Library Offers a Place for Literary Enthusiasts

Cabin Fever.  It’s something most Michiganders are familiar with when it comes to this time of year.  But, there are some activities that the Trenton Memorial Veterans Library is offering to the community to help ease the boredom that sometimes sets in during the second-half of winter.

Since January 2000, a group of literature enthusiasts has met in the Local History Room of the library to discuss their book of the month.  The meetings occur on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30am. 

During these hour-long gatherings, the group (usually ranging anywhere from five to 15 adults) talks about the book that has been the focus of their spare time and making the wintry days that are characterized by passing time indoors a little more interesting.

This month, when the discussion takes place on Tuesday the novel Still Alice (2009) by Lisa Genova will be in the spotlight.  This novel focuses on the protagonist’s struggle with her developing Alzheimer’s disease, showing from a unique perspective what it is like to drift into dementia.  Although this piece is fiction, the author uses her Harvard background in neuroscience to reflect as accurately as possible what someone suffering from this cognitive disorder experiences.

As far as the group discussions are concerned, new members are always welcome, and there is no need to bring anything.  Meetings are “friendly and informal,” said Francene Sanak, library director.  Furthermore, attendees seem to enjoy the gatherings even if they have not had time to read the entire book. 

“(The group is) one of the most enjoyable parts of my job and I look forward to their meetings,” Sanak said.  “We start with some information about the author and a couple of reviews, then discuss what people liked about it or didn’t like—the plot, characters, dialog, etc.”

So, if you are feeling a little stagnant these days, the adult book discussion may be the antidote for the cabin fever that ails you.  And for the overachievers that want to get a jump-start on the selection for March, The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice will help you pass by some of the last gray days of winter.