Supervising Librarian Jennifer Jenkins Realizes her Dark Side | Listen to This: The Lottery

TL;DR

Jennifer Jenkins discusses why she chose Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" as a significant story in American literature.

Transcript

hi everyone welcome to listen to this for library tuesdays my name is rachel asgara i'm a librarian at the valencia park malcolm x branch library today i'm here with jennifer jenkins she is a supervising librarian at the san diego central library at jonah irwin jacobs common and we're actually here today on the ninth floor in the hervey rare books ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍰 Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a significant American short story with a deep and impactful narrative.
• ❓ The story transitions from a nostalgic feel to a sinister and shocking conclusion.
• ❓ Jenkins' personal connection to the story from her youth influenced her choice to discuss it.
• ❓ Edgar Allan Poe's "The Telltale Heart" was briefly considered as an alternative to "The Lottery."
• 😱 Fans of mystery, horror, and gothic literature would likely enjoy Shirley Jackson's works.
• 🍰 Jenkins recommended checking out a short film adaptation of "The Lottery" from 1969 on YouTube.
• 💦 San Diego Public Library offers resources to explore more of Shirley Jackson's works.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Jennifer Jenkins choose Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"?

Jennifer chose "The Lottery" due to its reputation as one of Shirley Jackson's most well-known, impactful, and sinister short stories in American literature. It left a lasting impression on her since her youth.

Q: What other stories did Jenkins consider before choosing "The Lottery"?

Jenkins briefly considered Edgar Allan Poe's "The Telltale Heart" but ultimately decided on "The Lottery" due to her affinity for dark themes and the story's lasting impact on her.

Q: Where can readers find more works by Shirley Jackson?

Readers can find more works by Shirley Jackson at San Diego Public Library locations, as well as on their website and e-library. Her stories are recommended for fans of mystery, horror, and gothic literature.

Q: What adaptation of Shirley Jackson's work did Jenkins mention?

Jenkins mentioned "The Haunting of Hill House," available on Netflix, as one of her favorite adaptations of Shirley Jackson's stories, showcasing her love for the horror genre.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jennifer Jenkins, a supervising librarian, chose Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" due to its impactful and sinister narrative.

• The story starts nostalgically but takes a dark turn, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

• Jenkins considered Edgar Allan Poe's "The Telltale Heart" but ultimately chose "The Lottery" for its haunting themes.