"BBC" (Bill's Book Club)

Named for its founder Dr. Bill Arthur, this large and enthusiastically devoted group of literature lovers gathers monthly for an insightful analysis of a variety of good reads. Each month focuses on a different book, and all are welcome for refreshments, fellowship, and stimulating discussion.

Book Selections 2021-2022

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN
By: Mark Twain

Huckleberry "Huck" Finn is the son of the town's vagrant drunkard, "Pap" Finn. Sleeping on doorsteps when the weather is fair, in empty hogsheads during storms, and living off of what he receives from others, Huck lives the life of a destitute vagabond. The author metaphorically names him "the juvenile pariah of the village" and describes Huck as "idle, and lawless, and vulgar, and bad", qualities for which he was admired by all the other children in the village, although their mothers "cordially hated and dreaded" him.

Huck is an archetypal innocent, able to discover the "right" thing to do despite the prevailing theology and prejudiced mentality of the South of that era. This is considered to be a classic of American Literature.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

THE PARIS LIBRARY
By: Janet Skeslien Charles

Set in Paris during WWII and in Montana in 1983, the book tells the story of a young librarian in the American Library in Paris. The story continues in Montana with Odile and her young neighbor, Lily.

"A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are - family, friends, and favorite authors. The Paris Library illuminates a little-known corner of history where a passion for literature inspired extraordinary acts of courage and love.”

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

PROFILES IN COURAGE
By: John F. Kennedy

In this book Kennedy chose eight of his historical colleagues to profile for their acts of astounding integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition. These heroes, coming from different junctures in our nation’s history, include John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert A. Taft.

Now, a half-century later, the book remains a moving, powerful, and relevant testament to the indomitable national spirit and an unparalleled celebration of that most noble of human virtues. It resounds with timeless lessons on the most cherished of virtues and is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Profiles in Courage is as Robert Kennedy states in the foreword: “not just stories of the past but a book of hope and confidence for the future. What happens to the country, to the world, depends on what we do with what others have left us."

For more information about Book Club please contact Cathy Rush.

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