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Thyme to Read is Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County adult book discussion group for individuals who enjoy reading and thoughtful conversation around environmental and horticultural themes.
Participants discuss selected books that explore nature, gardening, sustainability, and our relationship with the natural world. Meetings are held virtually on the second Friday of select months from 10:15 to 11:30 am.
The next Thyme to Read virtual meeting is scheduled for February 13. Meetings will be held via Zoom, and open to the public. Join in!
*All books are available from the Cobb County Library System.
The Serviceberry: Abundance & Reciprocity by Robin Wall Kimmerer February 13, 2026
Kimmerer writes of the concept of reciprocity and gift economies through the lens of the serviceberry plant and its relationship with the natural world. The book contrasts the serviceberry’s natural abundance and generosity with human-centric models of scarcity and competition. Kimmerer uses the serviceberry as a metaphor for a more sustainable and interconnected way of living, encouraging readers to consider how a focus on mutual care and gratitude can lead to a more flourishing world.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ncn9zskYSmGEJ4GvlwjT7g.
Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert MacFarlane March 13, 2026
Though the title conjures up fictional fantasy, this is a work of non-fiction, exploring the Earth’s literal underworld, as well as the metaphorical, and the human relationship with them. Macfarlane delves into caves, mines, glacial crevasses, catacombs, and even nuclear waste storage facilities, examining how these spaces shape our understanding of time, memory, and the future. He connects these subterranean landscapes to human history, myth, and our current ecological crisis, prompting reflection on our role as ancestors to future generations.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AIm06zYJTkuoW4b6iXILXg.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan April 10, 2026
Over several years, Tan records her observations of the birds in her backyard, documenting their behaviors, personalities, and the evolution of her own understanding of them. The book features Tan’s journal entries as well as her own sketches of the birds, adding a personal, joyful, and artistic touch to her narrative.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/f8B-oGmlSCuNGnAqv5uXgA.
Playground: A Novel by Richard Powers May 8, 2026
Playground tells the story of Todd Keane, a tech billionaire facing dementia, who reflects on his life, his friendship with Rafi Young, and the creation of the fictional social media platform “Playground,” which is heavily gamified. The novel also features Evie Beaulieu, a marine biologist, and Ina Aroita, a sculptor, who are part of Todd’s and Rafi’s intertwined lives. The narrative alternates between Todd’s first-person account and third-person perspectives on the lives of these interconnected characters. The novel explores themes of friendship, technology, artificial intelligence, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the nature of memory and identity. It also delves into the potential for technology to both connect and divide, and the consequences of our actions on the planet.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85081396718.
Thyme to Read Book Club is an educational series presented and funded by the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb.
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