Chapter One Book Group
Chapter One is a community of friends committed to enriching our lives through shared experience of the written word and meaningful discussion. The group was established in January 2008 and is currently celebrating its sixteenth year.
Each month, Chapter One dives into a new book selected directly from group nominations. Selections can vary as much as our members.
The group continues to meet and celebrate literature each month in the Chillicothe area of Ohio.
May 2025
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
Fantasy
Published in 1979
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende is a captivating fantasy novel that blurs the line between reality and imagination. It follows Bastian Balthazar Bux, a lonely and introverted boy who discovers a mysterious book in an old bookstore. As Bastian reads about the magical land of Fantastica, he becomes deeply immersed in the adventures of its hero, Atreyu, a young warrior on a quest to save the realm from the destructive force known as The Nothing. But as Bastian’s connection to the story deepens, he learns that he is not merely a reader — he is part of the tale itself, with his own journey to complete.
With rich themes of self-discovery, the power of imagination, and the transformative nature of storytelling, The Neverending Story invites readers to explore a world where anything is possible. Through his journey, Bastian learns that the most powerful stories are the ones that never truly end, continuing to live on within the hearts and minds of those who experience them. A timeless classic, the novel touches the hearts of readers young and old, urging them to embrace their dreams, confront their fears and realize their own potential.
This meeting for discussion of Book #209 is currently scheduled for May 17 at 5 PM.
June 2025
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy Romance
Published in 2015
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a seductive blend of romance, fantasy and danger, drawing readers into a richly imagined world where faeries rule with deadly beauty. The story follows Feyre, a mortal huntress struggling to provide for her family in a world divided by an invisible wall between humans and the Fae. When she kills a wolf in the woods, she’s dragged into the magical land of Prythian by a mysterious and powerful faerie lord named Tamlin, who claims retribution for the death of one of his own. What begins as a punishment slowly unravels into something deeper as Feyre discovers ancient secrets, monstrous curses, and the intoxicating pull of forbidden love.
As Feyre adjusts to life in Tamlin’s enchanted court, she finds herself torn between desire and duty, her growing feelings for her captor and the looming threat of a dark force threatening both their worlds. Maas weaves a captivating tale of resilience, sacrifice, and transformation, layering high-stakes action with emotional depth and a fierce, flawed heroine at its heart. With vivid world-building and an alluring slow-burn romance, A Court of Thorns and Roses sets the stage for an epic fantasy series where nothing is quite what it seems.
This meeting for discussion of Book #210 is currently scheduled for June 7 at 5 PM.