Varied books, good background info, open to all

By Anne Frieze

On a designated Friday approximately once a month, twenty to thirty people gather in a circle ready to discuss a book chosen by Mark Scarbrough, the facilitator of the Norfolk Library Book Group. In its fourth year, it is one of the core ongoing programs offered by the Library and it remains a successful, educational event.

Mark Scarbrough has a lot to do with it. Having been an English literature professor for years, he artfully integrates his knowledge of literary criticism with wit and personableness, engaging each group member as a fellow sojourner on the path of unveiling the bookís meaning and its impact. Scarbrough’s self-disclosure invites those who attend to convey their own views of the book without fear of being judged by whatever is said. The views expressed by the members, all from highly diverse backgrounds, become another core element to the group’s success. One regular member, who often goes the distance in pursuing more background information on the book being discussed, stated that Scarbrough has helped to create a “community;” a group of people very different from each other, yet with a level of trust and cohesion in their interaction and discourse. Newcomers to the area have found not only stimulating discussion, but friendships as well.

The selection of books spanning these past four years has been an important element to the group’s attractiveness. The 22 books read so far have come from different countries (England, America, Spain, Italy, India, Norway—to name a few), different eras (seventeenth century to present-day), and different genres (Renaissance, Victorian, early twentieth century, realism, modern and post-modern). Many authors are well-known: Faulkner, Dickens, Eliot, Hawthorne, Twain, McEwan, Roth; others are not. Scarbrough has a theme in mind and chooses books that correspond to the theme, often a year in advance. He then proceeds to provide historical background, literary criticism and cultural influences of the time, both in a blog and in the actual discussion. He has also used visual and auditory aids to help connect the group to experiencing the book and its milieu at a deeper level. Even with so-called familiar writers, the approach Scarbrough takes has been inevitably refreshing and rewarding. Several members who have been coming for years, state that Scarbrough’s book choices are one of the primary reasons they continue to ardently attend: “Mark introduces books I’ve never read . . . never would have thought to have read. He has exposed me to new information and new ideas.” Another regular, an English teacher, agreed, “Mark brings a wealth of knowledge, providing components of what makes the book a novel, the elements of its style, narration and characterization . . . what many homegrown book groups donít do.”

The group is open to anyone at any time. Its appeal has brought in people from southwest Massachusetts, Millerton and even New York City, just for a meeting. As if all the literary tidbits Scarbrough serves aren’t delectable enough, he also brings to every discussion treats made by him and his partner Bruce Weinstein, a chef with whom he has co-authored many cookbooks.

For those interested, visit the Norfolk Library website: the Book Group is under the “Programs and Events” link. Or go to www.norfolklibrarybookgroup.squarespace.com. The site provides all the information of the group, the books read, the list of posts about the books, and the dates for future meetings. The next meeting is on October 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.