Bookworms, get ready!
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services is gearing up to host another segment of its book club starting later this month.
FCSS community program coordinator Anita Portsmouth says the program runs from September until May with four total books read throughout the year.
“It is a good way for those who enjoy reading to get together with others who like reading to discuss books,” says Portsmouth.
“We meet virtually once a week after reading approximately 70 pages but this varies depending on the book and if we have members who need to catch up. We get together at the end of the book to watch the movie together.”
This month’s chosen book is The Mountain Between Us written by Charles Martin. It is a book Portsmouth says was selected by vote from five books.
“The only cost participants have is the cost of the book, some choose to get the book from the library and other purchase ebooks themselves,” she says. “Books usually cost between $18 and $25.”
She says this book club is set to begin when the books arrive sometime at the end of January.
“This is a great way for anyone who enjoys books or discussion to talk about what we read,” Portsmouth explains.
“We have read a variety of books since starting this book club,” she adds. “Books are chosen by those who are interested in participating by vote.”
Even though the deadline to register has lapsed (deadline was set to purchase books for participants), Ports- mouth says people can still participate in the book club, but they will need to obtain their own copy of the book.
“We usually have five people participating,” says Portsmouth, noting additional participants are welcomed and urged.
“It is a great way to get different perspectives on the book, it challenges you to read something outside of your usual reading.”
Portsmouth urges new book club members to reach out by phoning her at the office (780) 837-2220 or emailing her at anita@srfcss.com.
“Book club has made me read books that I wouldn’t normally read and I find that I get a lot more from the books that we read in book club than I would if I had simply read them on my own.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter