Choate Hosts Renowned Authors for All School Read Program

On September 17, Choate students, faculty, and staff gathered in Ann and George Colony Hall for a panel discussion with acclaimed authors Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and Reginald Dwayne Betts, as part of the All School Read program. Over the summer, students read either Adjei-Brenyah’s novel Chain-Gang All-Stars, a finalist for the National Book Award, or Betts’ poetry collection Felon, which received the American Book Award. 

Both books delve into the complexities of the American penal system. Chain-Gang All-Stars offers a multifaceted exploration of the prison system, portraying a narrative of survival and resistance within an unjust justice system. In contrast, Felon examines the enduring impact of incarceration, highlighting how prison exerts pressure throughout an individual’s life. English teacher Cahaley Markman introduced the authors and expressed gratitude for their contributions in prompting readers to critically evaluate the prison system. The authors read excerpts from their works and engaged with students through a Q&A session. 

When asked about his use of various narrative perspectives, including first-person, Adjei-Brenyah explained, “When you look closely at anything, it becomes a bridge toward compassion. That’s how the book grew me as a person.” Adjei-Brenyah was recognized as one of the National Book Foundation’s ‘5 Under 35’ authors. 

Betts shared how his time in prison for an armed carjacking led him to pursue writing. “Being a writer has profoundly changed my life,” he said. Betts is the founder of the Freedom Reads program, which brings books to prisons. He is also a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and holds a J.D. from Yale Law School. Felon was named one of The New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2020. 

English Department head Mark Gosztyla called the event “an exclamation point to an extremely successful 2024 Summer Reading season. From Ms. Markman’s personal reflections on teaching creative writing to prisoners to the thoughtful questions asked by student-moderators Camila and Dani, to the authors' considerate and, at times, vulnerable responses, the entire event deepened our community’s understanding of the ways justice is processed and experienced in America. I’m so grateful for all the hard work done by all those involved in every aspect of the event.”  

 During their visit, the authors attended classes, further enriching the campus experience.