‘Tracy Reads’ to begin new chapter

The Tracy Public Library is again coordinating a community reading program.
“Tracy Reads” this year will feature the Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, “Say Goodbye For Now.” A gift from Curt and Cathy Paulsen is funding the program.
Free copies of the book will be available beginning Monday, Jan. 23.  Those picking up the book are encouraged to participate in a group discussion, which has been scheduled Sunday, March 12.
A synopsis of the book is:

“On an isolated Texas ranch, Dr. Lucy cares for abandoned animals. The solitude allows her to avoid the people and places that remind her of the past. Not that any of the townsfolk care. In 1959, no one is interested in a woman doctor. Nor are they welcoming Calvin and Justin Bell, a newly arrived African American father and son.
“When Pete Solomon, a neglected 12-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she’d make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he’d find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren’t allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them.
“With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive…waiting for the world to catch up with them.”

Forty-free copies of the book will be available.  Two books will also be available as a library checkout.
The goal of “Tracy Reads,” is to have a large group of local people simultaneously reading and talking about the same book.