Join us for Kestrel Reads—our new book discussion group—launching this fall. We’ll meet quarterly and alternate between fiction and nonfiction books pertaining to nature, environmental issues, and people’s relationship to the land.

Our first fiction book will be The Overstory, a novel by Richard Powers, which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. This challenging novel weaves together the lives of many very different characters through their personal connection to trees, forests, and the land. Give yourself plenty of time to read this book, then we’ll meet at the Kestrel House on Wednesday, November 30 from 6:30-8:30 pm to discuss it, moderated by Kestrel member Cheri LeBlond.

Like so many of the arts, the written word has the power to inform but also to reach the heart. Research shows that fiction readers, by immersing themselves in another person’s perspective, tend to be more compassionate. Book clubs expand on this experience by providing a common, respectful, creative space to listen and be heard, as well as to amiably disagree.

Book lovers who share and explore ideas with each other become better readers, writers, and collaborators. Unpacking a good book deepens and enriches the story or content, giving you insights you’ll carry into the next read, creative endeavor, or conversation. Reading is a pleasure, but a solitary one. Discussing the book afterwards is the best of both worlds.

About the Moderator: Often lost in a good book, Cheri LeBlond has moderated book clubs for almost ten years. A former bookstore owner, she’s had the pleasure of exploring the joys and pitfalls of storytelling with avid readers, dedicated writers, and persnickety publishers. Formerly of Kansas City, she now resides in Amherst and is delighted to live in the trees and walk Kestrel’s many trails.

Registration required. Limited to 15 participants.