Welcome to the “un-book club”! There’s no reading list; but you are invited to share the best book you’ve read in the past month! A list of all books mentioned is posted on social media each month.
Meets the second Tuesday, at 2:00pm. Adult program, no registration required.
Every third Tuesday of the month (September - May) at 2:00 pm, join us as we discuss various books we have read throughout the year! New members are always welcome! Adult program, no registration required.
September - The Sanitorium by Sarah Pearse
This is a chilling thriller set in a remote hotel in the Swiss Alps, which was once a sanatorium. Elin Warner, a detective on leave, visits the hotel for her brother's engagement celebration. Soon after, a snowstorm traps the guests, and people start disappearing, revealing dark secrets about the hotel's past. Elin must confront her own fears and unravel the mystery before it's too late. The atmosphere is tense and eerie, with twists that keep readers on edge.
October - After Annie: A Novel by Anna Quindlen
After Annie by Anna Quindlen is a poignant novel that delves into the aftermath of sudden loss and the complexities of grief. The story follows Annie Brown, a beloved actress and wife, who dies unexpectedly, leaving behind her husband, Will, to navigate life without her. Through Will's journey, the novel explores themes of love, memory, and the enduring impact of relationships, offering a moving reflection on how people cope with the absence of those they love. Quindlen’s storytelling captures the raw emotions and resilience required to move forward after a devastating loss.
November - The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming and humorous novel that intertwines past and present through the stories of two women. The main character, Sookie Poole, discovers a shocking family secret that connects her to the spirited Jurdabralinski sisters, who ran an all-girls filling station during World War II. As Sookie unravels this unexpected history, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about identity, courage, and the bonds of family. Flagg's novel is a delightful exploration of how the past shapes the present, filled with warmth and wit.
December - Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is a deeply emotional novel that weaves together the lives of two sisters and their distant mother, revealing a haunting family secret. When their father falls ill, sisters Meredith and Nina are drawn back to their childhood home, where they confront their strained relationship with their cold and enigmatic mother, Anya. As they delve into Anya's past, they uncover a gripping story set in war-torn Leningrad during World War II. This powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and survival connects the generations and transforms the family's understanding of one another. Winter Garden is a moving exploration of the enduring impact of history on personal identity and family bonds.
January - The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot: A Novel by Marianne Cronin
The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin is a heartwarming and bittersweet novel about an unexpected friendship between 17-year-old Lenni, who is terminally ill, and 83-year-old Margot, whom she meets in a hospital art class. Together, they realize they’ve lived 100 years between them, and they decide to create 100 paintings, each representing a story from their lives. Through their shared memories and experiences, the novel celebrates the beauty of life, love, and the connections that give it meaning, even in the face of loss.
February - The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a thought-provoking novel about Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death. Each book in the library represents a different version of her life, based on the choices she could have made. As Nora explores these alternate realities, she confronts her regrets and discovers what truly makes life worth living. The novel is a powerful exploration of regret, possibility, and the pursuit of happiness.
March - The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters is a moving novel that follows the lives of two families—one Indigenous, one white—intertwined by a tragic event in the 1960s. When a young Mi'kmaq girl, Ruthie, goes missing while her family is picking berries in rural Maine, her disappearance leaves lasting scars. Decades later, the truth about what happened begins to surface, forcing both families to confront their pasts. The novel explores themes of loss, identity, and the impact of hidden histories, offering a poignant look at the resilience of the human spirit.
April - The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a compelling novel about Victoria Jones, a young woman who, after aging out of the foster care system, finds solace and purpose in the world of flowers. Through her knowledge of the Victorian language of flowers, she begins to rebuild her life and connect with others. As Victoria navigates her past traumas and present relationships, the novel explores themes of healing, love, and the transformative power of nature.
May - The Perfect Son by Frieda McFadden
The Perfect Son by Frieda McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller about a mother whose seemingly perfect life unravels after a shocking incident involving her teenage son. As she uncovers dark secrets and hidden truths, the novel explores themes of family, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. With its tense and suspenseful narrative, The Perfect Son keeps readers on edge as the story unfolds.