Book Discussions
Library-sponsored discussion groups for every literary interest. Book discussion selections are available at the Reader Services Desk one month prior to meetings. New members always welcome. Just drop in.
Special Author Event
Crime Fiction Author Panel
Wednesday, April 24, 7-8:30 PM • Community Room
Interested in finding clues, solving crimes, and the thrill of the chase, but prefer reading about it in a fictionalized setting? In this panel discussion, authors Susanna Calkins, Jack Fredrickson, Julie Hyzy, and Victoria Thompson discuss their works and share the stories behind their exceptional crime fiction novels. Book sale by Book Bin Northbrook and author signing following program.
Great Books Discussion
Meets Second Wednesday of the Month • 10-11:30 AM • Community Room East
Stimulating discussions in a friendly, welcoming setting, moderated by Michael Bartlett, journalist/editor and Glenview resident. Readings for each meeting taken from the Great Books Reading & Discussion Program, volumes 1 & 2. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copies, available here. Questions? Contact Michael at 773-220-2553 or mbartlett11@yahoo.com.
May 8: On Happiness by Aristotle
June 12: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
July 10: Alienated Labour by Karl Marx
August 14: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
BookBites: Reading Social
Meets First Thursday of the Month • 7 PM • Hackney’s on Lake (1514 E. Lake Avenue, Glenview)
Co-sponsored by the Niles-Maine District Library. More information.
May 2: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
In this poignant, charming debut, 69-year-old Arthur Pepper stopped engaging with life a year ago, when his wife of 40 years died. But the discovery among her things of a charm bracelet he’d never seen before prompts a quest to discover the origins of the bracelet and all of its charms. His adventures take him from his home in York through the English countryside, and on to Paris and India.
June 6: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Despite her social isolation and the rules she sets to survive weekends Eleanor insists that she is just fine. But is she really? The gentle overtures of a coworker who accepts her as she is gets things rolling and gives her the emotional support she needs when a horrific (and embarrassing) event forces her to reevaluate her life. As it turns out, Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely not completely fine… but she will be. Though an emotional read, Eleanor’s unique take on life offers plenty of humor.
July 11: The Color of Our Sky by Amita Trasi
Attempting to escape her fate as a lower caste temple prostitute, Mukta becomes the house girl for an upper-middle-class family in 1986 Mumbai where she befriends the daughter of the house, Tara, who is determined to locate her friend after her 1993 kidnapping.
Page Turners
Meets First Monday of the Month • 1PM • Community Room East
Indulge your passion for literature with a wide range of literary genres.
May 6: The Muralist by Barbara A. Shapiro
When Alizée Benoit, an American painter working for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) vanishes in New York City in 1940, no one knows what happened to her. Not her Jewish family living in German-occupied France. Not her artistic patron and political compatriot, Eleanor Roosevelt. Not her close-knit group of friends, including Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Lee Krasner. And, some seventy years later, not her great-niece, Danielle Abrams, who while working at Christie’s auction house uncovers enigmatic paintings hidden behind works by those now-famous Abstract Expressionist artists. Do they hold answers to the questions surrounding her missing aunt?
June 3: Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
A multi-generational story of a Palestinian family in exile, this is both crushing and beautiful as members of the family scatter all over the Middle East in search of safety and a settled home as conflict displaces them again and again. Rich and nuanced in noisy life, this story gives another face to the historical and modern situation in the region.
July 1: The Dry by Jane Harper
After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke was his alibi. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. But now more than one person knows they didn’t tell the truth back then, and Luke is dead. As Falk reluctantly investigates to see if there’s more to Luke’s death than there seems to be, long-buried mysteries resurface, as do the lies that have haunted them. Falk will find that small towns have always hidden big secrets.
Next Chapter Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities read and learn, make friends, and have fun together in a public setting. Trained volunteers facilitate each club meeting. We have filled all volunteer positions, but we are still looking for members. Read more about becoming a member or volunteer.
BOOKit! Exploring Nonfiction
Meets Bimonthly, Fourth Wednesday of the Month • 7 PM • Multipurpose Room
Explore intriguing nonfiction selections with lively group discussion.
May 22: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
A true account of the early twentieth-century murders of dozens of wealthy Osage and law-enforcement officials, citing the contributions and missteps of a fledgling FBI that eventually uncovered one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.
Much Ado About Mysteries
Meets Quarterly, Thursday Evenings • 7 PM • Community Room East
Are you mad about mysteries? Join us for a quarterly discussion for mystery fans. To sign up for the group’s email list, receive book lists, meeting reminders, and agendas, contact: mystery@glenviewpl.org or call Reader Services at 847-729-7500 x7600
Check back for meeting dates in the future.
All Things Spanish
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 PM • Multipurpose Room
Native and non-native Spanish speakers are invited to join the fun while practicing language skills and expanding their love for Spanish/Latino culture. Meetings are conducted primarily in Spanish and may include reading a short story, watching a film, and more. Contact cramirez@glenviewpl.org for more information.
May 15: Short Story or Excerpt Reading & Discussion
Collections for Book Clubs
Book Club in a Bag
Twelve copies of each title plus discussion guides. Perfect for book clubs.
Book Discussion Collection
Multiple copies of specially selected titles available for your book club.
Need More Help?
Call 847-729-7500 x7600, visit the Reader Services Desk or fill out an online request form.