The month of May brings diverse selections for the Island’s book clubs; all are welcome to join the conversations. From historical fiction to mysteries and gentle rural stories to challenging nonfiction topics, there’s something for every book lover.
Here are the May picks.
Shelter Island Book Club
Led by Suzanne Louer, the Shelter Island Book Club will discuss “Trust” by Hernan Diaz on Tuesday, May 9, at 4:30 PM at the library. A story within a story, the novel explores the complexity of relationships and the lengths people will go to protect secrets. Set in the 1920s, it tells of Benjamin and Helen Rask, a wealthy couple who have risen to the top of society. However, rumors and secrets spread just as a decade of excess and speculation ends.
Barbara Pym Book Club
Library Director Terry Lucas will moderate a Zoom chat about Barbara Pym’s “A Few Green Leaves” on Saturday, May 20, at 2 PM (register here). The book follows Emma Howick, an anthropologist. While writing up notes for a former project, she decides to make a study of her neighbors’ lives. As she observes the evolution of English village life, modern life slowly creeps in. Romance, death, and peaceful everyday rural pastimes make this a gentle story, perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Better World Book Club
This group next meets at the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church on Monday, May 22, at 3 PM to explore ideas raised by Elizabeth Kolbert in “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.” Kolbert won the general nonfiction Pulitzer Prize in 2015 for her work. She argues that Earth is in the midst of a man-made extinction. She blends explanations of her treks to remote areas with interviews with scientists, researchers, and guides. And, she expresses hope in humanity, pointing to various efforts to conserve or preserve species. But she makes plain that if we mean to or not, we’re deciding which evolutionary pathways will be shut off. And, which will be left open to flourish.
Mystery Book Club
The library’s Mystery Book Club is moderated by Jessica Montgomery and Jocelyn Ozolins. The group will discuss “A Face To Die For” by Iris Johansen on Monday, May 22, at 5:30 PM via Zoom (register here). This thriller follows archaeologist Riley Smith, who has been obsessed with Helen of Troy since she was a small girl. After tomb raiders murder her father, Riley becomes more determined than ever to reach Helen of Troy’s burial site first and avenge his death. This story will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Cookbook Club
Join the Cookbook Club for a Summer BBQ and Salads celebration at the library on Wednesday, May 24, at 5 PM. May is National Barbecue Month and National Salad Month. So, the club will mark both with all the tasty treats you expect to find. Bring a favorite BBQ or salad dish and recipe to share for an evening of good eats with fellow foodies. Use the library’s online calendar to sign up, so organizers have a headcount.
Check out the diverse selections
All are welcome to pick up a copy of one or more of these diverse selections at the Shelter Island Public Library. Then, mark your calendars to join the clubs for a month of great reads and excellent conversations!
