The library will host an online book discussion series about Isabel Wilkerson's new book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, on five Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, running from October 15 through November 12, led by Bernadette and Vivodh Anand.

In this book, Isabel Wilkerson explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Beyond race, class, or other factors, Wilkerson argues, there is a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, and shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity.

Bernadette and Vivodh Anand are fellows in the Graduate Psychology Department of City University of New York. Bernadette Anand is an experienced educator and development professional. She has partnered with the New York City Board of Education, museums, arts organizations and the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture to create diverse history and cultural programs for students. Vivodh Anand is a former New Jersey State Civil Rights Commissioner. He taught at Rutgers, Montclair State, and Hofstra Universities and is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies. He writes on issues of equity and social justice. They live in Milbridge, Maine, and have hosted numerous discussions with the library in the past.

This event is free and open to all, but space is limited and advance registration is required to receive the link to join via Zoom. Copies of the book will be available for participants at the library. This event is supported by the Friends of the Library.