Not too long ago, I acquired a book that I knew my daughter would love.  I was right; she called me when she was about halfway through, told me she just couldn’t put it down, and wanted to know if I had read it before giving it to her.  I admitted that I had not—much to her disappointment.  “I wanted to talk to you about it!  I wanted to really discuss some plot twists.”  I pointed out that she could tell me anyway, and she replied that telling someone about a book and discussing a book are two entirely different things. 
She’s right.  I am pretty sure that’s why book discussion groups were born; so people could all read the same book, and then get together in a small group and discuss it.  For those of us who enjoy reading, discussing the pros and cons of a book is just the next logical step.  If you’ve never joined a book group, you should seriously consider doing so.  The McClintic library has a group that meets the last Thursday of every month, at 5 pm in the library, and we would welcome some new faces.  I borrow extra copies from other libraries around the state, so the book is provided for the group members each month. 
Our selection for August is “The Ghost Map” by Steven Johnson.  It’s a non-fiction book about the cholera epidemic in London in the mid-1800’s.  It’s a fascinating blend of history, science, medical mysteries, and social studies.  I can’t wait to get the group together and talk about this one!  If you are interested in joining us, please stop by McClintic and ask for Vicky.  I can give you a copy of the book, and it’s not too long, so you would have plenty of time to finish it by August 26th.  (Historically speaking, sometimes members don’t finish the book, but show up to discuss it anyway.  We’re pretty flexible that way.)
If McClintic is not a close or convenient drive for you, don’t despair.  There are other book discussion groups in the county, and if you contact the other libraries in our system, I’m sure you can be put in contact with a group closer to you.  Or start your own!  I would be happy to help you get multiple copies of books for your very own discussion group.  The state Library Commission has a collection of book discussion groups that we may borrow, if you let me know in advance what you would like. 
I have to get back to “The Ghost Map.”  One of the questions I want to ask the group is, “Given the chance to travel through time, would you want to live in Victorian London?” and I haven’t decided on my own answer yet!  Oh…and in case you’re wondering, the book my daughter highly recommends is “Secrets of Eden” by Chris Bohjalian.