Each year, a book with “Big Ideas” is selected and participating members share the experience of reading the book simultaneously with other members to create a Reading Community. To encourage open discussion of the concepts and contents introduced in the selected book The ICL Reads Committee plans study groups, book discussions, a social event and other activities that will complement the selected book. Current ICL Reads Committee members are Andi Basalay, Mary Lou Bleeg, Al Helfgot, Arlene Kallwitz and Ruth Sellers.

Considerations the Committee makes include the following:

  • Does this book differ from previous years’ selections*?
  • Would it have broad appeal to the ICL membership?
  • For budget concerns, is this book currently available in paperback?
  • Has this book been successfully used as a Community Reads selection elsewhere?
  • Is this book available at area libraries in a variety of formats (regular print, large print, audio, electronic)?
  • Are there topics for which guest speakers would be available to enhance our understanding of the current year’s selection?
  • Is there a reading group guide available with discussion questions?

The ICL Reads Committee is considering titles for 2025. Have YOU read a book that differs from previous years’ selections*, yet you feel offers similar appeal to the general membership? If so, please contact Ruth Sellers at johnsellers2@comcast.net.

*Our 2024 selection is THE FEATHER THIEF by Kirk Wallace Johnson. Previous years’ selections are GEOGRAPHY OF GENIUS (2018), BEING MORTAL (2019), KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (2020), ROCKET MEN (2021), BOYS IN THE BOAT (2022) and THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT (2023).