Join the Conversation

Charming Billy, the National Book Award winner by Alice McDermott, has been selected as the 2005 GO READ book. This thoughtful depiction of Irish American family life focuses on the dreams and demise of alcoholic, Billy Lynch. The book’s themes—memory and loss, love and family, and the strength and endurance of ordinary men and women—will resonate with almost everyone.

Make plans today to get involved by following these steps:

• Obtain the book - The book is available at local bookstores and libraries.
• Read - Read the book during the summer or fall and join your community in reading and discussing the book.
• Access the Discussion Toolkit - This resource guide is available at most library branches, on the website www.goreadrichmond.com, and in the GO READ insert in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on September 8, 2005.
• Join the Conversation - Use the toolkit to help facilitate discussions in your home, workplace, community center, coffeehouse, or place of worship. Area libraries and bookstores will also have scheduled book discussions and community groups and schools will plan events throughout the fall. Check the website for an updated schedule.
• Log On - Visit the GO READ website and let us know what you or your group plans to do with the book and what your experience has been.
• Meet the Author - Hear Alice McDermott read from her award-winning book on December 1, 6:00 PM at St. Paul's Church, 815 East Grace Street. This event is free and open to the public.