Despite the title, this oddly is not a depressing book.  Rather it's an homage to the power of the book and the love of reading.  It is the inspiring true story of a  son and his mother who start a "book club" (with only two members) that brings them together as her life comes to a close.  Over the course of two years, mother and son carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading.  Their list jumps from classic to popular, from poetry to mysteries, from fantastic to spiritual.  The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen.  Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world.  Reading isn't the opposite of doing: it's the opposite of dying.  This is one of Rona's recommendations, now in paperback and a perfect book club selection!

Anton DiSclafani, "The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls" (Riverhead Books) Wednesday, June 19 at 7 pm

It is 1930, the midst of the Great Depression.  After her mysterious role in a family  tragedy, passionate, strong-willed Thea Atwell, age fifteen, has been cast out of her Florida home, exiled to an equistrienne boarding school for Southern debutantes.  As Thea grapples with her responsibility for the events of the past year that led her here, she finds herself enmeshed in a new order, one that will change her sense of what is possible for herself, her family, and her country.  One reviewer wrote "I fell completely under the spell of Anton DiSclafani's amazing first novel and was gripped by its lush and dreamy evocations of Southern decorum, family secrets, and boarding school rituals."

 Steve Berry, "The King's Deception" (Ballantine), Monday June 24 at 7 pm

When Cotton Malone's fifteen-year-old son, Gary, is kidnapped in London, Malone stumbles into a high-stakes diplomatic showdown fueled by Tudor secrets.  At its heart is the Libyan terrorist convicted of bombing Pan Am Flight 103, who is set to be released by Scottish authorities.  The only hope to stop this is "Operation King's Deception" which calls into question the legitimacy of Queen Elizabeth I's reign.  "New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Steve Berry returns with another Cotton Malone thrill ride, which takes readers to the heart of England, uncovering a secret that threatens to rock Great Britain to its royal foundations."  Steve signed copies of his book so that they will be available before his visit and for the perfect Father's Day gift.

"Celebrate Your Independents", July 1-7

Every year, the merchants of the Beaches Town Center join independent businesses across the country to reming people of the importance of small businesses.  The entire community benefits from the stores and restaurants and services in our area.  To thank you for your support, we invite you to enter at participating merchants to win gift certificates. 

W. Scott McLucas, "Lucky Life", Friday, July 12 at 7 pm

Ponte Vedra resident Scott McLucas' memoir chronicles his life as a man of insight, generosity, talent and joie de vivre.  Influenced by money, radical business moguls, and a stunning and talented   mother, McLucas built his career in the limelight.  His fascinations with theater, early television production and advertising have been his passport to a lucky life.  His passion for all things artisitc and cultural is reflected in One World Foundation, established in 1981 to support the performing and creative arts.  This book is a colorful and richly detailed look at a life filled with the remarkable journeys and surprising events of "a classic American gentleman with a heart of gold."