Collins Branch Book Discussion Group

Reading Interests: The Collins Branch Book Group seeks to read books by American writers of the 20th century who remain underappreciated, undiscovered, or by those deemed no longer fashionable. Previous selections have included the works of Dawn Powell, Booth Tarkington, William Dean Howells, and Sinclair Lewis. Title selection is by general agreement of the group in preparation for the next several month's meetings.

Requirements: A willingness to share ideas and opinions in a collegial atmosphere. No registration needed,
and the Collins Librarian will be responsible for having enough copies available of the chosen title.

	July Book Group Selection: Complete Stories, by Dorothy Parker. Her famously sharp wit, her ribald sense of humor, and her lacerating criticisms (of others, but of herself as well) are what endears Parker to many modern readers. Sometimes hopeful, often pessimistic, she succeeded chiefly in conveying the wilted cynicism of an era whose influence is fading fast. Remembered today for her epigrams, Parker was also an indefatigable storyteller, able to touch the reader with her irrefutably brilliant insights. We will decide which stories to concentrate on after the previous month's meeting. As always, additional titles may be read to further your enjoyment. The group will meet on Monday, July 7 at 6:00 sharp! Snacks, naturally.
	August Book Group Selection: Turn, Magic Wheel, by Dawn Powell. The Collins Branch Book Group returns to a group favorite with this, the second title of Powell's to be selected. This time around, we are treated to the tale of Dennis Orphen, a budding writer who uses the life of one Effie Callingham as the basis of his novel. Effie is the ex-wife of the very Hemingwayesque Andrew Callingham and this betrayal of his friendship with Effie results in some terribly complicated series of events. This satire aims squarely at publishers, writers, the reading public, and the on-the-make world of New York artists. Powell excels brilliantly on all levels. She claimed that this was her favorite New York novel; those who have not yet read Dawn Powell are especially invited to attend. The group will meet on Monday, August 11 (Please note that this is the SECOND Monday in August) at 6:00 sharp! We provide for the peckish.
The title for the September 8th meeting is still under discussion. Watch this space!
	October Book Group Selection: The Collins Branch Book Group will be discussing the Cambridge Reads! title for its October meeting. This year's selection is Julia Alvarez' How the García Girls Lost Their Accents. The group will meet on Monday, October 6th at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Joseph Logue, Collins Branch Manager, 617-349-4021; Email the Collins Branch

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