Book Discussion Group
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Theme – “Cornucopia of Irish Literature”
There’s plenty of great reading in this upcoming season, all suggested by the readers themselves. We’ll start with the theme of sharing, but other themes will become apparent with each new reading. Our list includes nonfiction as well as novels, short stories, and other works of literature. We may even hear some Irish music and talk with an Irish author! To add richness to the selections, the reader who proposed the title will be invited to join the discussion leaders at the front table. Come join us for a season of fun and enrichment.
Below are the selections. Each month, a guide will be posted on the website page to prepare you for the discussion of the writer and the selected work.
The Book Discussion Group at the McClelland Library is led by Dr. Joyce East (left), a retired professor of Irish Studies, and Mary Wilber (right), a retired librarian and former member of the Scottsdale Library Board. The group seeks to engage members of our community with the tradition and excellence of all forms of Irish Literature.
Schedule for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
September 27: James Stephens, “The Crock of Gold” (1912) Study Guide
October 25: Joseph O’Connor, “Ghosts of Rome” (2025) Study Guide
December 6: Fintan O’Toole, “We Don’t Know Ourselves” (2022)
January 31: Sebastian Barry, “Annie Dunne” (2002)
February 28: Sean O’Casey, “Juno and the Paycock” (1925)
March 28: Jennifer Johnston, “Shadows on Our Skin” (1997)
April 25: Niall Williams, “Time of the Child” (2024)
May 23: Alice McDermott, “Charming Billy” (1997)
** Availability of texts: We’ve tried to be sensitive to the costs of these works and their availability, but you may want to find a “reading buddy” to share the costs. Most of these will be in local libraries, in bookstores (new and used) and available from on-line sources (Amazon, ABE Books, and Powell’s books). Amazon offers new, used, and Kindle editions for sale. Putting your title in the search engine will usually generate a series of sites for the book.
Meetings will be held in person in the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library Norton Conference Room from 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Meeting Policy: All the meetings are scheduled for the McClelland Library (Norton Room). Masks are not required. We observe the safety protocols of the Irish Center and the City of Phoenix.
Book Discussion Newsletter
Get information on study guides and any changes