Library's 'Mission Impossible' Book Club Launches Monday

My copy of Flannery O'Connor's The Complete Stories might have been a gift, or I might have procured it in some sort of used-book buying frenzy. My memory is unclear, and there's no evidence in the form of a price tag or a penciled-in number on the first page.

What is clear is that I've been in no hurry to read it, since I can tell you that it's sat on my shelf (and endured several moves) for at least five years, maybe ten. That is, until now.

I've officially signed up for the Evanston Public Libary's "Mission Impossible Book Club," which will tackle O'Connor's collection of short stories this fall. Organized last year with the goal of finishing War and Peace in one year, the book club has scheduled The Complete Stories for just three months.

My copy is 550 pages, not counting the "Notes" section in the back. I've already finished the first story, "The Geranium," and I've got my bookmark stuck in page 15. Just 535 pages to go. 

Now, I have just one question, readers. Who's with me? 

The book club begins with a public lecture by University of Chicago professor Richard Rosengarten, at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in the Community Room of the . 

Discussion sessions follow in September, October and November. Anyone may sign up for a discussion group online at www.epl.org/calendar, in person at the Reader’s Services Desk on the second floor or by calling 847-448-8620.