Fall Book Discussions for Adults Kick Off Book

Our book discussion theme this fall is The World Around Us & Beyond Us. We have chosen three books which we hope will give us a sense of other parts of the world and, in the case of our first title, an insight into a part of history we may have forgotten or (in my case!) never really knew. I remember hearing about the horrible starvation in Biafra when I was in middle school, but I never learned why it happened or what the aftermath was. So this gripping novel by Adichie was extremely educational for me. But beyond the historical element of the book, this novel is also a compelling story of family (two sisters who are torn apart by love and history), passion, and selfless kindness. As with so many great novels, Half of a Yellow Sun reminds us that our "families" often extend way beyond the people we're related to.

Please join us on Thursday, September 10, at 10:00 am in the the Kenneth J. Mack Reading Room to share your thoughts on this book with others. For more information call 827-7403 or email mid@scls.lib.wi.us --Liz (check out Adichie's website for more info on the book):

http://www.halfofayellowsun.com/

And Jason suggests...

The Last of the Name by Charles McGlinchey: When Charles McGlinchey passed away in 1954, a family name and an important link to the past died with him. Fortunately, a local school master realized the treasure that would be lost if McGlinchey’s memories were not recorded for posterity. Master Kavanagh took it upon himself to interview McGlinchey during his final years and write out by hand whatever McGlinchey was willing to tell about his life and times.

In the mid 1980s, the manuscripts from these conversations between McGlinchey and Kavanagh surfaced. These were organized and edited. This book is the result. Seamus Heaney described this oral history as being “full of emotional truth and the beauty of immediate, trusting speech, overbrimming with folklore of great imaginative richness.” While this is true, hopefully its readers will connect with it on a more personal level for it serves a powerful reminder. At birth we inherit a link to people and places. The depth of our knowledge and appreciation for that link will greatly determine how well we understand ourselves, our family, and the human experience. Don’t squander your inheritance.

Jessica recommends...

Sima's Undergarments for Women by Ilana Stanger-Ross: Set in a close-knit, vibrant Orthodox Jewish community in New Yourk City, Sima, a lingerie salesperson meets and befriends a yong Iraeli woman named Timna. Sima begins to live vicariously through Timna while working through struggles from her own youth. It's not a book I would nbormally have chosen, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.