Book Club Meeting August 6

There was a great turn out and discussion August 6 on "The Man He Became".  We agreed that the medical information and description of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's struggle with polio was comprehensive and highly informative.  That led to observations as to how that struggle and his resulting infirmity reflected the mood of the nation at the time.  The narrative crafted by FDR and those around him, of a man knocked down who rose up, gave Americans a way to reinterpret the era in a positive manner.  The insight that the American public was able to disguise the evidence of their eyes, so that the national and personal narratives could mesh, also emerged from this conversation.  FDR's task to establish Warm Springs for fellow polio sufferers was noted, as was the social stigma than attached to anyone defined as crippled.  We commented on his incredible ability to manage his interpersonal relations without ever discussing with anyone how he felt about his polio; and to keep his immediate family at a distance from his own emotional state.  Our conversation on this aspect of the life of FDR proved rewarding for all, even those who had not been able to read the book.

Our discussion of history led to talk of World War I, and we then agreed that our next book would be Paul Fussell's “The Great War and Modern Memory” a highly acclaimed synthesis of literature and history. Here is just one of the recent reviews of this book, very timely in the observance of the centennial of the start of World War I.  It is available in paperback, electronically, and through libraries. We look forward to our discussion on October 1 at 1:30 pm.