Editor’s Note: The Quill introduces “The Bookshelf Collective,” a new monthly column dedicated to reading, local library events and the joy of literature. This column, which will typically appear in Saturday papers, is penned by Keara Johnson, a West Plains resident who leads The Bookshelf Book Club and serves as president of the Friends of the West Plains Public Library. We hope you enjoy this new addition to our Local Voices page.
It is an exciting time in the literary world and I am so thrilled to bring part of that to you through this monthly column. Here in West Plains, we have a great community for those of you who like to read, or for those of you who have lost the magic of books and are looking for a community to encourage you and to be a part of.
Whether you read one book a year or 100, my hope for this column is to share my book reviews, happenings at the West Plains Public Library, touch on some local bookstores and create overall awareness to what this community has to offer for bookworms and novice readers alike!
Not only does our library offer lots of book-related resources (duh), they often have other activities for adults, teens and kids that should be noted as well!
You may recognize me as the steward of The Bookshelf Book Club offered through our public library. There has never been a better time to join a book club if you’ve always wanted to! We keep it real casual and you can participate as little or as much as you like.
At 9 a.m. this Saturday, we will be discussing "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George. Following our 2026 theme of “Around the USA,” this book happens to take place in my home state, Alaska.
Young Miyax finds herself lost and alone in the Alaskan wilderness due to a runaway attempt from an intolerable home life. Her pen pal is in San Francisco (who affectionately calls her Julie) so that’s the direction she heads off in, but without a compass or adequate food and supplies. She is in dire straits when she comes across a pack of wolves. Rather than be afraid, she remembers what she has been taught in her Eskimo culture and slowly begins to gain the trust of the wolves. This wild wolf pack may be her only chance of survival, or could be her frozen downfall. This is a great book to start the book club with because it is very short and appropriate for all reading levels!
If you are looking for another book club to join, or just like to discuss books that you choose, check out Not Your Typical Book Club at 4 p.m. on July 21. Each meeting, a genre is chosen and you pick a book to discuss from that genre. This is a great way to expand your TBR (to be read) list and listen to what others are reading! This meeting they are discussing romance, so pick a book that has made your heart swoon and share with everyone at the West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway.
To learn more visit the library on Facebook @westplainslibrary and check in next month right here to see what we’re reading next!
Keara Johnson moved from Alaska to Montana before settling in the Ozarks. She leads the Bookshelf Book Club at the West Plains Public Library and serves as president of the Friends of the Library. She is also the owner of Keara Johnson Hair Studio and the Bookshelf Boutique. A Christ follower, wife, bonus mom and outdoor enthusiast, she is passionate about literature, community and people.
