Gray Areas: Free books for Community Read, remembering Butala

Assorted ramblings from the world of entertainment: Etruscan Press, Lit Youngstown, The Youngstown Press Club and The Public Library of Youngstown Mahoning County are launching a Community Read next spring. The event is similar to the Trumbull County Reads events that encourage area residents to all read the same book and participate in discussions and special programming; however, there is one notable difference. Through a donation from Etruscan Press, 500 copies of the selected book — “American Mother” by Colum McCann and Diane Foley — are available for free at independent book stores in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Books are available while supplies last at Leana’s Books in Austintown, POP! Art, Books Culture and Spellbound Sisters Bookstore Cafe in Boardman, The Main Chapter Bookstore in Hubbard and The Book Nook in Warren. Free in-store pickup is limited to one book per person. Groups and book clubs are welcome to participate but individuals must pick up their own copy.