Fort Bend County Libraries Launches 'Community Reads' 2025 with The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill
This fall, Fort Bend County Libraries is once again turning the page on isolation and bringing readers together through its beloved “Community Reads” initiative. From September through November 2025, readers across the region are invited to explore The Turtle House, a debut novel by Amanda Churchill, as part of this county-wide literary experience aimed at fostering connection, conversation, and cultural insight.
Churchill’s emotionally layered story follows Lia Cope, a young aspiring architect who returns to her Texas hometown and forms an unexpected bond with her 73-year-old grandmother, Mineko—a Japanese war bride with a mysterious past. Moving between 1990s Texas and pre-WWII Japan, The Turtle House is a poignant intergenerational tale of memory, identity, and the healing power of place. The story is deeply rooted in family, sacrifice, and the quiet resilience of women across generations.
Inspired by her own grandmother’s stories, Churchill’s novel has resonated with Texas readers for its tender themes and its setting that feels both familiar and far-reaching. "The Turtle House is inspired by her own grandmother’s memories, lucky turtles, and discovering the true meaning of finding and defining oneself despite what society thinks,” reads the library’s announcement.
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Book Discussions Across the County
To bring the story to life for local readers, Fort Bend County Libraries will host The Turtle House book discussions at multiple branch libraries this fall, offering a welcoming environment to reflect and connect. Participation is free and open to the public.
Here’s when and where you can join a discussion:
| Date | Time | Library Branch | Address |
| Monday, September 8 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Sienna Branch Library | 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City (MAP) |
| Tuesday, September 9 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | Fulshear Branch Library | 6350 GM Library Rd, Fulshear (MAP) |
| Thursday, September 18 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | George Memorial Library | 1001 Golfview, Richmond (MAP) |
| Saturday, September 27 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | Missouri City Branch Library | 1530 Texas Pkwy (MAP) |
| Wednesday, October | 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM | Cinco Ranch Branch Library | 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy (MAP) |
| Wednesday, October 8 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Mission Bend Branch Library | 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd, Houston (MAP) |
| Saturday, November 1 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | University Branch Library | 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land (MAP) |
| Saturday, November 8 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | Missouri City Branch Library | 1530 Texas Pkwy (MAP) |
| Thursday, November 13 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Sugar Land Branch Library | 550 Eldridge (MAP) |
| Thursday, November 13 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | First Colony Branch Library | 2121 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land (MAP) |
Festival Finale with Amanda Churchill
The literary journey will culminate on November 15 at Fort Bend County Libraries’ annual Book Festival, where author Amanda Churchill will deliver a special keynote presentation. It’s an opportunity for readers to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind The Turtle House, her writing journey, and the significance of sharing stories across generations.
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Get Involved and Get Reading
The Turtle House is available throughout the Fort Bend County Libraries system in multiple formats, including:
- Print copies
- Ebook and e-audiobook via OverDrive/Libby
- E-audiobook via hoopla
Readers are encouraged to contact their local library to check availability or request additional copies for their book clubs.
To learn more about “Community Reads,” upcoming book discussions, or the November Book Festival, visit fortbend.libraries.gov or call the Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on Fort Bend County Libraries’ events, author appearances, and ways to get involved in your local community through reading.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
