Hello! I am a librarian from Wisconsin. For the past 5+ years I have been running a program called Short Story Night at the local brewery. The program was recently featured on Wisconsin Public Radio. You can read/listen about it here: wisconsinlife.org/story…

I originally started Short Story Night because I had two small children at home and therefore didn't have time for a traditional book club. I figured there were probably others like me, people who want to talk about literature but are too busy. Turns out I was right. The program has been more successful than I could ever imagine. Typical attendance is around 35 people, and on certain nights I can get as many as 50.

I try to feature stories that will spark conversation, usually contemporary ones. I've found that this allows us to not only consider the construction of the story, the settings, the themes, the plots, etc, but it also allows us to tackle topics that are still relevant. A good case in point was the evening we discussed Tim O’Brien's, "On the Rainy River." I will never forget that event. The brewery was packed. Men and women, from retired folks to college students, all discussing Vietnam and the draft and what they would have done if they were in the character's shoes - and in some cases, what they did do when they were in the character's shoes; when they were drafted and sent over. It still gives me chills thinking about that evening. How everyone respected everyone else and how the discussion flowed. Referencing the story, but also taking off from there. It was, in a way, magical. An example of what great literature can do.

I also want to mention that I often feature author interviews as part of the event. So if George ever finds the time.... I'd love to call him in front of the audience.

Thanks!