![](https://hamlethub-prod-images.s3.amazonaws.com/original/310d14a4-68d7-41c7-a22b-1efa2e58824f_657a0237ef68cad2ad3caf61.png)
Bethel’s Byrd’s Books’ Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy book groups provide monthly escapes into inner worlds and faraway places. The popular independent bookstore’s book groups are free to the public and always open to newcomers. Meetings are held both in store and on Zoom by request, and books are usually available to purchase in paperback.
On Thursday, August 8th at 7:30pm, the Non-Fiction book group will explore The Bowery: The Strange History of New York’s Oldest Street by Stephen Paul DeVillo. From peglegged Peter Stuyvesant to CBGB's, The Bowery traces the full story of this once notorious thoroughfare from its pre-colonial origins to the present day. “Loved this!” writes Marie Carter, “I’m a tour guide and writer who loves NYC history and I thoroughly enjoyed this.”
On Thursday, August 15th at 7:30pm, the Fiction book group will share a children’s book, Duet by Elise Broach and illustrated by Ziyue Chen. Every August, Byrd’s Books always highlights a children’s book in its line up. Duet enters the world of Mirabelle, a young goldfinch who loves to sing and dreams of becoming a musical star. For ages 9 to 12 years old, this real-life mystery is “perfect for readers who are sometimes spellbound by music,” noted Booklist. The event will be attended by its Connecticut author.
Byrd’s Books is located at 178 Greenwood Avenue across from the Bethel Public Library. Author discussions and Book Group gatherings are regularly added to Byrd’s Books’ calendar of events at ByrdsBooks.com Hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays10:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 12:00 noon to 4;00pm, Closed Mondays. For directions to the store or more information, call Byrd’s Books at 203-730-2973. To review the shop’s expanded catalog of new titles, go to ByrdsBooks.com