Santa Is Coming!
Author: chiasuse
Book Club Selections have begun!
Through the Mind’s Eye 2026 Book Club Selections are in progress. Members suggest books for the coming year and discussions ensure until a consensus is reached. See the Menu above or click here:https://dicksonfriendsoflibrary.org/fol-book-club/2026-selections/ If your title is not listed, please send it in quick so we all get a chance to review it.
“Behind the Beautiful Forevers”: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Katherine Boo’s “Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity” is a harrowing and meticulously researched work of narrative nonfiction that brings the reader into the heart of Annawadi, a slum nestled in the shadow of Mumbai’s gleaming international airport. This work is a raw and unflinching portrait of a community struggling to survive amidst staggering poverty, systemic corruption, and the often illusory promise of a rising India.
The book, which garnered the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2012, is the result of three years of immersive reporting by Boo focusing on the lives of a handful of Annawadi’s residents.
One of the book’s most powerful achievements is its portrayal of the stark juxtapositions of modern India. The “beautiful forevers” of the title refers to the advertising slogan on a wall separating the slum from the luxury hotels and the international airport, a potent symbol of the vast and seemingly unbridgeable chasm between the worlds of the rich and the poor.
Corruption is a pervasive and suffocating presence in “Behind the Beautiful Forevers.” From the police who demand bribes to the hospital staff who sell medicines meant to be free, every institution designed to serve the poor is shown to be riddled with graft. This systemic decay erodes not only the residents’ meager resources but also their faith in justice and their sense of a moral order.
Comments of the book club members during a wide ranging discussion of social issues in India and the US:
“Very enlightening regarding things we are not aware of in our world.”
“The class system kept characters down.”
“An average of 1,000 farmers commit suicide per year.”
“Desperation and no opportunities.”
“Daily reminder that wealth is not attainable via the view of the luxury hotels.”
“James” by Percival Everett Wins Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
NEW YORK (AP) By Hillel Italie
Our Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club selection for May has won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; there is probably no connection, but it shows we have excellent taste in fiction!
The Pulitzer citation called “James” an “accomplished reconsideration” that illustrates “the absurdity of racial supremacy and provide a new take on the search for family and freedom.” Everett said in a statement that he was “shocked and pleased, but mostly shocked. This is a wonderful honor.”
AP News
Read the full article at the link above and of course, READ the book if you haven’t already.
Presentations from the 2024 Annual Conference of Friends of Tennessee Libraries
See what’s happening around the State of Tennessee. These videos offer insights and updates on the latest FOL strategies for local Friends groups. Visit the FOTL website for more articles: https://www.friendstnlibraries.org/
Sweet Tea and Southern Secrets: A Look at the Darling Dahlias Series
If you’re looking for a book series that combines the charm of the South with a healthy dose of mystery and a sprinkle of romance, then look no further than the Darling Dahlias by Susan Wittig Albert. Set in the fictional, yet utterly believable, town of Darling, Alabama, this 10 book series follows the delightful members of the Darling Dahlias Garden Club as they navigate life, love, and the occasional perplexing crime.
From the very first book, The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree, you’re drawn into the close-knit community of Darling. It’s a charming blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery, elevated by its engaging characters, vivid setting, and gentle wit.
But the series is so much more than just mysteries. Albert beautifully portrays the warmth and complexities of Southern life in the 1930s. The Depression is in full swing, but the Dahlias cope admirably and share their expertise in making do as well as recipes and household tips that were important to life in that era. The descriptions of the lush gardens, the traditions of the community, and the importance of friendship create a vivid and inviting atmosphere. You can almost smell the honeysuckle and taste the iced tea as you immerse yourself in Darling.
The characters are incredibly well-developed. You’ll find yourself invested in their lives, celebrating their triumphs and sympathizing with their struggles. The relationships between the women are a highlight of the series, showcasing the power of female friendship and support. As the series progresses, you witness their personal growth, their evolving relationships, and the deepening bonds they share.
In short, the “Darling Dahlias” series offers:
• Engaging Cozy Mysteries: Each book presents a unique and intriguing puzzle.
• Charming Southern Setting: Darling, Alabama, feels like a real and welcoming place.
• Well-Developed Characters: You’ll quickly become invested in the lives of the Darling Garden Club members.
• Stories of Friendship and Community: The bonds between the women are a central and uplifting aspect of the series.
• Beautiful Descriptions of Nature and Gardening: Albert’s passion for plants shines through in her writing.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of place and characters that feel like old friends, then the “Darling Dahlias” series is a delightful escape. Grab a sweet tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, and prepare to be charmed by the secrets and sunshine of Darling, Alabama. You might just find yourself wanting to join the Darling Dahlias Garden Club yourself!
While the Dickson County Public Library only has one of the books in this series, several others are available as eBooks through the Libby app. And while you’re at it, have a look at some of this author’s other series.
See all the books here: https://susanalbert.com/darling-dahlias-mysteries/
Spring Book Sale is over…
Our spring book sale fundraiser has concluded. We thank everyone who came out to shop for some great titles, and support the Friends of the Library. Proceeds help fund library events and programs for children and adults in our local library.
If you missed this one, don’t worry! There will be a fall book sale, so stay tuned for news.
Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club Update
Hey Bookworms!
So, Mother Nature decided to throw a little tantrum and, well, April’s meeting was rained out! Basically, the weather said “Nope, not today!” and we listened.
Don’t worry, though! We’re not letting those brilliant book discussions slip away. Instead, we’re going to have a MEGA-BOOK-CLUB-EXTRAVAGANZA in May!
That’s right, we’ll be tackling BOTH the April and May reads at our May meeting. Double the books, double the fun! Get ready for some serious literary deep dives and maybe a few extra snacks to fuel our brains.
Think of it as a bookish double feature! So, dust off those copies, get your notes ready, and prepare for an epic discussion. We can’t wait to see you all (and hear your thoughts!) in May.
Stay dry and calm!
See you all on May 1 at 10 am in the Dickson Library to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and James by Perceval Everett.
Happy Reading, Dickson and remember, you don’t have to be a Friends of the Library member to attend Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club.
Friends of the Library Spill the Tea!
Dateline: March 2025 Dickson, TN
Alright, dolls, spill the tea! Last week, the Dickson Library’s “it” crowd, the FOL (that’s Friends of the Library, for you non-literati), descended upon Applebee’s for their monthly birthday bash. Think power lunch, but with more bookish banter and less botox.
Sources whisper that the real drama wasn’t the half-priced apps, but a bombshell announcement from longtime member, Mick! After nearly eight years of quiet dedication, our insider reveals Mick is packing his bags and hightailing it to Texas! Seems family ties are pulling him south, to be closer to his sister. Cue the collective gasp!
While the group rallied with well-wishes and heartfelt congrats, we’re told there were definitely a few “I’m not crying, you’re crying” moments. Apparently, Mick was a beloved fixture, and his absence will leave a gaping hole in their literary circle.
But, ever the optimists, the FOL crew are already plotting Mick’s Texas takeover. They’re hoping he’ll find a new squad at the local FOL, and maybe even a bridge partner to fill his social calendar. After all, even in the Lone Star State, a good book club and a killer hand of cards are essential! Stay tuned, darlings, for updates on Mick’s Texas adventures!
Turbulent Seas and Moral Compass: The Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club Tackles “The Wager”
Thursday, March 06, the book club convened at the Dickson Public Library to discuss David Grann’s “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder,” a gripping narrative of shipwreck, survival, and the dark side of human nature.
The conversation swirled around the themes of leadership, mutiny, and the thin line between civilization and savagery. The group debated the actions of Captain Cheap, whose authority crumbled under the weight of starvation and desperation. They explored the psychological toll of prolonged isolation and the desperate measures taken to survive.
The way Grann wove together the historical records, and the individual accounts was masterful, it wasn’t just a tale of adventure; it was a deep dive into the human psyche. The topic of truth and perception arose, particularly concerning the competing narratives presented by the survivors upon their return. The club pondered the reliability of eyewitness accounts, especially when colored by self-preservation and fear. Were the survivors guilty of mutiny or were they exempt from charges due to their shipwrecked status?
The discussion, fueled by Grann’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling left members profoundly affected by the suffering and resilience of the seamen as well as their commitment to each other. “The Wager” left a lasting impression, prompting a deeper understanding of the dark currents that can surface when survival is at stake. Members discussed naval culture in the 1700s, perseverance in spite of physical and spiritual challenges especially those of malnourishment and starvation, the historical waging of war for gain, the age and condition of the seamen, the interaction of survivors with native people, and the actions of the British Admiralty in hearing testimony from those few who returned to England.
Next month, The Through the Mind’s Eye Book Club will be discussing “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon
A novel of historical fiction that tells the story of Martha Ballard (1735-1812), a midwife-healer who lived on the Kennebec River in Maine with her husband and children. Martha Ballard left little more than a daily diary in which she recorded terse notations. Very few references in court documents are available, but in spite of the dearth of reference material, the Martha Ballard author Lawhon creates is fully fleshed out as an intelligent, thoughtful, and somewhat flawed pillar of her community.
Friends of the Dickson County Public Library 