AT THE LIBRARY: Two great book discussions this week

Published 9:51 am Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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The Bright Spot Book Group meets at 6:30 p.m. today to discuss “The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan.

The e-book is available from Hoopla in Clark County Public Library’s online library.

Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things.

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“Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles-Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September”

“Bone china cup and saucer — Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.”

Forty years ago, Anthony carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That same day, she died unexpectedly.

Brokenhearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost objects — the things others have dropped, misplaced or accidentally left behind — and writing stories about them.

Now, in the twilight of his life, Anthony worries he has not fully discharged his duty to reconcile all the lost things with their owners.

As the end nears, he bequeaths his secret life’s mission to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost.

Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura, in some ways, is one of Anthony’s lost things.

But when the lonely woman moves into his mansion, her life begins to change. She finds a new friend in the neighbor’s quirky daughter, Sunshine, and a welcome distraction in Freddy, the rugged gardener.

As the dark cloud engulfing her lifts, Laura, with her new companions, sets out to realize Anthony’s last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners.

Long ago, Eunice found a trinket on the London pavement and kept it through the years. Now, with her own end drawing near, she has lost something precious — a tragic twist of fate that forces her to break a promise she once made.

As the Keeper of Lost Objects, Laura holds the key to Anthony and Eunice’s redemption. But can she unlock the past and make the connections that will lay their spirits to rest?

Full of character, wit and wisdom, “The Keeper of Lost Things” is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” “Garden Spells,” “Mrs. Queen Takes the Train” and “The Silver Linings Playbook.”

Email jennifer.clarkbooks@gmail.com or angela.clarkbooks@gmail.com to let them know if you would like to attend.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sherlock Holmes Book Group leader Tim Janes and Adult Services Librarian John Maruskin lead a discussion of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Midsummer is one of the most magical nights of the year. It’s the night faery folk troop, working mischief and instigating wanted and unwanted romance.

The happiest literary exploration of that magic is Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A quartet of star-crossed Athenian lovers are enchanted by Oberon, king of the faeries, and his nimble sidekick, Puck. You’ll be just as enchanted by Shakespeare’s language.

Copies of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are available through Hoopla. You probably have a copy of your own.

The group will meet through Zoom. To join the discussion, email john.clarkbooks@gmail.com, and he will send you an invitation. If you have any questions about the meeting, email John.

Write Local, the library’s writing group meets from 10 a.m. to noon every Friday on Zoom. If you’d like to join, send an email to john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.

Meeting of Minds, the library’s discussion group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, via Zoom. There’s no topic set for this month. We’ll meet and see where the discussion leads.

Those are often our best and most insightful discussions.

Meeting of Minds is for people who like to get together to share ideas with friends and neighbors. There’s no agenda. Every point of view is welcome.

Stay safe. Stay well. See you on Zoom.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.