Portland Book Clubs: Citizens Read

Offering a way “for bibliophiles to share their passion for literature and public life,” the City Club of Portland’s book group, “Citizen’s Read,” is a great example of a group incorporating local authors into their reading schedule.  Including a “wide variety of titles: non-fiction, both serious and lighthearted, memoirs and some fiction,” the group pledges to “discuss books written by Portland or Northwest authors, or that focus on topics relevant to the city or region.”  To further increase turnout and the depth of conversations the group tries to “include participation by the author or guest moderators whenever possible.”

Past reading selections have included:

• Portland Red Guide: Stories from Portland’s Radical Past by Michael Munk
• Resistance by Barry Lopez
• Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey
• Having Everything Right: Essays of Place by Kim Stafford

Though you have to be a member (not nearly as expensive as you might think) or a guest of one, the group meets the last Wednesday of most months, including tonight (so you better hurry up and become a member or befriend one).  Tonight the group delves into local author Steven Wax’s book Kafka Comes To America, which tells of his experiences defending Brandon Mayfield and other detainees held in Guantanamo Bay.  Mr. Wax will be making an appearance at the event as well to join in on the discussion.