Erie Reader Book Club: July 2026
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
SUNDAY, JUL. 26
The Erie Reader Book Club will be reading and discussing Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro in conjunction with the Erie Reader 40 Under 40 issue.
Every July, we decide on a coming-of-age novel to coincide with our 40 Under 40 issue – since all the individuals honored in the issue come from different careers, backgrounds, and walks of life, the one commonality among them is that they themselves are experiencing a coming-of-age moment, in their own ways.
In Never Let Me Go, 31-year-old Kathy reflects on her idyllic childhood when two of her schoolmates come back into her life and friendships are rekindled. Having lived at Hailsham, a private school in the English countryside, Kathy reminisces on her time with her classmates, a group of students sheltered from the outside world. Brought up to believe that they were special individuals, their well-being was crucial to not just themselves but for society as a whole.
As Kathy continues to reflect on the past, now through the lens of hindsight, a darker understanding of the childhood she so loved begins to take shape, forcing her and her friends to face the truth about their childhood, and about the lives they lead now.
Considered one of Ishiguro's best, Never Let Me Go is all at once beautiful, heartbreaking, and lyrically written, offering perspective on the sadness of the human condition and asking the insurmountable question: what does it mean to be human?
1 p.m. // Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St. // Free to join, cost of book not included // For more info: wernerbooks.com
