World Affairs Book Club

Curious about the complex currents shaping our world? Yearning to engage in meaningful discussions about global issues? Join the World Affairs Book Club, where passionate readers and engaged citizens delve into thought-provoking books that illuminate international politics, economics, and culture. Dive into the latest bestseller on climate change, dissect a historical analysis of a global conflict, or explore the social fabric of a distant land – all through the lens of engaging literature.  Vibrant group discussions foster understanding, challenge perspectives, and spark lively debate. Open to all, regardless of background or expertise, the World Affairs Book Club is a welcoming space to learn, connect, and become more informed global citizens.
Books to be discussed can be placed on hold through the North Carolina Cardinal system and will be delivered to the Transylvania County Library for you to check out.  The group meets from 10:00 am to 11:30 on the third Thursday of most months in the Connestee Conference Room on the second floor of the Library (except when the Library is closed).
So, pick up a book, grab a coffee, and start a journey to explore the world, one chapter at a time!  Contact Hale Durant to confirm titles as discussion titles can change based on book availability.  Upcoming books for discussion (updated 1/13/26):
January                        Atul Gawande                            Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
February                      Siddharth Kara                          Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives
March                           Yanis Varoufakis                       Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism            
April                              Scott Anderson                         King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic
                                                                                              Miscalculation
May                               Michael McFaul                        Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder
June                              Richard Bell                               American Revolution and the Fate of the World
July                               Chen Quifan and Kai-Fu Lee  AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future
August                        Thomas Sewell                           Black Rednecks and White Liberals