Submitted by:

Judy Mulroy, La Crosse County Library, Onalaska

July 9, 2010

A book discussion club, or reading group, or book group, or book discussion group is defined as a “group of people who meet to discuss a book or books that they have read and express their opinions, likes, dislikes, etc.”  (Wikipedia)

Book discussion clubs are becoming (again) a current-day mode of getting together.  A group may meet in the members’ homes, in bookstores, in private rooms in restaurants, online or in other convenient places.  They may discuss a single book or many books. 

Whatever book discussion club you may wish to join or to form, some questions should probably be asked to see if you would have the same interests:

  A) Is the emphasis social or literary? 

  B) Is the size limited or unlimited? 

  C) Do the participants have to purchase the books? 

Public libraries are a golden source for book discussion clubs.  Libraries can help obtain the materials thus saving participants a bit of cash, and, oftentimes libraries are used as the place to hold the meeting.

In the WRLS online catalog you will find over 100 book kits that have been put together just for book discussion clubs.  There are approximately 460 kits available elsewhere in the state.  Some titles in the La Crosse County Library are “Lord of the Flies” (27 copies); “Three Cups of Tea” (Young Reader’s edition, 13 books plus 1 audio); “Three Cups of Tea” (Adult version, 10 books, 1 large print);  “Kite Runner” (12 books); “To Kill a Mockingbird” (15 books); “Stones into Schools” (8 books); and “The Fire Next Time” (30 books).  An entire kit is checked out to one library patron and that person is responsible for returning the complete kit.

Of course, if the group has chosen a title for which there is no kit available, our Reference Librarians will assist in trying to find as many copies as possible for individuals to check out.  These well-informed librarians also have a list of websites that are specifically for book groups, with tips for forming a new group and lists of questions for discussion on many books.

As a suggestion for a group’s discussion “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows, has a somewhat odd title; but part of the plot involves a book group.  It is a unique book for a discussion and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Please visit our La Crosse County Library website (www.lacrossecountylibrary.org) and click on “Quick Links” to bring up the current news about the book discussion groups at the Onalaska, Holmen and West Salem libraries.  Each group welcomes new members

Take some time this summer to enjoy the art of reading whether you belong to a book group or just want to relax with a good book yourself.  If you need some ideas for your reading, please ask our staff at any of the five La Crosse County Library branches (Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska and West Salem).  We would be happy to share our book ideas with you.

Submitted by:

Hedy Otto, La Crosse County Library, Onalaska

June 25, 2010 

“Quiet Strength” is a book about faith, Tony Dungy's faith.  Tony is most famously known as a professional football coach.  In his book he encourages us to find our gifts and use them to serve others.  He writes about growing up in a Christian home and why family values are firmly rooted in him.  He repeatedly gives testimonials on his belief in God’s will in all situations.  He relied on faithful guidance when deciding which college to attend, where to play football, where to coach and in choosing his life mate –Lauren. 

Throughout his life Tony surrounded himself with faithful people.  While coaching professional teams, he was seeking positive role models in a plan to develop winning atmospheres.  His belief was to do the ordinary things better than everyone else.  He frequently uses bible passages and refers to bible stories when facing obstacles both on and off the football field.  When the media would make him the underdog in a game, Tony would use the David and Goliath story to motivate his team.  When the media said his team couldn’t possibly beat another big team, he compared the match up to hurricanes and tornadoes with the predictable big team being the predictable big hurricane.  Tornadoes were smaller, more furious and unpredictable.   

Another of Tony's biblical examples came from 1 Peter - that we should obey the authority over us, even when we disagree.  He explained this verse when he needed to make staff changes against his better judgment.  He went on to say that we are human and there isn't a guarantee that we'll always make the right decisions but that we should always pray for guidance. 

The events surrounding September 11, 2001 turned into a reflective measure about the things in life that are really important.  For Tony, eternity is most important; his career, even as a pro football coach, is not.  After being fired from Tampa Bay in 2001, Tony again questioned God's purposes for him; being a head coach had given him a platform to speak from on matters that were important to him.  He put his faith into practice by co-founding All Pro Dads and becoming involved in jail ministry.  Then in 2002, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay called.  Jim presented his mission for the team which placed emphasis on character, values, family and community.  He wanted Tony as his next head coach.  Tony prayerfully accepted. 

Shortly after the move to Indianapolis, Tony's eldest son Jamie died.  Tony writes about the outpouring of love and support they received.  His thoughts through the grieving process are that we live in a lost and hurting world.  God wants us to get beyond ourselves.  We should reach out to others, help hurting kids, grieving parents, inmates, struggling fathers and mothers, and anyone who is hurting.  God doesn't call us to be successful in the world's eyes; He calls us to be faithful to Him. 

Tony finishes his book with his Super Bowl win.  Again he knew he was placed on a platform in the spotlight to glorify God.  In closing, he sums up everything by writing that we should not let our pursuit of goals cause us to lose sight of our purpose.  We can build a legacy by touching others lives.  We just need to do the ordinary things under God's direction to the best of our abilities.  “Quiet Strength” is well done by a faithful servant.