisma is clearly a family trait. But it's Morton who anchors the movie; her every emotion seems to glow from her skin. The commitment of the actors keeps the movie compelling, despite some dangerously sentimental patches."

This free film series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All are welcome to attend.