Dolly Parton, the book lady
The article reflects on the transformative power of books and literacy, drawing parallels between James Baldwin's escape from poverty through reading and Dolly Parton's lifelong mission to promote literacy. Parton's Imagination Library program, which sends free books to children, is highlighted as a successful initiative inspired by her father's illiteracy.
Why it matters
It underscores the profound impact of literacy and access to books, especially for underprivileged children, and celebrates a significant philanthropic effort.
(This story is part of The Hindu on Books newsletter that comes to you with book reviews, reading recommendations, interviews with authors and more. Subscribe here .)
The celebrated American writer James Baldwin grew up poor during the Great Depression, when millions lost their jobs, families stood in long soup lines, and drought and environmental devastation destroyed farms across the U.S.
But Baldwin’s life changed when he began discovering worlds far removed from his own. There were two libraries in Harlem, where he grew up, and he devoured every book he could find. By the time he was 13, during the television boom, he said he “had read himself out of Harlem.”
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