CRYSTAL FALLS — Give yourself and others the best Christmas gift — reading.

Longing to engage with people in meaningful discussions about something other than the 2020 election, COVID-19, the economy, or climate change? The public is invited to join the U.P. Notable Books Book Club.

The first U.P. Notable Books List features 10 books. Eight of the authors have agreed to do a Zoom talk with readers about their book. Those who join can buy the eight books or check them out from the local library.

Evelyn Gathu, director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library, is the creator and organizer of this club.

“If you are buying your books, please consider supporting local independent booksellers,” Gathu said.

The club will meet with the author and other readers monthly to discuss the book.

The Zoom links for each talk will be listed a week before each event on the Crystal Falls District Community Library’s website at joomla.uproc.lib.mi.us/CrystalFalls/.

“Last spring I heard about the Summer Scares program, which is created by the Horror Writers Association, and is partnered with library journal, ‘Book Riot,’ and ‘United for Libraries,'” Gathu said.

There are nine books selected yearly — three for each level: adult, young adult, and middle grades.

“I read the books, and went on to create book clubs for the patrons of our library,” she said. “We met monthly and we had the authors of the books join us by using Zoom. It was amazing.”

While many libraries were closed and suffering from a disconnect from their patrons, the Crystal Falls Library actually grew, thanks to Summer Scares.

The adults involved were interested in this type of book club as well, with the chance to meet and talk with the authors.

Gathu read in the local paper that the first-ever U.P. Notable Books List was created by the editors of the U.P. Reader and the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association. She then contacted UPPAA president Victor R. Volkman.

Volkman provided the contact information for the authors, most of whom were excited to participate — with some even agreeing to give their Zoom talk with an audience at their hometown library.

“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will adjust accordingly following the CDC guideline for these types of gatherings,” Gathu said. “At the very least, the authors will host their author talk on Zoom from their homes.”

Gathu encourages everyone to consider reading these books and joining them for illuminating discussions.

For more information or questions, contact Gathu by email at egathu@uproc.lib.mi.us, or by calling 906-875-3344.

For more information about the U.P. Notable Book list, U.P. Book Review and UPPAA, go online to www.UPNotable.com.