July 2023 Book Group
Join Librarian Meredith for fika and a discussion of “Olive Ketteridge” by Elizabeth Strout.
Fika is the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and a treat with friends. The library will have coffee, tea, and some tasty treats for patrons to enjoy starting at 3:40pm.
Book discussion will follow fika at 4pm.
(NOTE: This book is a change from our originally planned July title, “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” will be rescheduled for a later date.)
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Bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger–than–life, unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge.
At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance: a former student who has lost the will to live: Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.
As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life—sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition—its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.
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Copies of “Olive Kitteridge” are available to check out at the Scandinavia Public Library, or you may place a hold through Infosoup: https://infosoup.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S181C239370
Book Group normally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from January through November. We do not meet in December. Be sure to watch our website or our Facebook page for the most recent updates!
We read books across most genres as well as some non-fiction.
Anyone is welcome to attend who has read or is interested in the current month’s book, and is interested in participating in friendly discussion.
Members are welcome to attend one meeting or all of them as their interests and schedules permit.