Book Club Meeting December 2, 2015

We had a  lively and engaging conversation centered on our reading of“Bel Canto”. Because it has been premiered as an opera , we considered the transformational role of music as a universal language, particularly in light of the language barriers among the captives. That led to comparisons between the  Roxanne, the opera singer, and Gen, the translator; both singing and translationserved to unify the captives and captors.  As a tale of hostage taking, we talked about real world events and how they were interpreted here; as well as considering the isolation and connection that develops in such circumstances.

Our next book will be “Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East”, by Scott Anderson. Mary Lu Linane made the recommendation.  For those who might be interested in the British analysis of this title, here is the Guardian review. We considered  “Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same Sex Marriage” by Barney Frank; but decided to wait until a future time when it is available in paperback. We are coming up with guidelines for selection as we go along!

The next meeting is Wednesday, February 3 in Room 115 of the Richardson Library.  Discussion begins at 1:30, but the room is available at 1 pm. for anyone who wants to bring in a brown bag lunch beforehand. For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough.


Suggested titles for future consideration:
“God in Ruins” Kate Atkinson
“Frances Perkins:  The Woman Behind the New Deal”  Kirsten Downey
“Frank” by Barney Frank
“Being Mortal” Atul Gawande
“That Cape Magic” Richard Russo