1984

by George Orwell.

Now Reading

Selection by Santos Salinas

Nineteen Eighty-Four (also published as 1984) is a dystopian and speculative fiction novel by the English writer George Orwell. It was published on 8 June 1949 by Secker & Warburg as Orwell's ninth and final completed book. Thematically, it centres on totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours. Nineteen Eighty-Four has often been regarded as a classic and has been acknowl

Book of the Month Book page

Purpose

What is Barley & Font?

Barley & Font Gentlemen's Book Club began in December of 2022, when a handful of men in Kokomo, Indiana — not all friends at first, deliberately so — united by one thing: a desire to read more books and gather around a table with beer and bourbon to discuss them. Founded by Santos Salinas and Ryan Minick.

Good books, bourbon, and reading jackets — first Tuesday of every month.

Books must feature a male protagonist; no self-help; fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Meetings open with wins and challenges, then discussion.
Members wear reading jackets.
Each meeting ends with rating the book and announcing next month's pick.

Honor

Gentleman of the Grand Library

Santos Salinas

I am lucky to be the father of three amazing daughters and currently have two grandchildren. My wife, Cassie, is a local realtor, and we have lived in Kokomo since 2005. Locally, I serve on the United Way committee for "Real Men Read," which helps provide free books to kids under five. Nearly 20,000 books a year are currently being delivered. You can also find me leading my local Rotary club at 7 a.m. on Thursdays, primarily focusing on contributions to mobile food pantries.

City of Firsts · 2026 Gentleman of the Grand Library

Holder	Term	Table	Status
Santos Salinas	2026 Gentleman of the Grand Library	City of Firsts	Current
Ryan Minick	2024 Gentleman of the Grand Library	City of Firsts	Past
Ryan Hillman			Past