In Making our Future, Emily Hilliard, the state’s former folklorist, writes about everything from the cultural significance of the West Virginia hot dog, the tradition of independent pro wrestling in Appalachia, the practice of nonprofessional women songwriters, the collective counter narrative of a multiracial coal camp community, the invisible landscape of writer Breece D'J Pancake's hometown, the foodways of Helvetia, and the post apocalyptic vision presented in the video game Fallout 76, and more. The book argues that folklore is a unifying concept that puts diverse cultural forms in conversation, as well as a framework that helps us reckon with the past, understand the present, and collectively shape the future. This book makes for thoughtful discussion! 

In-Person Event—Begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments and snacks.

Virtual Event—We will email you a link to join the discussion virtually on Zoom. Live streaming begins at 6:30.

About the WV Living Book Club

Our WV LIVING BOOK CLUB isn’t your run-of-the-mill book club. Each issue, we choose a book to read that meets one of the following criteria:

1. A book about West Virginia
2. A book by a West Virginian
3. A book printed and distributed through WVU Press

You can join us in person at The F.A.R.M in Granville, right outside of Morgantown, or join us virtually. Our goal is to make it fun and interactive. We theme our gatherings by incorporating food that fits with the tone and tenor of the book and facilitate discussion with the author or a subject expert.

To participate in our WV LIVING BOOK CLUB, you’ll have multiple registration options: 

1. Register to participate IN PERSON for our event. Food and beverages are included. 
2. Register to participate in the ONLINE discussion event for free. 
3. Add on the purchase of the book to either of the above.