Antoinette May Hernson 209 286-1320 toni@antoinettemay.com The Book Worm Heigh Ho, Readers! Away! By Antoinette May It’s been said that book groups are the true salons of the 21st Century. But lest you opt out at the mere thought of extravagant Racamier gowns or stiff, ruffled shirts, think again. Salons were and are about people getting together to express their likes and dislikes, their theories. Sure, they can get pretty heated. But that’s what makes them interesting, don’t you think? If you love to read, what could be better than to indulge your habit (for some of us an addiction) while connecting with other kindred souls? Yes, do it all in one fell swoop! The brand new Moke Hill Book Club has been formed for just such a purpose. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the club’s commitment is no commitment. No attendance is taken. There are no restrictions, no membership and no dues. Everyone is welcome who’s interested in books and up for discussing them. The book club will meet regularly at the Mokelumne Hill Library. Book choices will follow the selections of the Sacramento Bee’s “Bee Book Club” and announcements will be made six to eight weeks before the meeting to allow time to find and read the book. The club’s first meeting will be Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. For men who may read this column and think “Oh, yeah, just another women’s thing,” be advised: The book club’s first selection is C.J. Box’s newest thriller, “Endangered.” “Boxites” will be delighted

to know that once again the protagonist is Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden. Those who have tracked Pickett’s adventures through 13 novels, are well aware that he’s taken on rogue federal land managers, animal mutilators, environmental terrorists, crazed cowboy hit men, corrupt bureaucrats, homicidal animal rights advocates, and violently dysfunctional families. In a sense, Joe’s an unlikely hero for a thriller. He has no dark past and carries no emotional baggage. Instead, he’s happily married with a growing family. Joe doesn’t enter every fight with an agenda other than to do the right thing. It’s his fatal flaw. Wish him luck! The character of Joe Pickett was developed by Box because the author respects game wardens as a unique breed. “They are constantly thrust up against the rough edges of the rural new west where nearly every human they encounter is armed,” he reminds the reader. “A warden’s district can encompass 5,000 square miles of rough country. By necessity, they’re lone wolves.” In this, the 14th novel in the Pickett series, Joe has matured, lost much of his naivete. He’s cut a few corners, done a few things that continue to haunt him. He knows that pursuing justice will bring the community, state, and most especially his bosses down on his head, but well . . . he just can’t help it. He’s that kind of guy. Box knows where of he writes. The author is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, and small town newspaper reporter and editor. Literarily speaking, C.J. Box is

a big gun in more ways than one. He’s a top New York Times best selling author of 18 novels. Box’s “Blue Heaven” received the Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel as well as the Macavity Award, Gumshoe Award, and the Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award. Box’s novels have been translated into 27 languages and more than six million copies of his novels have been sold in United States alone. Last year C. J. Box came out with two novels. In March, “Stone Cold” debuted at #3 on the New York Times list. Four months later “Shots Fired: Stories from Joe Pickett Country” debuted at #7. Speaking as a novelist myself, this is jaw dropping fantastic. OK, so that’s a bit about the newly minted club’s first book and a bit about the author. You’ve time to get it, read it, and think a bit about it before the first meeting. Even if you don’t read “Endangered,” come to the meeting anyway and hear about it. Come with a book of your own to tout or suggestions for future selections. In the meantime, send your email address to janetdock@me.com Once again, this is a book club for everyone who likes to read. Come check it out. Picture caption C.J. Box is the author of “Endangered,” the first selection of the Moke Hill Book Club. About Photos News & Interviews Forum Blog Appearances FAQ Bookstores Log-in Shop Books About Photos News & Interviews Forum Blog Appearances FAQ Bookstores Log-in Shop