Reader’s Circle: O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

Douglas County Historical Society’s monthly book club, Reader’s Circle, announces its April meeting which will be on Wednesday, April 26 at Noon at the General Crook House Museum.

April’s book will be O Pioneers!  by Willa Cather. This book is an official selection of the Nebraska 150 Celebrations.

Set on the Nebraska prairie where Willa Cather (1873–1947) grew up, this powerful early novel tells the story of the young Alexandra Bergson, whose dying father leaves her in charge of the family and of the lands they have struggled to farm. In Alexandra’s long flight to survive and succeed, O Pioneers! relates an important chapter in the history of the American frontier.
Evoking the harsh grandeur of the prairie, this landmark of American fiction unfurls a saga of love, greed, murder, failed dreams, and hard-won triumph. In the fateful interaction of her characters, Willa Cather compares with keen insight the experiences of Swedish, French, and Bohemian immigrants in the United States. And in her absorbing narrative, she displays the virtuoso storytelling skills that have made her one of the most admired masters of the American novel.

Reader’s Circle meets on the last Wednesday of each month except for December and selects books that are either from a Douglas County author or relate to Douglas County history. However, in honor of the state’s sesquicentennial celebrations the scope is being expanded to include selections on the Nebraska 150 official reading list.

Attendees to each meeting will be offered coffee along with an assorted tray of treats provided by local favorite, Dugger’s Café.

If you are interested in participating in the Reader’s Circle, please call 402-455-9990 ext. 101 or email Members@DouglasCoHistory.org. Cost to participate is $5 for members and $10 for non members.