Author Mary Hays will lead a book discussion on her novel LEARNING TO DRIVE at 9 AM with brunch at the Memorial Building (20 Church Street in Hardwick). Hays has led two Vermont Humanities book discussions this summer for the Jeudevine Library. Attendees all wanted her to return to talk about her own novel. Anyone who wants to join the discussion can check-out copies of the book at the Jeudevine Library. You don't have to read the book to attend the program!

Hays has entitled the discussion “Truth in Fiction” as there are questions about how much the novel is from her own life and how much faith is truth or fiction. The story takes us into the life of Charlotte who grew up as a Christian Scientist. Just after she decides she wants to separate from her husband he is killed in an accident, leaving her grief stricken and bewildered. Retreating to her husband’s family home in Beede, VT she must resolve her issues of guilt and the conflict between faith and experience. Publisher’s Weekly writes, “Mesmerizing prose and darkly complex characters draw the reader deep into Charlotte's world, raising fascinating questions about the power of mind over body.”

Mary Hays holds a graduate degree in Humanities from the University of Chicago and has taught literature and creative writing. Her fiction, book reviews and essays have appeared in many magazines and various Upper Valley publications.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Jeudevine Library. For more information call the Jeudevine Library at 472-5948.

Oct 17, 2024, 9:30 to 10:30 AM

Oct 17, 2024, 6 to 8 PM

Oct 22, 2024, 8 to 9:30 PM