Classics Book Club

Classics Book Club

Thursday November 19, 5:30-7pm
FREE | Registration Required
Click here to register with Troy Public Library

Join Troy Public Library in the Niles-Barnard House at Troy Historic Village for a vibrant, immersive discussion of East of Eden themes and historical context.

East of Eden is a sprawling 1952 novel by John Steinbeck that follows the intertwined lives of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons. Set in California's Salinas Valley, the novel explores biblical themes of good vs. evil, as well as the power of choice.

The Book:

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here is a work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.

Places to Find the Book

• Visit your local library to grab a copy of the book.
• With your library card, you may have access to the digital platform Libby or Hoopla for an e-book or audiobook rental.
• Split the cost of the book with a friend - come to the Book Discussions together!
• Purchase a copy from a local bookstore like Sidetrack Bookshop or Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center.
• Thriftbooks.com, Bookshop.org, and other online retailers are also an option!

What to Expect

When you arrive, please check in inside the Niles-Barnard House (the large white house facing Wattles). Please be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early. When you check in, you'll talk with a Troy Public Library staff member and get a name tag. At this time, please silence your cellphone!

Themes and historical context will be explored in a discussion led by the Troy Public Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have accessibility questions, please click here to visit our accessibility page or contact us at info@thvmail.org and we will be happy to help!

• Who will be leading this book club? This book club is led by staff from the Troy Public Library inside the Niles-Barnard House at Troy Historic Village.
• Do I need to register in advance? Yes! There is limited seating in the Niles-Barnard House, so please register in advance with Troy Public Library by clicking here.
• What happens if I’m running late? Should I still come? Yes! Please still join us if you are running late.
• I registered online, but I have friends/family that want to join. They should call 248-524-3534to see if there is still space in the class.
• Is this event held rain or shine? Yes, this event will be held rain or shine as it takes places indoors. In cases of severe weather, we will contact you to let you know if the class has been rescheduled or cancelled.
• Will I be able to get around easily using my wheelchair or walker? Yes! The Village offers three accessible parking spaces in our west parking lot. The Niles-Barnard House has a wheelchair-accessible entryway, is connected to the parking lot by a paved pathway, and has wheelchair-accessible restrooms. For more information, please contact us at info@thvmail.org.
• How old do I need to be to attend this program? This program is designed for those ages 18 years old and older.
• Will food or drink be available? No, Troy Historic Village does not sell food, nor do we have water fountains. You are welcome to bring a bottle of water and snacks are allowed for medical reasons. Please note we are a peanut free facility.
• Can I bring my dog? Only service animals are allowed at the Village. We strive to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, so please leave your pets at home.

Parking & Directions

Troy Historic Village is located at 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy MI 48098 (northwest corner of Wattles and Livernois). There are two parking lots at the Village and you should park in the larger lot on the west side. After you park, head inside the Niles-Barnard House (the large white house) to check-in. We will have signs to direct your path.