Book Mill Reading Group
The Book Mill, Maynard Library’s book discussion group for adults, first met in October 1999 and rated The Bird Artist by Howard Norman a 6.3 out of 10! While the Book Mill no longer rates the books discussed, it continues to meet monthly from January through June, and from August through November, typically on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Over the years, the Book Mill has evolved into a thoughtful group with particular interest in reading about different cultures and creating reading lists that mix contemporary fiction, classics, and, occasionally, nonfiction.
Only books that are available through the Minuteman Library Network or in paperback are included in each year’s reading schedule. Meetings last under an hour and a half, although at times they spill over enthusiastically. Any reader who enjoys reading with a questioning mind, entertaining diverse perspectives, and sharing their thoughts is welcome to join us for one or many Book Mill meetings. To contact our facilitator Wendy, email wendy.valentine@post.harvard.edu
The reading selections for 2021 are shown below. Printed copies of this list can be found at the Reference Desk.
Click here for a list of past books the Book Mill has read.
Book Mill Has Gone Virtual!
Book Mill has gone virtual! While the library is closed, we'll be reading and discussing a short story a week. Chosen stories will be available free online.
The next meeting will be:
January (1/26/2021) -by Sarah Orne Jewett
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February - The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
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March - The Cloister by James Carroll
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April - In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
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May - Out of Darkness, Shining Light: A Novel by Petina Gappah
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June - A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
The Book Mill meetings will continue to be virtually by Zoom for now, as the library is still closed to visitors. I am working on confirming that the proposed dates for our meetings don’t conflict with any library events, and I will have a virtual 2021 bookmark with final dates for all of you next week.
The meeting will open at 6:45 for people who need to practice with Zoom.
Please send email to sthurston@minlib.net to receive the meeting link.
Previous stories:
“The Hunter’s Wife” by Anthony Doerr
A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett