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Into the Blue Book Club's next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 8 pm ET! Have any book suggestions? When you join the Into the Blue Book Club, you'll have the option to suggest some of your favorite ocean-themed books on our registration page. 

Into the Blue Book Club will be reading captivating books about the ocean and marine life. Books can range from fiction, ocean-themed adventures to educational, non-fiction conservation topics. The goal of each choice is to select a book that will not only inform members on a variety of topics regarding marine science and conservation but also bring together like-minded individuals who share a common admiration for our blue planet.

Click here to register for our upcoming meeting!

The book of discussion for our next meeting on January 30, 8 pm ET will be: 

Grouper Moon

By: Cynthia Shaw

In a timeless dual coming-of-age story, the multi-layered plot follows Cooper, an affable Nassau Grouper; and Renny, a bright, independent 13-year old island boy whose life is his reef in Coconut Cove. Cooper, who has been content with his life on the reef as a solitary grouper, is taken by surprise one day when he realizes that for the first time in his seven years of life, he is lonely. His comfortable life is turned upside down as he is swept away by his bones on a mysterious mission of great importance to his kind.   Renny's own comfortable world is turned upside down when the property above Coconut Cove is sold to a Yankee who plans to build a dive resort. For the first time ever, Renny faces the prospect of sharing his reef with strangers from other countries. Not keen on the idea, he resents the intrusion and fears damage to his reef by tourists. While spearfishing on Christmas afternoon, Renny is taken on an adventure by his new fins. He encounters the grouper and follows it into a dark, secret place, where their two worlds become magically linked. As islanders prepare for Grouper Moon, the annual Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation, the arrival of a biologist draws Renny even further into the world of groupers. When he learns that Cooper's first journey into the unknown may be his last, Renny wants to help. But how? And is it already too late? A delightful and unforgettable story, Grouper Moon is about friendship and trust, second chances, and having the courage to reach out and make a difference in a big world. 

Enjoyable entertainment and learning for ecologically-minded readers of all ages, 10 & up. (RL-5.3). This book provides a great opportunity for families to sign up for the next Into the Blue Book Club meeting together!

A full synopsis of the novel is available on GoodReads.

 

Get your copy now from the REEF Store.

 

 

 

 

Be sure to come prepared with questions or email them to books@REEF.org beforehand!

Discussion Questions: 

1. Grouper Moon highlights the importance of marine conservation, particularly the protection of groupers and their habitats. How do the actions of the characters in the story reflect the challenges and responsibilities humans face in preserving the environment? What lessons can different generations take from the book regarding their role in protecting nature?

2. The book emphasizes the value of passing down knowledge about nature and conservation across generations. How do the relationships in the story demonstrate the power of collaboration between younger and older generations? How can this concept be applied in real-life environmental efforts?

3. In the story, the grouper is more than just a fish; it represents a critical part of the marine ecosystem. How does the book inspire readers to think about their connection to local wildlife or ecosystems? What traditions or stories from your family or community resonate with the themes in Grouper Moon?

4. The book explores themes of individual and collective responsibility for the natural world. After reading Grouper Moon, what actions, big or small, do you feel inspired to take to protect the environment? How can different generations work together to make a meaningful impact?

If you have any questions, please email us at books@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030. You can also join in discussions about the book club and other fishy, ocean-themed, book-loving topics through our Facebook group. 

We look forward to seeing you at our next virtual meeting on January 30, 2025, at 8 pm ET.