Four library book groups are again meeting this month, and what wonderful selections to discuss. “The Last Bookaneer” is a swashbuckling tale about greed, highlighting thieves, spies, smugglers and tricksters, whereas “The Secret Place” is a terrifying mystery, featuring giddy, devious and untrustworthy schoolgirls. The middle schoolers will be enjoying the charming graphic novels “Awkward” and “Brave,” full of humor, realism and kindness.
Perhaps you don’t normally veer towards any of the above genres (my favorite is historical fiction), but by joining a book group – through the library, bookshops, or even online, you might find that a particular author is worth pursuing (my experiences include Nelson Demille and Michio Kaku). You’ll meet interesting people who have divergent backgrounds, and be exposed to different ideas (my groups have included medical professionals, lawyers, a woman who taught in Kuwait, Peace Corps workers and a couple of therapists who analyze characters’ motives thoroughly).
Your group might invite a local author. After reading books by Sere Prince Halverson and Waights Taylor, each came to a meeting to give us background history as to where they got their ideas and why they wrote their books. Or you might develop a theme: during the holidays, our selection was “The Orphan Train” and we each brought toys for kids at a local shelter. Another idea is to serve food that complements the topic – how about reindeer dogs for “The Great Alone?” (They’re very popular in Alaska) Or dress up in the time and place your book takes place – “The Alice Network” gives two 20th Century eras to consider.
Finally, besides expanding your knowledge, appreciating other cultures and ideas, you can develop friendships with people who share your love for reading. And along with a good book, that’s sometimes all you need.
Schedule of Events
Read to a Dog: drop in, every Monday, 3-4 p.m.
Let’s Talk: English Conversation Circle: Mondays, August 6 and 20; 6:30 p.m.
Babytime: (ages 0-18 months), Tuesdays, August 21 and 28; 10:15 a.m.
Toddler Time: (18 months – 3 years) Thursdays, August 23 and 30; 10:15 a.m.
Coffee and Crosswords: Fridays, August 3 and 17; 10:30 a.m.
Bibliobop Dance Party: (ages 0-6) Thursday, August 2; 10:15 a.m.
Protecting Sonoma County’s Forests – What You Can Do. Protect, Enhance and Restore Sonoma County’s Forests and Watersheds, presented by Rick Coates, Forests Unlimited executive director and educator; Wednesday, August 1, 5 p.m.
Lego Club: (ages 5 and up), Saturday, August 4; 2 p.m.
Mystery Book Group at the Windsor Senior Center: “The Secret Place” by Tana French; Monday, August 6; 2:30 p.m.
Zumba for Kids: (ages 5 and up) Wednesday, August 8; 10:30 a.m.
Maker Studio: Graphic Design with Buttons (ages 9-12). Registration required; Wednesday, August 8; 3 p.m.
Friends of Windsor Library (FoWL) meeting: Thursday, August 9; noon
Blast from the Past: Begin Your Genealogy Search at the Library. Joanna Kalosov of the Sonoma County History and Genealogy Library will aid you in finding out about the resources available at your library; Saturday, August 11; 10:30 a.m.
Karen Shook’s Music Time (ages 0-6); Tuesday, August 14, 10:15 a.m.
Adult Book Discussion: “The Last Bookaneer,” by Matthew Pearl. Tuesday, August 14; 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 15; 7 p.m.
Family Game Day: Wednesday, August 15; 11 a.m.
Writing Club for Adults, Wednesday, August 15; 6 p.m.
Writing Club for Kids: (ages 9 and up) Monday, August 20; 4 p.m.
Lawyers in the Library: free legal information and referrals. First come, first served. Monday, August 20, 6 p.m.
Kids Yoga (ages 6-11); Tuesday, August 21, 4 p.m.
Family Yoga (ages 3-6); Wednesday, August 22, 10:15 a.m.
Tween Book Club: (ages 9 and up), two graphic novels: “Awkward” and “Brave” by Svetlana Chmakova; Wednesday, August 22; 4 p.m.
4-H at your Library: Engineering Challenges – Building with Household Items (ages K-3); Friday, August 24, 4 p.m.
FoWL Book Sale at the Windsor Certified Farmers’ Market; Sunday, August 26, 10 a.m.
The Windsor Regional Library is located at 9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 100, in Windsor.
Sue Ingalls Finan is a writer who enjoys her husband, her dog, a good book, and a great glass of wine. Sometimes in that order…
