Have you ever been excited about joining a book club and tried to get a copy of next month’s read at the library, only to learn there were already 1,311 people on the wait list? This happened to me with Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Fortunately, the Black Diamond Library Book Club has found a solution – librarian Jenna Zarzycki brings copies of the next month’s book, making it easy to participate.
“I choose books that have 10-15 copies available in different formats,” Jenna said. “I don’t want anyone to have to buy the books. I read a lot of reviews, and choose books that will generate discussion.”
Club member Linda Stanley said she appreciates the diversity of genres. “I joined the club to push me into reading books I wouldn’t normally read,” she said.
On May 12, club members discussed the book, Good Night Irene, by Luis Alberto Urrea. The author based his historical fiction on extensive research and stories from his mother’s experiences serving as a “Donut Dolly” in World War II. The story follows two very different women – fashionable, wealthy Irene and strong, confident Dorothy – as they serve on the frontlines and are irrevocably changed by the realities of war.
”My husband served in the war, and the language and music in the book reminded me of his stories,” said club member Barbara.
The book club will meet one more time, on June 9, before taking a summer break. June’s book is A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers, a utopian story of the relationship between a robot and a tea monk; copies are available at the Black Diamond Library.
The book club meets at the Black Diamond Library on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm., from September through June. Jenna also hosts a large book club at the Covington Library. All are invited and registration is not required. Interested persons are invited to submit ideas for future book selections.For more information, visit the website at Black Diamond Library Book Club or contact Jenna at [email protected]
