“A good story doesn’t just copy life, it pushes back on it.” ― Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead

Fairfax County Public Library invites our entire community to celebrate the enjoyment of reading with All Fairfax Reads! This annual event encourages readers from all walks of life to come together for a shared reading experience surrounding a particular novel or author of note. Think of it as one HUGE book club but without all the forced discussion and accountability. 

This fall, we will travel to contemporary southwestern Virginia with Barbara Kingsolver’s award-winning novel Demon Copperhead. In addition to reading the book, FCPL will also host a series of related events this September through November, designed to enhance your reading experience.

Why Demon Copperhead?

Barbara Kingsolver’s 2022 novel has remained popular since publication, becoming a bestseller, Pulitzer Prize winner and book club favorite. It is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel David Copperfield, updating the story to Appalachian Virginia and following the coming-of-age story of a young boy experiencing the hardships of rural poverty. On the 250th anniversary of the United States, the novel centers around communities and characters often left out of the national narrative. Demon Copperhead is sure to encourage discussion about important topics relevant to readers in Fairfax County.

How to Participate:

• Pick up a copy of Demon Copperhead at a Fairfax County Public Library branch or download the eBook or eAudiobook on Libby. Limited giveaway copies of the book will be available at All Fairfax Reads library programs.

• Check out our calendar of events, including book discussions, film screenings and more:
  • Angels and Opioids: From David Copperfield to Demon Copperhead | Kings Park Library |Tuesday September 29 
    Join us for a presentation and discussion with George Mason University Professor Teresa Michals about the connections between Charles Dickens' classic novel David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead. Explore how the themes, characters and social context of these novels connect and diverge and discover what readers can learn from reading both.
  • Blue Spruce Concert | Dolley Madison Library | Wednesday, October 6
    Blue Spruce seamlessly combines traditional bluegrass roots with contemporary influences and original compositions. Formed in 2010, the group is known for its instrumental music, harmonious vocals, and captivating performance style.
  • "Born Poor" FRONTLINE Documentary Screening and Discussion | Sherwood Regional Library | Wednesday, October 14 
    FRONTLINE’s 90-minute documentary tells the stories of the now-grown children at the heart of "Poor Kids" — chronicling their lives from childhood to the present day, and offering a powerful, personal and longitudinal look at the realities of growing up in poverty in the U.S. This screening is made possible through FCPL's partnership with PBS member station WETA. It is also available On Demand with WETA+.
  • Demon Copperhead Book Discussion | City of Fairfax Regional Library | Tuesday, November 10 

• Find similar books on the All Fairfax Reads website.
• Share your reading experience with your friends, family, neighbors or online!