A Woolen Book Club (Begins 2/11/24)
Welcome to our woolen book club, where our first literary expedition delves into the remarkable true story of "The Lost Flock" by Jane Cooper. This captivating narrative transports us to the wild landscapes of Scotland's Orkney Islands, where a wool-obsessed woman embarks on an extraordinary mission to save the rare and little-horned Orkney Boreray sheep.
Jane Cooper's journey unfolds as a testament to the powerful connection between passion and preservation. It was her love for knitting that led her to the world of rare-breed sheep, and in particular, the Orkney Borerary—a unique subset of the UK's rarest sheep breed, the Boreray. Through the pages of "The Lost Flock," we'll witness the resilience of these primitive sheep, one of the last surviving examples in northern Europe.
As we traverse the wild and windswept landscapes of the Orkney Islands, we'll explore the intricate relationship between Jane and the rare sheep she's determined to protect. Our discussions will unravel the threads of conservation, the challenges of preserving rare breeds, and the significance of these woolly wonders in the context of both cultural and natural heritage.
Our Book Club will be spread throughout a five-week period running from February 18th- March 24th. Each Sunday I will post a mixture of content and discussion questions based on that week’s assigned reading. The Book Club will culminate with two options for a live discussion. You can either meet us online via Zoom (3/22) or in-person (3/24), for those local to the Minneapolis, MN area.
Throughout this reading period I will also be encouraging suggestions for our next book! Book Club members will vote for their top choice.
I am beyond excited about launching this woolen book club and hope you will join us on our first expedition exploring the world of rare sheep and their wool in the heart of Scotland's wilderness.
I will be using the Patreon platform to facilitate our book club to provide an intimate and encouraging space for engagement and discussion. Participation in the book club is free to all, but if you’re able to support our work on the farm, we have a book club tier for $1/month. Looking forward to reading our first book!