July 2025 - Gather

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Discussion at 1pm

"Gather is about gathering together resources, people, and love. Kenneth M. Cadow tells a story about finding value in what--and who--might be easily overlooked.

--National Book Foundation Judges 

Gather (2023)

by Kenneth M. Cadow 

 [Cah' dough]

Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but a lot of things that shouldn’t happen end up happening anyway. And Gather, Ian’s adopted pup, is good company now that Ian has to quit the basketball team, find a job, and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid addiction. Despite the obstacles thrown their way, Ian is determined to keep his family afloat no matter what it takes. And for a little while, things are looking up: Ian makes friends, and his fondness for the outdoors and for fixing things lands him work helping neighbors. But an unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run, trying to evade a future that would mean leaving their house and their land. Even if the community comes together to help him, would Ian and Gather have a home to return to? Told in a wry, cautious first-person voice, Kenneth M. Cadow’s resonant novel, a 2023 National Book Award Finalist, brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen’s resilience in the face of unthinkable hardships.

Resources for the book:

• Gather was Vermont Reads' 2024 state-wide pick. They are still running programs this summer. 
• Presentation by the author at The Norwich Bookstore (spoilers)
• Vermont Public Radio article on the book 

Go beyond the book:

• I strongly encourage you to scroll all the way through the Vermont Reads Gather page.
• Give or receive help right here in Hopkinton through the Human Services Dept.  and statewide
• Get involved with Family Promise of Greater Concord, which helps families experiencing homelessness
• Read this recent article on homeless youth in Manchester.

Read-a-likes in the HTL collection: (for various reasons)

• The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger
• The Friend, Nunez (the library has the book and also the new movie adaptation on DVD)
• Harry's Trees, Cohen
• Salvage the Bones, Ward