Read Rachel Carson's “Silent Spring” in community! In the summer of 1962, Carson's now classic text of the environmental movement was serialized in three parts in The New Yorker before being published in full in September of the same year. Though we'll read the book in 2 segments instead of 3, we'll try to experience the "noisy summer" and even louder legacy prompted by this iconic text. We’ll read passages with the group, talk through discussion questions, and brainstorm action rooted in our present time.
We will meet at the new Hedge Meadow location in Spring Green in the middle of July and August. The page numbers listed are from the Mariner Classics edition.
First meeting: Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30-8:00 pm; "A Fable for Tomorrow" - "Rivers of Death"; Pages 1- 152
Second meeting: Tuesday, August 19 from 6:30-8:00 pm; "Indiscriminately from the Skies" - "The Other Road"; Pages 154 - 297
Book club is free to attend but you must pre-register!
About the Facilitator:
Hannah (she/they) is a lifelong student of literature and linguistics based in Spring Green. Over the last couple of years, this has expanded into a self-study of herbalism and the body through courses such as Tending the Hearth with Liz Migliorelli and classes at Hedge Meadow. They've led book groups in the past and are so grateful to have the opportunity to do so in this space!
Cost: Free! But you must pre-register to attend.
Location:
This 1.5-hour meeting will be held at Hedge Meadow Herbs located at 140 S Winsted St in Spring Green, WI.
What to Expect/Bring:
Herbal tea will be provided but please bring whatever else you need to take care of yourself. Please also bring your copy of the book, and a pen and paper if you’d like to take notes. Potluck style snacks are also encouraged! Water and tea will be provided.
This group is for you if you want support and accountability in reading a text that might otherwise be difficult to carve out space for! We will challenge ourselves to read actively and engage with the book critically.
This group is not for you if you expect to be hard on yourself or others for not completing the reading or understanding the text. We will all be vulnerable with where we are at during a given month/meeting and have grace for anyone who has shown up. You’ll still get something out of each meeting even if you weren't able to complete the reading, so come anyway!
Accessibility:
We’ll be sitting on chairs but if you prefer to sit on the floor, bring a floor pillow.
Covid Safety:
Weather-permitting, the door will remain cracked throughout the duration of class and there will be an air purifier running in the space. Masks are not required but always encouraged and appreciated. Please use common sense and do not attend class if you’re sick. You must wear a mask if someone in your household is sick, or if you know you’ve been exposed to an infectious pathogen. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding around this.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
We reserve the right to cancel class at any point due to a lack of interest. If this is the case, anyone who has signed up will receive a full refund.
If you sign up for class but can no longer attend, please let us know at least 48 hours prior to class for a full refund. If you let us know the day prior to class, you will receive a 50% refund. Sorry, but if you cancel the day of class you will not receive a refund.