You are invited to join the Paso Robles City Library’s monthly book group for a discussion of The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. This title is available in regular and large print through Black Gold, as an eBook or audiobook through the library’s Libby digital platform. On Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m., enhance your reading experience by participating in a discussion of the book.

The Paso Robles City Library begins its summer of musical adventures with a discussion of Good Morning America's Book Club pick The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Growing up black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music. When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition— the Olympics of classical music— the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.