Fiction & Friends Book Club

Join us on a literary adventure.

The word Friends connotes amicable, inviting, and a sense of belonging to a nice group, and this is the intent of the Fiction & Friends Book Club at MEL. Serious readers of literary fiction who enjoy sharing ideas about books are welcome, whether or not you are a member of the library.

The club will meet on the last Thursday of each month starting at 10 AM. The books for the first three months will be selected by the club organizers; Friends will decide on the selections after that.

There is no cost for participation beyond the cost of the book.

Send us an email for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a fee?

  There is no cost to participate in Fiction & Friends beyond the cost of the book.

• Am I required to be a MEL member to participate?

  No, library membership is not required. Fiction & Friends is open to everyone who loves literary fiction.

• How will the books be selected?

  The club organizers and library staff have selected the books for the first three months. After that, Friends will choose the books. Click here to learn more.

• Will Friends be able to choose any English-language novel regardless of settings or theme?

  Yes, Friends govern the book choices every month. However, given our location, it’s been suggested that novels with a Latin America tie-in be given special consideration. Many such titles are available. However, all English-language novels are fair game.

• What is "literary fiction"?

  The term ”literary fiction” refers to an overall fiction category. Sub-genres such as thrillers, science fiction, romance are not the targeted books although they’ll be considered if the group votes to read them

• Who will lead the book discussions?

  The Friend who suggested the book for that month will initiate questions and comments, with everyone invited to contribute their own questions and comments.

• What sorts of questions and comments will be discussed?

  Any will be welcome! There will be no such thing as a dumb question or comment. Questions may range from a simple “Did you like the book?” to “Who was your favorite character and why?”

• Is this club mainly for brainiacs and intellectuals?

  Absolutely not! Fiction & Friends is a club for casual readers, not English majors, and the emphasis will be on fun.

• Will there be time to chat and socialize?

  Absolutely! Fiction and Friends is designed to be an informal gathering of Friends with like interests. There will be plenty of time for chatting with others. After all, having fun is the purpose. Books are the vehicle.

Questions or comments? Please send us an email.