By Peggy Sue McRae
Journal contributer
Except for a few lingering strings of lights, the holidays are now over. Weather forecasts suggest approaching cold temperatures and the possibility of snow. It’s time to hunker down, snuggle up, and crack open a good book.
The Mullis Center Book Club just put out a new list of books to read in the coming months. The club is facilitated by the San Juan Island Library and the current line up of books were chosen based on club member’s recommendations as well as availability. One advantage of a book club facilitated by the library is finding books that are readily available including often in large print or audio form. For other library-hosted book clubs, please check the library calendar.
SJI Library Assistant Director Anthony Morris said, “Sometimes it feels like there are limited options in which citizens can converse openly and navigate different ideas together; a goal of library book clubs is to provide the space and content that facilitates this.” Anthony recently facilitated our group’s discussion of “A Bookshop in Berlin,” in which a bookseller navigates a harrowing escape from Nazi occupied France.
Generally preferring audiobooks, I’m now several chapters into our next book using the free online service called Libby. I enjoy the convenience of being able to check out audiobooks for free right from my phone. A valid San Juan Island library card is all you need to access this service. For more information about Libby check the link below. eBooks and Magazines are also available through Libby.
When I first joined the Mullis Center Book Club I’d realized that as I spent more and more time online I was reading less and less in the form of books. Years later I can now say that I have read lots of good books! These books have entertained me, widened my view of the world and enriched my life.
The Mullis Center Book Club is at this time still meeting via Zoom, once a month, on the second Monday of the month at 1:15 p.m. If you would like to join us please contact the library for the Zoom address. Here is our new book list.
February – “There There” by Tommy Orange
March – “Euphoria “by Lily King
April – “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
May – “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer
June – “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
Libby – https://www.sjlib.org/washington-anytime-library-overdrive/
San Juan Island Library – https://www.sjlib.org/
