Friends of the Library Book Discussion Group

When Barbara and Wayne Zurl moved to Maryville in 1994, Barbara looked in vain for a book discussion group. When she approached Kathy Pagles at the library, Kathy said, “Why don’t you start one?”. So Barbara did and invited several friends to join her in discussing Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club”. That first meeting was in May of 1994.
Barbara continued as facilitator of discussions for the next six years. She always did an excellent job of researching the book and the author, and insured that discussions stayed focused. All ideas were accepted as valid, especially when there was disagreement. When Barbara was unable to continue the members took over, obtaining books on their own and rotating discussion leadership duties. There are currently about 20 participants. They suggest books in June and make final choices in July. They don’t necessarily read best-sellers but look for books that will generate discussion, may even be controversial. Some that were read last year were: “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, “The March” by E.L. Doctorow, and “Presidential Courage” by Michael Beschlosss.
The book discussion group currently meets the second Wednesday of each month, at 10:15 AM in the board room of the library. Any woman who loves to read and talk about books is welcome to join in.


Book Selections for 2009– 2010

DATE
BOOK
AUTHOR
August 12 Still Alice Lisa Genoba
September 9 Cade’s Cove Durwood Dunn
October 14 The Outliers Malcolm Gladwell
November 18* A Thread of Grace Mary Doria Russel
December 9 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
January 13 My Stroke of Insight Jill Bolte Taylor
February 10 The Reader Bernard Schlink
March 10 Sashenka Simon Montefiore
April 14 Cataloochee Wayne Caldwell
May 12 Rain of Gold Victor Villasenor
June 9 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith
     

*The library will be closed on November 11 for Veterans Day.