Summer Reading Not Just for Kids

Most of us seem to take more time to read a good book during the summer months. For children, the inspiration is oftentimes summer book clubs at the local library that offer prizes for reading. For adults, the thought of bringing a new novel to the beach offers much motivation.

The North Haven Congregational Church hopes to promote reading this summer as well with the return of its book club. Its next meeting is on July 18 at 7:30 p.m. and the book chosen for discussion is Caleb's Crossing, a newly published book by bestselling author Geraldine Brooks.

According to church member Philip DiPeri, the club is comprised mainly of church members. However, people who aren't church members are welcome and encouraged to stop by a discussion, he said.

DiPeri said that Caleb's Crossing has been well received in the press and he expects it will generate a good discussion. DiPeri said the book club doesn't always select new books for its discussions. Sometimes, the titles are those people have read as teenagers, but found that reading them again as adults provides a new and different perspective, he said.

"Often, people are excited about sharing their personal experience with a book," said DiPeri. "Each book is a learning experience."

The club gives people an opportunity to share their experiences related to a book as well as share their common love of reading.

Those interested in visiting the book club discussion, but who can't finish Caleb's Crossing in time for the meeting, have other upcoming chances to get involved.

Once summer ends, this book club doesn't. The next meetings are Sept. 19 (The Help, a New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett) and Oct. 24 (Sons by Pearl S. Buck).

To learn more about these books or to check out the books the book club has already discussed, such as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and A Mercy by Toni Morrison, visit the church's website www.northhavenucc.org. For more information about the book club, call the church at 203-239-5691.