The book selection for May 2026 for the Literary Book Discussion is Fine Just the Way It Is by Annie Proulx. Summary: Fine Just the Way It Is is Annie Proulx’s third collection of gritty, mythic short stories set in Wyoming, spanning centuries and focusing on hardy, often struggling, characters—ranchers, cowboys, and pioneers—navigating a harsh landscape, exploring themes of survival, inescapable pasts, and the tough, ironic beauty of frontier life, sometimes featuring flights of fancy like a sentient sagebrush or the Devil’s perspective. The title suggests an acceptance of a difficult reality, even when broken, as characters face economic shifts, personal tragedies, and the enduring spirit of the American West.

This book discussion group meets at Hops 44 in Storrs. Registration is needed to ensure enough seats are ready for everyone.  Please call or contact the Babcock Library to register: 860-487-4420. This event is for adults.