Welcome to the KPL Book Club Blogspot

Welcome to the internet home of the Kilbourn Public Library (KPL) Book Club. The KPL Book Club meets at the library once a month. A book is chosen for each month and then members of the book club meet the last Monday and Wednesday of every month for lively discussion and treats. While we can’t offer you treats via the internet, this KPL Reads blog was designed for those of you who would like to participate in the book club but don’t have time to join us at meetings. Each month KPL staff will post discussion topics and questions to get you “talking”. Join in the discussion by adding a post to the blog. Click on the word comments below the post you want to "talk" about and write your comment. Be sure to check back often to see feedback and comments.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The Kilbourn Public Library Book Discussion Group is reading Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury for the June selection.  Twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding arises on an early June morning in a small bedroom in his grandparents' house.  As Douglas looks out the window, the small town of Green Town, Illinois awakens, and Doug is filled with the joy of being alive.  And so begins the summer of 1928 as reimagined by Ray Bradbury.  Dandelion Wine is a rich, evocative tale of a summer long past and its memories, joys, and frustrations.




Throughout the novel, Douglas and his younger brother, Tom, keep a written record of what they learn and discover during the summer.   Does this accounting reflect what they actually learn?  Why or why not?




What is the significance of the ravine to the story?  In what way does the ravine reflect the untamed or uncivilized side of life?




Douglas falls ill with a fever late in the novel and the doctor is mystified as to his illness.  What causes Doug's illness and how does Jonas, the traveling junk dealer, cure him?




At the end of the novel, Bradbury states that Douglas puts an end to the summer of 1928 when he goes to sleep. However, immediately prior to this statement Douglas reflects that he can go stare at the bottles of Dandelion Wine that are dated for each day of the summer until he recalls the day.  Does the summer of 1928 truly end?  What do you think of Bradbury's evocation of the summer?




Pick up a copy of Dandelion Wine at the library and let us know what you think!




We also have copies of Farewell Summer, the long awaited sequel to Dandelion Wine.