DIXFIELD – The Adult Reading Group of the Ludden Memorial Library met at 11 a.m. Sept. 6 in the Reading Corner of the downstairs community room. Coffee was served.

Present were Gloria Donahue, Mandy Parsons, Andrea MacDonald, Pat Wing, Carol Cantin and group coordinator, Diane Stanley.

The first book discussed was “Within Reach” by Barbara Delinsky. Delinsky is a life- time New Englander with a major in sociology, which adds to her ability to tell a tale of human emotions and experiences.

In this story, the heroine is married to a diplomat whose life is politics. It seems that happiness and love are not within her reach. She buys a house in Kennebunk and falls in love with the neighbor.

“A Thousand Tomorrows” by Karen Kingsbury was the second book on the agenda. It is the story of a barrel rider who participates in riding events throughout the country. She is seriously ill and as a result, readers count their blessings. It is a new book and was considered a great read.

“Thunder from the Mountain” by Dr. Ed Martin was reviewed. It is fiction based on fact. The story depicts the Indians as they lived along rivers in places like Canton. The revelation of customs and family life were interesting. It was recommended as a good read.

Another recommended read was “W: The Revenge of the Bush Dynasty.” It is by Elizabeth Mitchell and depicts the time of Bush’s governorship of Texas.

“Every Storm” by Lori Wick was again read and enjoyed by another member of the group. The heroine is the victim of a plane crash and ends up being the only human living on an island. She is later rescued by a submarine, then romanced by her rescuer. It was a warm and inviting read and highly recommended.

“The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown was brought up for brief discussion. It has been read by most members. Everyone has their own opinion of the book.

“Beyond the Blue” by Leslie Gould is a feel-good story about people adopting children from Vietnam. It is fiction with some factual background.

“Rococo” by Adrianna Trigiani was stated to be an amusing and light summer read. The main character is an interior decorator who has sort of a flippy personality. His goal is to decorate his church. The ending, however, turns serious and that turn of events seemed odd to the reader.

Another great story was “Back When We Were Grownups” by Anne Tyler. The main character is a 50-year-old widow. She has always been shy and studious and she finally meets a widower with three kids who is the opposite of her and is flamboyant. Meeting him changes her personality and life.

“Black and Blue” by Quindlen is an Oprah book and is a story of abuse. The female manages to finally get away from her husband, who is an abusive policeman. His line to her has been for years, “What are you going to do, call the cops?” The book is fiction.

“Getting What You Want” by Kathy Love was discussed. A writer from the Rumford area, she writes a contemporary romance story with the setting along the coast of Maine. It was thought to be a wonderful read and loaded with humor.

“Colony” by Anne Rivers Siddons was again read by a member. It has been a popular book.

“Harvest” by Plain is a story that centers on a woman and her troubled marriage. It is full of trials and tribulations will a good and positive ending that makes for a good read.

“A Brother’s Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse” by Richard Pelzer was discussed. It is a non-fiction filled with abuse and extreme mind control. It is the story of surviving under a crazed alcoholic mother, yet the story of strength and human resilience.

“Blood Brother” by Anne Bird, Scott Peterson’s sister was brought up briefly. She describes her reasons for believing that her brother is guilty of murder.

On the side of humor as well as fact, “French Women Don’t Get Fat” was reviewed. The book gave hints on how not to gain weight and yet enjoy food.

Sandra Brown’s “Chill Factor” was discussed. The heroine, a young divorcee, finds herself trapped in a severe snow/ice storm in her mountain cottage with a man she has only met once. He has been injured, and she finds herself without her asthma medication. Both incidents begin this spiraling tale into the unknown.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 4. All adults are welcome.