On the Menu: One Book One Belmont Bites into the 'Burbs

In conjunction with One Book One Belmont 2012, the community read featuring Belmont author Tom Perrotta’s "The Leftovers," there will be a special meeting of Books and Bites, the library’s popular monthly book review program, on Monday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library.

In this program—“Books and Bites Goes to the ‘Burbs”—three Belmont residents will discuss several authors known for their portrayal of suburban life.

Tom Perrotta is to the suburban enclaves of America what Sherwood Anderson was to Ohio. – Stephen King

Mary McCormick, formerly a Belmont High School English teacher, will discuss the novel "Ordinary People" by Judith Guest published in 1976. In this novel, the Jarrets are a typical suburban family. They had two sons, Conrad and Buck, but now they have one. Guest takes the reader into the Jarrets’ lives to share their misunderstandings, pain, and ultimate healing.   

Nelson Bolen, a retired engineer and a member of the Belmont Historical Society, will discuss the novel "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" by Sloan Wilson published in 1955. This novel is the story of Tom and Betsy Rath, a young couple with three healthy children, a nice home, and a steady income. Tom finds himself caught up in the corporate rat race; what he encounters there propels him on a voyage of self-discovery that will turn his world inside out.      

• Marcia Lynch, formerly on the faculty of the School of Nursing at Northeastern University, will discuss the novel "The Wildwater Walking Club" by Claire Cook published in 2009. In this novel, Noreen, Tess, and Rosie bond together to form the Wildwater Walking Club—sharing their secrets and letting life take them in some new and surprising directions—in this tale of three funny, supportive and endearing women and their suburban antics.   

All are welcome to attend this free program. Refreshments will be provided.