September 2025

 This month, we will be reading The Museum of Ordinary People, by Mike Gayle. Kirkus says,"In this 'pure, unadulterated feel-good' and warmhearted novel, an old set of encyclopedias leads a young woman to a curious museum and one profoundly moving lesson: that every life is an extraordinary life. " 

The Libby description adds "Inspired by an abandoned box of mementos, The Museum of Ordinary People is a poignant novel about memory and loss, the things we leave behind, and the future we create for ourselves."

There are still copies available on library shelves in the Contra Costa County Library System. 

We will meet on the Fourth Friday - September 26, back at Sheila's house for a light dinner. Fran will lead the discussion from the head of the table.  Kim has selected books from which to choose October books - Sheila will present those books for Kim. 

August 2025

Our next meeting will be August 22, 2025, at the usual 5:30pm. Show up at Sheila's house and we will have a light dinner.  

This month, we will be reading Twist, by Colum McCann. This novel is about an Irish journalist who is assigned to report on the complex work of repairing the underwater cables that carry the word's information.  This is a 2025 book, and to our amazement, there are eight copies available right now in the Contra Costa Library. Fran already has her copy, Denise bought hers because she wanted to read it so desperately, and Sheila already has one on hold. So place your hold - TODAY!!! 

We have some complications in the book group schedule, so take note... 

Fran will bring the books next month (August) Kim will be out of town for the September meeting but will send the books for selection. After that, Lisa will bring books in October, Mae in November, and Sheila in December.  And of course, after bringing the books, that person leads the discussion the following month. 

July 2025

We will be meeting on Friday, July 25th, at the now usual time of 5:30PM. We will continue to meet at Sheila's house, with a light dinner provided. 

This month, we are reading How It All Began, by Penelope Lively. Penelope Lively has written over 18 books for children and over 15 titles for adults. This book, written in 2011, is her 12th novel. This book explores the far-reaching effect of happenstance, as individual circumstances shift, lives change, and the known is perceived in an altogether new light.. 

A diverse cast of richly embroidered acquaintances and strangers find their lives irrevocably altered by a specific event, which many of them haven't even heard about. It is sort of a book illustrating the six degrees of separation.

While there are three copies in the Contra Costa Library, they are all currently checked out, and there are holds on them. However, there are other options. There are 42 LINK+ libraries that own this book. Order the book NOW if you choose to use LINK+.  Also, AbeBooks has over 25 copies at $3.78 with free shipping - a very affordable option. You can find them HERE.   Whatever you do, be sure to get the correct book, by Penelope Lively - there are a number of books out there with the same title.

Also, note that this is our THREE HUNDREDTH (300th) book!!! 

Because Donna will not be joining us next month, Denise has volunteered to bring books instead. So Denise will bring the books and Sheila will lead the discussion.