The Lewiston Public Library is set to launch a limited three-session speculative fiction book club, scheduled to meet once a month from September to November to discuss a pre-selected novel.

This free public program will take place in person at 5:30 p.m. in the Jeanne Couture Room on the first floor of the library at 200 Lisbon St.

Each month will have a different focus: fantasy, horror, and science fiction. The sessions are open to genre fans and those looking to explore a new book category. Participants can sign up for the session that most interests them, for just two, or for all three. The selected books are intended for an adult audience.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, the group will discuss “Nettle & Bone” by T. Kingfisher, a fantasy novella about a young woman’s quest to kill the abusive prince who forced her sister into marriage. Together with a ragtag group of allies, including a demon-possessed chicken and a dog made of bones, she undertakes a journey through lands both real and fantastic, discovering how far she and her friends will go in order to protect those they love.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, the selection is “Nothing But Blackened Teeth” by Cassandra Khaw, a horror story about a group of friends who reunite to celebrate the wedding of one of the couples. They come together at a haunted house in Japan that is supposedly built on the bones of the dead. Over the course of one night, restless spirits and darker personal secrets will emerge, and not everyone who entered will remain to see the morning.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, members will dive into an altered world by reading “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone. The central focus of this work is two characters called Red and Blue and their struggle to best one another and destroy the other’s success by jumping through time to make subtle or drastic changes. Then one of them leaves a note for the other and they begin to develop a mutual respect, and possibly even a friendship, which will test their loyalties to the rival factions that command them.

Discussions about each of these novels will be led by a librarian and feature open-ended questions and the opportunity for analysis and debate.

Registration is required; space is limited. Bottled water and small snacks will be provided.

To register and for more information, contact the library at 207-513-3135 or lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov.

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