On May 13th, The Hooked on Books Club reconvened for a meaningful discussion of Away, Megan Freeman Burton’s gripping companion novel to her acclaimed debut, Alone.  As a follow-up to a previous discussion of Alone, this meeting felt especially rich and was a true highlight as members had the unique opportunity to place the spotlight once again on our local literary treasure. Megan is known for her powerful contributions to children’s literature and has captured national attention with her novels.

Hostesses Kim Ballard, Melanie Martinez, Nancy Ladshaw and Megan Freeman Burton served BBQ sandwiches with chips, garden salad with Green Goddess dressing, and assorted beverages while members chatted with each other and shared upcoming summer plans with one another.

After feasting on the delicious food, a lively book discussion followed with many attendees expressing what made this meeting especially memorable, the thrill to learn more about Megan’s writing journey. She generously shared insights into her writing and future publishing experience, the challenges of writing from four alternating points of view and the real-life questions that sparked the haunting story of a state-wide evacuation.

All in attendance agreed that it was an engaging and fun-filled afternoon. They thanked their wonderful hostesses for the ingenuity, expert planning, and hard work put into making it all happen. It was definitely an afternoon to remember and more than just a book discussion—it was a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and the incredible talent found within our own community.

We are so fortunate to have Megan as part of the Hooked on Books family, and we thank her for another unforgettable afternoon. We are grateful for our connection with Megan and truly touched and honored that Hooked on Books was mentioned in the epilogue of Away. Her thoughtful gesture of signing our personal copies of her novel during our meeting made the experience even more meaningful.

As always, the Book Club will take a summer break during the months of June, July, and August. We hope everyone enjoys a relaxing and adventure-filled summer of reading! However, don’t worry—our literary discussions will resume in September with another compelling selection. We will be diving into Run Brother Run by David Berg, a compelling blend of memoir, true crime, and legal drama that is sure to inspire thoughtful reflection and lively conversation.

For those interested in joining the club, the summer break offers a perfect opportunity to read ahead and become a part of this vibrant literary community. Join us in September. All are truly welcome to join us! Interested? Contact alanehaardt@yahoo.com.