August/September Read

Whether lounging on the beach or nestled next to a window-unit air conditioner, Booklyners will be reading "Plague of Doves," this month. This is Louise Erdrich's widely-praised 13th novel. Set in Pluto, North Dakota, the novel is a series of intermingling family stories that move organically from past to present. The book examines how a small community processes the murder of a white family in 1911 and the subsequent revenge lynching of several innocent Ojibwa Indians. Part Ojibwa herself, Erdrich draws from both historic events and family history to weave her tales. Despite the heavy historical backdrop, the book is balanced by lighter stories too. Erdrich's characters aren't denied the youthful experiences of love, lust, and magical thinking. We will be meeting at Casey's house in Park Slope on September 16 to discuss this great book. Bring along your favorite Western or Native American recipe for the potluck dinner.