Join Us for a Discussion of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

September 25, 2012

The book clubs at MCPL's many branches are ideal for discussing good books. Our North Independence Masterpiece Book Club, for instance, gets together to discuss great literature on the third Monday of every month. Some of the authors we’ve read include Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jane Austen. Our selection for Monday October 15th will be Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Regretfully, Boris Karloff won’t be attending. Nonetheless, it’s a book that transcends time and place because it delves into nature’s mysteries.   

Shelley’s tale brings up ethical problems surrounding the application of knowledge and science. She imaginatively warns society of the danger of indiscriminately using new science techniques without carefully considering their consequences. Moreover, her book contrasts the unintended pitfalls of science with the regenerative powers of nature. Mary Shelley’s husband was the renowned, English poet Percy Shelley. Considering that his poetry so eloquently describes the wonders of nature, he may have influenced the sentiments his wife expresses in Frankenstein.     

Mary Shelley’s exploration into the nature of good and evil is a recurring theme in literature. Frankenstein is also more than an ordinary science fiction yarn; it brings together age old questions concerning morality, knowledge, and creation. The way the book connects these topics makes it an enduring work of literature. Such great literature improves our ability to understand others and, occasionally, even ourselves. Often, it’s better to slowly savor good books. In addition, when people read literature that strikes them as especially meaningful, discussing it with others is a rewarding experience.

MCPL’s book clubs not only encourage people to share their ideas about good books, but provide pleasant and enjoyable surroundings. Our North Independence Masterpiece Book Club selects extraordinary authors like Mary Shelley on a regular basis. Of course, MCPL’s many branches have different types of book clubs, including online book clubs. So, whatever kinds of books you enjoy, I hope you’ll participate in our book clubs. 

The only thing better than reading good books is sharing what you read with other people!

Ed M.
North Independence Branch