The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
October-December 2025
$50/series
A classic work of American literature that has not stopped changing minds and lives since it burst onto the literary scene, The Things They Carried is a ground-breaking meditation on war, memory, imagination, and the redemptive power of storytelling. The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and the character Tim O’Brien, who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three. Taught everywhere from high school classrooms to graduate seminars in creative writing, it has become required reading for any American and continues to challenge readers in their perceptions of fact and fiction, war and peace, courage and fear, and longing.
BECHS History Book Club Sessions: The Things They Carried
October 18, 11 a.m. – At this first session, books will be available to pick up. In addition, the group will be introduced to the History Book Club format, and historical context about the book’s setting, and address any questions participants may have. Pre-register now to ensure there’s a book waiting for you;
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November 15, 11 a.m. – Special guest presenter – More details to come
December 20, 11 a.m. –Group book discussion with prepared Q & A.
The Blue Earth County Historical Society is excited to offer the new BECHS History Book Club. The new quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and will conclude with a group book discussion.
The BECHS History Book Club is $50, which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments, and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern.
Already have a copy of the book, but what to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.
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