Tag Archives: book club

October 19, 2023: “TEXAS GREAT READ” BONUS BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION

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Please join us on Thursday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our Great Texas Read book club discussion of WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Lynda Rutledge DB 102687, BR 24571.

Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select a title that represents the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival. The event showcases the importance of books and reading. The festival is sponsored by the Library of Congress and takes place during Labor Day weekend in Washington, D.C.

In honor of this event, the Texas Talking Book Program will host a bonus book club meeting so that our patrons can participate in the Great Texas Read initiative. The Great Texas Read is an event sponsored by Texas Center for the Book.

Our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smart phone we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To RSVP, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605. 

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

NLS Annotation: As the Great Depression lingers, Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. In a 12-day road trip, Woodrow Wilson Nickel drives a custom truck to deliver the giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Some violence and some strong language. 2021.

We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous and be respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, October 19!

Book Clubs

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You know what people like ALMOST as much as reading books? TALKING ABOUT THEM! That’s why book clubs are so popular. In fact, did you know that the Texas Talking Book Program has TWO book clubs: one for youth and one for adults? We meet every other month via Zoom, but all you need to join our discussion is a phone! For more information about our book club: www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/tbpbookclub/index.html

However, sometimes it’s more fun to live vicariously. So, if attending a book club is a bit more than you can handle, you can still read about them! We’ve selected a bunch of books from our collection that feature book clubs. They cross a variety of genres: romance, mystery, and historical fiction. When a series is listed, we’ve included the first book in the series to get you started.

en español

Novelas de Suspenso

CLUB DEL CRIMEN DE LOS JUEVES SERIE
CLUB DEL CRIMEN DE LOS JUEVES por Richard Osman (DB 104861)
GUIA DEL CLUB DE LECTURA PARA MATAR VAMPIROS por Grady Hendrix (DB 106223)
MUERTE EN EL CLUB DE LECTURA por Malena de Windt (DB 112559)

Historical Fiction

BOOK CLUB BELLES SOCIETY SERIES
ONCE UPON A KISS by Jayne Fresina (DB 81498)
MISS DREAMSVILLE AND THE COLLIER COUNTY WOMEN’S LITERARY SOCIETY by Amy Hill Hearth (BR 19847)

Mystery

BOOK RETREAT MYSTERY SERIES
MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE by Ellery Adams (DB 111672)
COZY CAPERS BOOK GROUP MYSTERY SERIES
MURDER ON CAPE COD by Maddie Day (DB 109692, LB 14065)
READAHOLICS SERIES
READAHOLICS AND THE FALCON FIASCO by Laura A. H. Disilverio (DBC 03252)

Romance

BOOK CLUB ON WAVERLY LANE by Rachel Hanna (DB 112345)
READING THE SWEET OAK by Jan Stites (DBC 09734)

Thrillers/Suspense

THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES
THURSDAY MURDER CLUB by Richard Osman (DB 100981; LB 13272)
NEIGHBOR’S SECRET by Alison L. Heller (DB 105450)
NEVER HAVE I EVER by Joshilyn Jackson (DB 96381; LB 14419)
SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix (DB 99550; BR 23373)

General Fiction

BIG GIRLS BOOK CLUB SERIES
SOMETHING ON THE SIDE by Carl Webster (BR 19503)
BLUSH by Jamie Brenner (DB 114590)
BOOK THAT MATTERS MOST by Ann Hood (DB 99035)
BROMANCE BOOK CLUB SERIES
BROMANCE BOOK CLUB by Lyssa Kay Adams (DB 97443)
CHERRY COLA BOOK CLUB SERIES
CHERRY COLA BOOK CLUB by Ashton Lee (DB 76695)
DINNER WITH ANNA KARENINA by Gloria Goldreich (LB 11758)
SUMMER READING by Hilma Wolitzer (DB 65263)

TBP Book Club Title Announced for July 2023!

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TBP Book Club Logo

Please join us on Tuesday, July 18 at 7 pm (Central Time) for our Book Club discussion of DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jessie Q. Sutanto (DB 103081).

We host our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smart phone we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

DIAL A FOR AUNTIES is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jessie Q. Sutanto: When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her mother calls for her meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, the dead body is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to a wedding being planned by Meddy and her family. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

We look forward to having you join us on July 18!

Summer Reading Program and Read Across Texas Book Club Title Announced for June 2023!

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Please join us on Thursday June 22 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our Book Club discussion of REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt (DB 107924; BR 24204). This book is both a selection for Read Across Texas as well as our Summer Reading Program Adult Book Club pick!

For more information concerning the Read Across Texas Initiative: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas.

We host our Book Club discussions via Zoom. However, all you need to participate is a telephone!

If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for accessing the Book Club.

If you have a smart phone, we will email an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion.

We can also send an email Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer.

Patrons who register for the discussion will receive this information a week before the Book Club meeting.

Please contact a Reader’s Advisory Librarian at 1-800-252-9605 or tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov with any questions, or to RSVP.

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is available by mail as a digital cartridge, available to download via BARD, and available in braille.

We’re looking forward to having you join us on June 22!

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt (DB 107924; BR 24204)

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift cleaning at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors, until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

TBP Book Club Title Announced for January 2023!

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Image of books, audio book on cell phone, and headphones, with text "Talking Book Program Phone-In Book Club," 1-800-252-9605

Please join us on Thursday January 26 at 7 pm (Central Time) for our book club discussion of GOODBYE TO A RIVER by John Graves.

We host our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smart phone we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

GOODBYE TO A RIVER is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

Goodbye to a River by John Graves: John Graves leads us through an exciting three-week trip down the Brazos River in this classic narrative. An excellent history of the early inhabitants along the river is well woven into this engrossing book, with memories of events in Texas history that took place along that river. Unrated. 1960.

We look forward to having you join us on January 26!

TBP Book Club Title Announced for November 2022!

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Image of books, audio book on cell phone, and headphones, with text "Talking Book Program Phone-In Book Club," 1-800-252-9605

Please join us on Tuesday November 15 at 7 pm (Central Time) for our book club discussion of WORLD OF WONDERS by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

We host our Book Club meetings via toll free conference call. All you need to participate is a telephone!

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

WORLD OF WONDERS is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge or if you will download it from BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumtathil: Poet shares twenty-eight essays exploring the impact of plants and animals on her perceptions of the world. In “Catalpa Tree,” she reflects on growing up brown in a predominantly white town and the racism her mother experienced. Other species include the narwhal, axolotl, corpse flower, dragon fruit, and southern cassowary. Bestseller. 2020.

We look forward to having you join us on November 15!

September 2022 Book Club Title Announced!

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Please join us on Thursday, September 22 at 7 p.m. (CDT) for our Book Club discussion of THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (DB 103929).

We host our Book Club meetings via toll free conference call. All you need to participate is a telephone!

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN is available by mail as a digital cartridge and in large print. It is also available to download on BARD.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge or large print copy of the book, or if you will download it from BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher MurrayIn 1906, Belle da Costa Greene was hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society, but she is African American passing as white. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

We look forward to having you join us on September 22!

June 23, 2022, Summer Reading Program BONUS Book Club Title Announced!

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As part of TBP’s Summer Reading Program this year, we’ll be hosting a bonus book club meeting!

TSLAC TBP Book Club Logo

Please join us on Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. (CT) for our book club discussion of GULF: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN SEA by Jack E. Davis. (DB 88197)

Our book club meetings are hosted via toll free conference call, so all you need is a telephone to participate. To RSVP, call the Talking Book Program at: 1-800-252-9605 or email us at: tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov. Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the book in digital cartridge or if you prefer to download the audio version from BARD. RSVP preferred by June 2.

NLS Annotation: A history of the Gulf of Mexico, extending from the Pleistocene age until the twenty-first century. Discusses the marine environment, its role in human society, and many of the individuals whose lives were intertwined with the Gulf. Pulitzer Prize for history, 2018.

We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous. Be respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, June 23!

MAY 2022 BOOK CLUB TITLE ANNOUNCED!

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Please join us on Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m. (CST) for our Book Club discussion of RULES FOR VISITING by Jessica Francis Kane (DB 95255 and BR 22927)

We host our Book Club meetings via toll free conference call. All you need to participate is a telephone!

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

RULES FOR VISITING is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge, or if you will download it from BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

RULES FOR VISITING byJessica Francis Kane

When May Attaway is granted leave from her job as a university gardener, she decides to try to reconnect with friends she has neglected. One by one, she seeks out four of them, and her outward quest for connection also becomes an inward journey of self-discovery. Some strong language. (DB 95255 and BR 22927)

We look forward to having you join us on May 19!

January 2022 Book Club Title Announced!

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Please join us on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. CT for our Book Club discussion of THE TIME IT NEVER RAINED by Elmer Kelton (DB 49217, LB 03803).

We host our Book Club meetings via toll free phone-in. All you need to participate is a telephone!

To RSVP, please reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.  (RSVP preferred by January 6).

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge, send a large print copy, or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

NLS Annotation:

A cantankerous, independent-minded Texan, Charlie Flagg, fights to save his medium-sized ranch in Rio Seco during a drought. His problems are compounded by ineffectual federal aid programs and difficulties with Mexican ranch workers. Some strong language. 1973.

DB   49217, LB 03803

We look forward to having you join us on January 27!