"A novel does not need to have plot or character in order to be a good novel," Debby declared firmly.
A cacophony of protests ensued as the discussion of Anne Michael's novel "The Winter Vault" grew extremely heated during the monthly meeting of a book group of which I am a member.
We're all still speaking, and we agreed that it was one of the best book discussions we've had, veering as it did away from the specifics of the particular book to the very core of what makes good fiction, and, more importantly, why we read fiction.
It was a wide-ranging and passionate discussion with no holds barred, and we agreed that we wished every meeting elicited such wonderful talk.
I belong to two book discussion groups _ the fiction group that meets at The Fairview Library in Margaretville every month and a long-lived group that has been reading selections from The Great Books Foundation for more than five years. They are very different, both in intent and in the sort of discussion that ensues. One is very structured, the other less so, but they both fill a need among the participants.
Book groups have become a bit of a cliché, invoking the image of Oprah _ besotted women of a certain age having a night out in which gossip and wine play a more important role than does the discussion of literature. But in just this small region, I know of many groups that meet regularly and are passionately devoted to the exploration of words on the page. I don't intend to be comprehensive in this piece, but those interested in being part of a group, should contact their local library _ chances are, the library hosts one or more book discussions groups or can direct you to one.
Book groups seem to feed basic needs _ to find a good read, to be "forced" to read or re-read great literature, to share a favorite author, to explore an unfamiliar genre.
There was a recent Facebook query making the rounds " Quick without thinking, name ten books that have changed your life." The results were fascinating.
Mine ranged from "Mr Pink and the House on the Roof" to "Jude the Obscure," and I can't stop revising the list constantly in my mind.
We are blessed in this area to have so many literary opportunities _ there are new independent book stores in Delhi and Oneonta, brave entrepreneurs taking on almost impossible odds. The Hobart Book Village is a wonder in its own right, not only filling Main Street with a fabulous assortment of bookstores, but also hosting literary events year-round. A recent event was one of a series of book talks on the topic of "The Effect of Religion on Science Fiction Literature." Check out the village website hobartbookvillage.com for full information and event updates including readings by regional authors. Most bookstores also host readings and discussions.
Bright Hill Literary Center in Treadwell is a treasure that is the envy of every community. Not only does its director, the fabulous Bertha Rogers, publish regional poets through Bright Hill Press, but the Center hosts Word Thursdays, a weekly event that combines readings by established poets from all over with an open mike opportunity for all poets.
The gallery there always has a fascinating exhibit of words and pictures, and, most of all, through summer camp programs, in-school programs and competitions, Bertha almost single-handedly makes literature live for young people. And there's more _ much more, check it all out at Brighthillpress.org.
Writers in the Mountains, based in Roxbury, offers a nurturing atmosphere for writers in classes ranging from journal writing to the poetic form. It often also presents readings by local authors and by writers from their classes. For more information, visit writersinthemountains.org.
Roxbury Arts Group's 76MAIN! in Stamford has become a beehive of writing activity with a First Mondays open mike for new works or works in progress and with Third Thursday readings of new plays. Visit roxburyartsgroup.org for more details.
I know there's more and that I'm sure to have left out many exciting venues where lovers of the written and spoken word gather, but keep checking out the local calendars and always find out what your local library is up to.
Happy reading!
Ann Epner is program director at The Roxbury Arts Group and coordinator of the Community Arts Funding Program in Delaware County.
Print this story
E-mail this story
