In the light of the COVID-19 situation, the Madeline Island Book Club has tentatively set their summer reading list.  This schedule depends on improved health conditions for the summer.  We are aware we may have to change the format or cancel, but we remain hoping for the best.

For the 2020 summer season, we’ve selected two fiction books by northern authors and two nonfiction books for reading and discussion. If possible, William Kent Krueger, N.Y. Times bestselling author, will be presenting at the July discussion and there will be a slide presentation to accompany the Rome book discussion in August.

The Book Club is open to anyone who enjoys reading and sharing thoughts on fiction or nonfiction. Meetings are usually held once a month, June through September, on Tuesday evenings at the Library or someone’s home at 7:00 p.m.

The Book Club is an affiliate of the La Pointe Center for the Arts which provided the grant for the author visit. The Book Club Committee—Mark Hier, Paula Weiss, Susi Saxl and Robin Russell—selects the titles based on member recommendations.  The Library kindly provides the books and meeting place.

Following is the schedule and dates which may be subject to change of format or cancelation depending on the conditions at the time:

Tuesday, June 23: Rosling, Hans. Factfulness: Ten Reasons Why We’re wrong about the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think. (2018) 352p.

A hopeful book showing how data might lead you to different conclusions than sensational anecdotes will. “One of the most important books I’ve ever read—an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world.” Bill Gates

Tuesday, July 21: Krueger, William Kent. Iron Lake. (2009) 352p.

The Minnesota author’s colorful detective, half Irish and Ojibwe, Cork O’Connor, investigates murders in the small northern Minnesota town where he was formerly sheriff.  “The author’s deft eye for the details of everyday life bring the town and its peculiar problems to vivid life.” Also wrote Ordinary Grace and his newest The Tender Land.The author will be coming for an island visit and presentation.

Tuesday, August 18: Kneale, Matthew.  Rome: A History in Seven Sackings. (2019) 432p.

Historical book that reads like a novel.  Long time resident (and novelist) tells the story of Rome through the lens of seven key battles from barbarian invasion to Allied bombings.  Come away with a new understanding of one of the world’s most well preserved cities, its famed ruins, and the tenacity of its people. Robin Russell will have a slide presentation to accompany the discussion.

Tuesday, September 15: Enger, Leif. Virgil Wander. (2019) 320p.

Charmer of a tale about a down at the heels town on Lake Superior full of lovely people making do…sweet and funny. “Fast-paced, humorous and mystical novel about hope, friendship, love and the relationship between a town and its people.” Bookpage