Library to hold Pride activities

We have many events this month celebrating and remembering the LGBTQIA+ community in Las Vegas.

• “History of LGBTQ+ Identities and Experiences” with Sybrina Bernabei of Gender Justice Nevada at the West Charleston Library Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.
• “Anthony Hudson | Looking for Tiger Lily” at the West Charleston Library on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and at the Clark County Library on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

Family Pride Day at the Clark County Library on Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Guy Branum Live at the Clark County Library on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
• Drag Queen Story Hour with Carla Rossi at the Sunrise Library on Sept. 30 at 4 p.m.
• “Anthony Hudson | History of Drag” at the East Las Vegas Library on Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

We are hosting lots of great events. Please stop by and show your support for LGBTQ+ programming at your local library.

BOOK REVIEW

“Valley of the Dolls”

by Jacqueline Susann

Every year someone, somewhere does a book bingo, and this year my branch did one for the summer. As a staff member, I could not officially participate, but I found one category very intriguing: Read a book published the year you were born. So I read “Valley of the Dolls” (now you can figure out how old I am). Not only was it published the year I was born, it was the most popular book that year and was on top of the New York Times bestsellers list the day I was born. I have seen the movie a few times because it is a camp classic and I enjoy it because it is totally camp. The book is better than the movie and there are many differences between the two, especially the ending. But no spoilers here, even if the book is how old??? For those who don’t know, this is the story of three women and their struggles with love, fame, and dolls (pills). The story is linear and jumps between characters and sometimes jumps forward a few years, which can be a bit confusing. There are a few gay, or assumed gay, characters. The language can be a bit rough and may be considered offensive.

The story covers two decades and numerous marriages and career ups and downs. Even though it is a relatively long book, it is a very quick and enjoyable read. The author left notes for a sequel when she passed away, though it is too bad we never got to read her version. Her notes were turned into a book 2001 but it did not get great reviews.

Scott Clonan is the branch manager, at Sunrise Library, ClonanS@LVCCLD.org.