MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Reading opens astonishing worlds to book lovers everywhere. With vibrant characters, compelling settings and intriguing plots, a book can leave readers with a million questions and lasting impressions to discuss.
Book lovers aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will have the opportunity to explore the world of books with a new adult book club at the Harriotte B. Smith Library aboard the base.
“(Book clubs are) like going with a friend to a coffee shop,” said Jana Guitar the programs supervisory library technician with the library. “You open (a book) up and you start talking about all kinds of stuff. You can talk about the subject matter or veer off topic and talk about life. It’s like sitting down with a bunch of friends and having a fun discussion.”
The book club, which will be named later by its members, will begin with the book “Minding Frankie” by Maeve Binchy.
“The story is set in a small close-knit community in Dublin, Ireland,” said Guitar. “A cast of delightful characters become involved with the job of taking care of a baby girl named Frankie. It is a story that deals with modern day, real-life issues, but presented in a humorous, heart-warming manner that inspires as well as entertains.”
The book is available through different mediums including free download for tablets such as the Kindle or Nook through the Navy General Library Program, which is available to Marines, sailors and their families on navy.lib.overdrive.com.
“Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure and ready for a lively discussion,” said Guitar.
While this book is a New York Times bestseller, book-club members will choose books of all types, regardless of the genre or author’s popularity. There will be questions prepared to guide discussion, but the club focuses on maintaining a casual atmosphere.
“We’re open to reading anything anybody wants to read,” said Guitar. “Too often we get used to reading only what we like and we miss out on a lot of neat stuff. We really encourage people to branch out and see what’s out there.”
Guitar also mentioned that one need not complete the book to come; while the ending will likely be discussed there will be plenty of topics that should not require a complete read-through of the story.
The club requires preregistration and is slated to take place on the second Monday of every month, except on holidays, at the Harriotte B. Smith Library. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call 450-3026.