Discuss classic titles with other readers. Click event title for Zoom link. Contact Lissa at classicsmodern@tscpl.org for help with the Zoom link, Facebook group or questions.
Read the book or the ebook or listen to the audiobook
Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes is drawn in part from the author's own recollections of youth and early manhood.
The story unfolds in 1930s rural Kansas as a portrait of African-American family life and an exploration of growing up and growing strong in a racially divided society. It follows the story of young Sandy Rogers as he grows from a boy to a man. We meet Sandy's mother, Annjee, who works as a housekeeper for a wealthy white family; his strong-willed grandmother, Hager; Jimboy, Sandy's father, who travels the country looking for work; Aunt Tempy, the social climber; and Aunt Harriet, the blues singer who has turned away from her faith.
Check for availability of print copies through the library, ebook version is freely available through Hathi Trust, ebook and audiobook versions through Hoopla are around 8 hours.
Join the discussion on Zoom
2 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Get involved online
Interact with other readers by posting and commenting on the Classics Made Modern Facebook group.
Email classicsmodern@tscpl.org to receive occasional updates about upcoming titles, author background, discussion questions and more!
Check the upcoming schedule for future dates and titles!
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Books/Authors/Writing |
Our mission is sparking curiosity and connecting our community through literacy and learning. The library features the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, the Millennium Café, Chandler Booktique (bookstore and gift shop), free meeting rooms, computer training and free Wi-Fi access. The library has a collection of more than 414,000 books and serves more than 81,000 registered borrowers. Bookmobiles make 23 stops Monday-Saturday across Shawnee County. The website tscpl.org serves customers’ needs 24/7. The library offers state-of-the art technology, youth programs that encourage learning and reading, adult learning programs, online learning tools, events, and reference and research tools.
