The book discussion group at the Fruitville Library was established not long after the library’s opening in December, 2002. It was inspired by a program given by Susan Rife of the Sarasota Herald Tribune in April, 2003 and has been meeting on the first Thursday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. ever since. The size of the group has varied from as few as 4 to as many
as 20 and all the discussions have been lively and entertaining. Titles are chosen by the group, usually 6 or 7 at a time. One of the Reference Librarians facilitates the discussion, which generally starts with biographical information about the author, critical comments from recognized reviewing sources and then questions about the book. Unlike some groups more structured, there is no strict procedure and the discussions range far and wide, generally relating in some way to the book. The facilitator does her best to see that everyone who has something to say, gets a chance.

The group has chosen a great variety of titles, and because it is more or less self-directed the selections represent a wide spectrum of interests: 1776 by David McCullough, Tara Road by Maeve Binchy, The Big Short by Michael Lewis, The Palace

Walk by Nguib Mahfouz, The Garden of the Beast by Eric Larson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, The First
Tycoon: the epic life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Members have frequently commented that they never would have read a particular title on their own but were glad to have read it, which is the beauty of a book club. Walk-ins are welcomed but we suggest that you sign-up at the Reference Desk, or by calling 941-861-2518, as seating is limited. There are copies of the list of books to be read available in the library. Refreshments and any books purchased for discussions are paid for by the Friends of the Fruitville Library.

The selections include:
January 3, 2013 Heat: An Amateur’s Adventure as Kitchen Slave … by Bill Buford
February 7, 2013 Warsaw Anagrams, by Richard Zimler
March 7, 2013 The All-true Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton, by Jane Smiley