Professor’s book chosen by Women’s National Book Association

KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 12, 2018

Anthony Grooms' The Vain Conversation is one of 20 selected for 2018

Anthony Grooms
Anthony Grooms

The Vain Conversation by Anthony Grooms, director of Master of Arts in Professional Writing Program (MAPW) and professor of creative writing at Kennesaw State University, has been recognized by the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) as part of the organization’s Great Group Reads 2018 Selection.

The Selection was awarded by the National Reading Group Month, a part of the WNBA that encourages camaraderie, shared reading and advancing civic engagement through books. The group provides scheduled events and recommended books shared every October.

The 20 books named to the 2018 Selection were chosen for their appeal among reading groups in promoting conversations related to major cultural and world issues. Published in 2018, The Vain Conversation reflects on the true story of a 1946 lynching of two black couples in Georgia. The book was selected for its ability to encourage conversations about redemption, racial violence and America’s painful history.

The National Reading Group Month Chair Jill A. Tardiff said, “Our goal is to have these outstanding and often inspiring titles become reading-group staples with facilitators and that booksellers and librarians across the country feature them during the month of October, which is, of course, National Reading Group Month—and, throughout the year.”

– Andrea Judy

Photos by Lauren Kress

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.