Last month I shared some of my favorite internet resources for books clubs to use when putting together their lists for the fall. If you still need some suggestions, why not consider one of the new titles in our Speaking of Books Collection. Funded by the Friends of the Library, our Speaking of Books collection has both multiple copies and discussion guides available for book clubs to use.
If your club hasn’t read it yet, be sure to include Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen on your list. This romantic novel set in a 1930’s traveling circus is full of interesting characters and has been described as a page –turner by many critics. It’s been a favorite of book clubs right from the start. Another big book club favorite that we’ve recently added is Three Cups of Tea. The story of mountaineer Greg Mortenson and his efforts to establish a school for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan truly shows how one person can make a difference. This is an inspiring story you won’t soon forget.
The Man Booker Prize, this year went to The Gathering by Anne Enright. Ms. Enright’s novel about three generations of a large Irish family ties together the past and the present, death and life, love and loss. Sure to provoke discussion among your book club, why not add it to your list and see if you agree with the judges.
Joseph Horn has written a personal account of a young boy trying to stay alive in a concentration camp during World War II in Mark it With a Stone. Mr. Horn was separated from his family and endured the worst atrocities in his struggle to survive. His powerful story is inspiring and moving.
The latest addition to our collection is The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by this year’s Booked for the Evening recipient, Oscar Hijuelos. Pulitzer Prize winner Hijuelos is a superb storyteller and this tale of two Cuban born musician brothers is filled with details of life in 1950’s New York City. Their struggles and successes are depicted in rich descriptive detail.
If you’re interested in having your club read any of our new books, contact me and I’ll reserve them for you.
