We're taking an in-depth look at the the Newport Branch’s Challenging Reads book club. Hosted by Adult/Teen Services Lirbarian Shannon Devlin, this group meets at 7 pm on the third Tuesday of every month.
We sat down with Shannon to dig a little deeper into the Challenging Reads book club!
Could you provide a general summary of the book club?
When I first acquired the book club, it was YA fiction for adults; however, I knew I wanted to change it up a little and have the group read books that really made them think and that challenged them. Not necessarily difficult to read books, but ones that present them with different perspectives and stories than they’re typically used to reading. More specifically, books that have been challenged by others and that are on important topics in our society.
What’s your goal with this book club?
I want people to have a place where they can think through ideas and discuss what they do and don’t enjoy about the books we read. A safe space where they can give their opinions about the difficult topic we’re talking about. Sometimes, a book doesn’t relate to members at all, but it still allows them to see the world from somebody else’s view, and it allows them to ask themselves questions they haven’t asked before.
When picking out books, what do you keep in mind?
I’ll get some ideas from the American Library Association book list, and I’ll do research to see if those books have been challenged anywhere. I’ll also check Goodreads to see if a book is generally well-liked in terms of being well-written. I also like to get the input of members in the group on what they would like to read!
What has been your favorite book so far, and why?
I have two. With We Are Not Okay, we had a really good discussion. I liked the book while reading it, but after our group discussion, I appreciated it a great deal more. The other one is Out of Darkness. When we read this, there weren’t many people coming to the group, but it is really well written. It’s a dark book, but I’m very grateful that I read it.
What book are you looking forward to reading and why?
In October, we’re reading Nineteen Eighty-Four. Surprisingly, I’ve never read it before, so I’m looking forward to reading this classic. This was actually suggested by a group member, too.
What type of person would you say this book club is perfect for?
I think this book club is for anybody who wants to read books that make them think and learn about new experiences through reading. We read both fiction and nonfiction: both can help you learn about different experiences.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Right now is the perfect time to join if you’re interested! We have a good group of people and have really good discussions with each other. There are people who come and read books about topics they haven’t really thought deeply about before, but they still are a vital part of the conversation we have as a group.
If you like what you read and are interested in joining, the book club is reading a variety of books through the end of the year! September’s book is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, October’s book is Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, November’s book is The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead and December’s book is Know My Name by Chanel Miller.
Happy reading!
