It was designed to be not only an opportunity to read and discuss books, but also to strengthen our community with thought-provoking conversation about the themes and ideas in each of the books. There was a different discussion leader for each of the books, with the sessions held every two months. Each session ended with a brainstorming session about ways we could work to strengthen our community by building relationships with the age group on which we had focused. These ideas were then presented to our Talking Heads Committee to use in planning programs for the coming year.

The final session attracted an intergenerational crowd of 25 -- with four junior youth attending, several of our elders, as well as all ages between them. The suggestions offered by our youth during the final brainstorming brought a powerful message to all who were gathered.

• Session 1: Commitment to Our Youngest Members
  The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

• Session 2: Commitment to Our Adolescents
  A Tribe Apart: A Journey into the Heart of American Adolescence by Patricia Hersch

• Session 3: Commitment to Our Peers
  Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

• Session 4: Commitment to Our Older Members
  The House by the Sea by May Sarton

  Session 5: Commitment to Our Community
  Seedfolks by Paul Reischman