Book Discussion Group

---

     The Friends book discussion group will come together at 10 a.m. on March 19 in the Wisner Center to discuss “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles. Here’s what the internet has to say about the story.

      “The book is based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris. It is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together. 

      “In the Paris of 1939, young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. 

      “Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. 

      Jump ahead to Montana in 1983. “Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in a small town. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. 

      “It’s 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 shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.

      Book discussions are held at 10:00 am in the Wisner Center at the Cascade Library on the third Wednesday of the month. If you would like to join the book discussions, you can simply show up at the next scheduled discussion. No registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to read ahead of the schedule, if possible, since some titles may be in short supply near the discussion date. 

RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES