DPL Announces July Book Discussions

DECORAH -- Decorah Public Library staff are hosting five book discussions spanning literary fiction titles, history and speculative works in July. All groups are open to the public, and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Multiple copy sets are generously provided by Friends of Decorah Public Library. The Happy Hour Book Group will meet at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. on Wednesday, July 8, at 5:15 p.m. to discuss Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. In Yesteryear, Burke blends historical fiction with speculative elements, following a modern woman who travels back in time and must navigate the realities — and limitations — of life in the past. The History Book Group will meet on the second floor of the library on Thursday, July 16, at 3 p.m. to discuss If These Walls Could Talk by Lucy Worsley. Worsley offers an engaging history of domestic life, exploring how everyday household spaces — from kitchens to bedrooms — have evolved and shaped human experience over time. The Friday Book Group will meet on the second floor of the library on Friday, July 17, at 2 p.m. to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. In this reflective novel, Levi follows Theo, a small-town craftsman whose quiet life and thoughtful observations reveal the beauty, struggles and connections that shape a community. Blending humor, wisdom and memorable characters, the novel explores the value of kindness, purpose and living a meaningful life. The Speculative Short Fiction Group will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. to discuss The Birthday of the World and Other Stories by Ursula Le Guin. This acclaimed collection showcases Le Guin's imaginative range, with stories that explore culture and human connection across richly realized speculative worlds. The Speculative Fiction Book Group will follow at 6:45 p.m. via the same Zoom link to discuss The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami. In this near-future novel, Lalami examines surveillance, privacy and free will through the story of a woman detained based on predictive data, raising urgent questions about technology and personal autonomy. Zoom links for the speculative groups are available on the library website. Anyone interested should call the library at 563-382-3717 to learn more or to reserve a book. To join any of the groups' email distribution lists, contact ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org.