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LaShana Avery, the Speed’s Membership Coordinator, is an avid reader. Her current record stands at 20 books in one week! If you’re looking for a good read while stuck at home, she’s got you covered with this reading list inspired by artworks in the Speed’s permanent collection. All the books are available at your local independent bookstore, Louisville Free Public Library online, or through your favorite online retailer!
About LaShana:
LaShana joined the Speed Art Museum as the Membership Coordinator in October 2018. Previously, she worked as a Patron Services Associate at Actors Theatre of Louisville and as the Manager of Visitor Services at the Muhammad Ali Center. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Apparel Design & Merchandising. She will always make time for in-depth conversations about cooking, books, and Beyoncé.
Genre:
Science Fiction
About the Book:
The Power follows five characters grappling with a dystopian future where women are now the dominant ruling authority. With a simple touch, a woman can spark the “power” inside of another woman or physically defend herself against men. Like Virtue Overcoming Vice, Alderman’s book forces us to consider—what is the true nature of power and those who wield it?
Inspired by:
Virtue Overcoming Vice, 1550 – 1600
About the Artwork:
This bronze piece likely served as an inkstand or a container for spices and sweets. The cover depicts Virtue conquering Vice. Her foot set triumphantly on the torso of her nemesis, Virtue draws back her arm to strike the writhing figure of Vice.
Genre:
Fiction
About the Book:
The Namesake follows Gogol Ganguli, a first generation Indian American discovering and deciphering both his American and Indian identities. Lahiri’s book asks: How do you navigate assimilation, cultural divides while honoring the sacrifices your parents made to give you a chance at the American Dream?
Inspired by:
Rest on the Flight into Egypt, 1648
Laurent de La Hyre
About the Artwork:
La Hyre’s painting depicts Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus before the ruins of an ancient temple, on their flight from Bethlehem to Egypt. In the painting Joseph points to the ground where his family will rest for the night.
Genre:
Fiction
About the Book:
Eliza is a Chilean orphan who decides to go on the journey of a lifetime abandoning her wealth and home to follow the man she loves.
Inspired by:
View of a Bedchamber, about 1790
About the Artwork:
From costume details and other visual cues, the compound appears to be that of a civil servant living in southern China.
Genre:
Children’s Fiction
About the Book:
Mommy’s Khimar tells the story of a little girl playing dress up with her mommy’s headscarf, making believing all the things she can be. As she continues to play, you can feel the loving bond between mother and daughter.
Inspired by:
The Education of the Virgin, about 1735 – 37
Charles‑Antoine Coypel
About the Artwork:
In this depiction of traditional Christian subjects, Coypel emphasizes the loving interaction between mother and daughter. The young Virgin Mary gazes intently at her mother, Anne, who tenderly draws the child close in as she patiently instructs her.
Genre:
Children + Middle Grade Fiction
About the Book:
Matilda is the story of a brilliant young girl who uses her love of books to escape the difficulties of her life. Sprinkle in superpowers, a dash of naughtiness, plus one of the best/worst over-the-top bullies in all of Children’s Literature, and you have the perfect recipe for a modern classic!
Inspired by:
A Hermit in the Garden, about 1790
Hubert Robert
About the Artwork:
A Hermit in a Garden, originally part of a large decorative ensemble, reflects the 18th century taste for picturesque gardens featuring imaginative “follies” or fabrications. Here, nestled within a lush, imaginary garden setting, an aged hermit studies a manuscript.
Genre:
Science Fiction / Historical Fiction
About the Book:
Kindred tells the story of Dana, a Black woman who finds herself suddenly transported to the antebellum South. During her travels Dana must grapple with preserving her own life and while attempting to figure out why she keeps travelling to the past.
Inspired by:
Door surround, about 1811
American, Bardstown, Kentucky
About the Artwork:
This door surround, clothed in the same Renaissance-inspired Classicism found elsewhere in central Kentucky, acted as an imposing processional arch for those entering the house of the Speed family, known then as Cottage Grove.
