Capitol Lakes Community Read 2025: "Lab Girl" Explores Nature and Relationships

As winter's chill settles in, the Capitol Lakes Community Read program brings warmth to residents, transforming cold months into a shared experience filled with conversation and connection. Sponsored by the Capitol Lakes Foundation, this program invites residents to suggest captivating books to read together each year. The 2025 selection was "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren, a memoir that delves into Jahren's work as a scientist studying trees, flowers, seeds, and soil while taking us on a journey throughout her personal life as well.

The structure of the book invites you into these different facets of her life. Each chapter alternates between her professional findings and personal life, demonstrating how intertwined these realms are. The book examines important themes such as friendship and motherhood, while also showcasing the universal experiences of all things that live.

74 residents requested copies of this year's book, leading to the formation of two discussion groups for diving into its themes. On March 12th and 13th, 26 residents gathered to consider many interesting topics raised by the memoir. Some of the questions discussed revolved around gender expectations and the experiences of a woman working in a male-dominated field; overcoming mental illness; unconventional friendships like the one Jahren maintained with her lab partner, Bill; and the obstacles involved with funding scientific research.

Capitol Lakes Community Read not only provides residents the chance to engage with a thought-provoking book but also fosters connections through shared experiences and meaningful discussions. "Lab Girl" stands as a poignant reminder of the intricate relationships we share—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world around us. In the embrace of winter's cold, such gatherings serve to create lasting warmth and community, a true testament to the power of literature to unite us.