Join us for the Spring 2013 session of Literature of the Land, a book club series hosted by the Helen Fowler Library. We’ll read 3 books over 3 months, focusing on a specific topic of interest.

We delve into literature related to the land and to nature, discussing topics that may range from environmental issues to the culture of food and drink, from the American dust bowl to the cinnamon trees of Southeast Asia. This spring we’ll examine genetic seed modification and how it relates to seed saving and plant diversity.

We’ll start with Peter Pringle’s Food Inc.: Mendel to Monsanto – The Promises and Perils of the Biotech Harvest and learn about genetic engineering and the practice of privatizing seed stock, then change gears and read a science fiction novel set in Hugo nominated Paolo Bacigalupi’s vision of a near future where giant agricultural corporations control the world’s food and its distribution. In May we’ll discuss Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver, the story of the founding of the Seed Saver’s Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. Finally, we’ll finish off the program with a visit to local farm to learn a little about the day to day practicalities of growing heirloom vegetables and saving seed.

Discussion nights (we’ll meet in the library from 7-8:30 p.m.):

March 21

Food Inc.: Mendel to Monsanto – The Promises and Perils of the Biotech Harvest by Peter Pringle

April 18

The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

May 16

Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver by Diane Ott Whealy

Field trip time will be arranged after the group is assembled.

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website to register for the book club program for this spring. Registration is mandatory as attendance will be limited in number to allow for interactive discussion in a friendly group setting.