Book clubs offer variety of genres in October

Explore everything from pre-Columbian America to the relationship between dogs and humans during local book club meetings in October.

Friends of the Flathead County Library book group discusses Charles C. Mann’s “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” at its Oct. 8 meeting.

This work of science, fiction and archaeology explores the idea that pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them.

The meeting runs from 5 to 6 p.m. in the main Kalispell library’s basement meeting room. All are invited to attend and join the discussion.

For more information, call the library at 758-5820.

The Flathead Valley Community College Reading Group meets Oct. 9 to discuss Susan Vreeland’s “Clara and Mr. Tiffany: A Novel.”

At the 1893 World’s Fair, Louis Comfort Tiffany debuts his exhibition of stained-glass windows, which he hopes will make his artistic career. But behind the scenes in his studio, Clara Driscoll conceives of and designs nearly all of the iconic leaded-glass lamps for which Tiffany will be remembered.

The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to the public. The only cost involved is the purchase of the books.

For more information or to sign up, call Sharon Randolph at 756-3981.

The Montana History Book Club discusses Ivan Doig’s “The Whistling Season” Oct. 10.

An unusual housekeeper arrives to help with a motherless family living on the Montana prairie in the early 20th century. Twelve-year-old Paul tells the story, much of which centers around a one-room school.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell.

For more information, call Diane at 752-0204 or the museum at 756-8381.

Bad Rock Books discussion group will talk about Nevil Shute’s “A Town Like Alice” at its Oct. 17 meeting.

Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman living in Malaya, is captured by the invading Japanese and forced on a seven-month death march with other women and children. After the war, the nightmare behind her, Jean — now safe in England — is inspired to return to Malaya to give something back to the villagers who saved her life. As it turns out, they have a gift for her as well.

The club meets at 7 p.m. at Bad Rock Books on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. All are welcome; treats are provided.

For more information, call Carol Rocks at 892-0515.

The Whitefish Library Book Discussion Group will discuss “Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog,” by Ted Kerasote, at its Oct. 30 meeting.

The best seller explores the relationship between humans and dogs. Merle and Ted found each other in the Utah desert: Merle was living wild, and Ted was looking for a pup to keep him company. As their bond grew, Ted taught Merle how to live around wildlife and Merle taught Ted about the benefits of letting a dog make its own decisions.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month in the Whitefish Community Library meeting room. Books may be available for checkout.

For more information, call the library at 862-9914.