Copley Connects Spring/Summer 2025

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby By Hugh Burkhart Coordinator of Instruction and Undergraduate Learning S.A. Cosby’s fourth book

Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora By Catherine Paolillo Head of Access and Outreach Services Librarian

Zamora’s memoir tells his story of traveling from a small rural town in El Salvador to the United States to reconnect with his parents at just nine years old. At first accompanied by his grandfather, Zamora is later forced to complete the journey on his own — relying on strangers for protection and comfort. While reading,

continues his streak of gripping crime novels in the “Southern noir” tradition. His protagonist here is Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in seemingly sleepy Charon County, Virginia. Back home after years working in the FBI, Titus finds himself embroiled in a complex and

dangerous case when the shooting of a local teacher leads to an investigation into a serial killer in the community’s midst. Like all good fictional detectives, Titus has personal and professional demons to work through as he races to uncover the truth. The investigation not only reveals a series of unspeakable crimes but secrets related to race and politics in the South as well. Winner of an Anthony Award and an International Thriller Writers Award, the novel was shortlisted for a number of other awards in 2024, including the Edgar from the Mystery Writers of America. Fans of his other work such as Razorblade Tears will find Cosby in top form here as a thriller writer with a literary flare. His highly-anticipated next novel, King of Ashes , is due out this summer.

I kept having to remind myself that he wrote the book, which meant he survived the harrowing and heartbreaking journey. I recommend Solito to anyone who wants a glimpse into the Central American migrant experience, or those who may be looking for a story that mirrors their lived experiences. Having both read and listened to the Solito audiobook, I prefer the audiobook version narrated by the author. Listening to Zamora tell his own story offered a much deeper connection to the language (English mixed with both Salvadoran and Mexican Spanish) and his emotional arc.

Building Community Connections In Spring 2025, the Building Community Connections Committee sponsored three game nights. These events were theme-based and featured classic board games, Bingo night, and puzzles. Each game night was well-attended, with attendance averaging 15 students.

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