Is your book club in a reading rut? I often get asked for reading suggestions and recently several book clubs asked me for some help. Although there are lots of great books out there to choose from, both these groups were tired of reading what they called intense, depressing stories. While often these serious literary fiction books can be very rewarding to read, after reading a few of these in a row these clubs were looking for something a little more positive, a little more up-lifting. They still want to read serious literature, just something more affirmative. So here are a few suggestions to think about.
Wallace Stegner is one of the great American writers of the 20th century. His Pulitzer Prize winning epic novel, Angle of Repose, covers the story of four generations of an American family. This is a classic story about love, memory, history and the parallels between the past and the present. Another suggestion is his Crossing to Safety, the story of a lifelong friendship between two couples.
Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler is the story of Rebecca Davitch, a party giver with a large, quirky extended family who goes through a midlife awakening, rather than a crisis. This is a book filled with humor and optimism, about Rebecca’s finding her true self.
Although it has an unusual title, The Master Butcher’s Singing Club has been a favorite of book clubs since it was published in 2003. Louise Erdrich has written a story of a World War I veteran who sets off for America where he builds a business, a home for his family and starts a singing club in his new community. A family chronicle filled with great characters, this is a story of the American dream and the problems and disappointments that can sometimes get in its way.
The WestportReads selection for March 2008 is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. What could be more positive and up-lifting than this classic tale about the power of friendship and self-reliance? Make sure your book club reserves copies now. Look for more information soon on all the exciting programs we have planned for this event.
All of these books are part of our Speaking of Books collection, so if your group is interested in reserving multiple copies, please let me know and I’ll set them aside for you.
And of course, don’t forget the discussion guide.