Book Club Meeting, August 5, 2015

As anyone could have predicted, our discussion of “The Sixth Extinction” provided many places to springboard to topics dealing with man-made climate change and the possibilities for political and personal impact on those changes. Given that, the discussion was wide ranging and intense. When we were able to focus on the book, we were all impressed with the grasp Elizabeth Kolbert had of specific  extinctions of toad, bat, large mammal, and plant species.

Her descriptions of the fungus that is killing bats, the very narrow zones for individuated species in tropical regions, and the significance of the speed of current changes were all singled out for mention. Her knowledge of how environmental changes affect growing things, from prehistoric ammonites to African elephants impressed us all.

Our next book will be “The Bookman’s Tale” by Charlie Lovett Published in 2013, it is  available in paperback as well as in libraries and electronically. Thanks to Joan Lakebrink for the recommendation.

The next meeting is Wednesday, October 7 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:
“Archangel”  Andrea Barrett
“All the Light We Cannot See”  Anthony Doerr
“Frances Perkins:  The Woman Behind the New Deal”  Kirsten Downey
“Barney” by Barney Frank
“Being Mortal” Atul Gawande
“Some Luck” Jane Smiley
“Stoner” John Williams
“A Happy Marriage:  A Novel” Rafael Yglesias

In Memoriam - Frank S. Prout

We just learned of Chemistry faculty Frank Prout's death last May. May he rest in peace.

Franklin S. Prout. Age 95 of Park Ridge. Beloved husband of the late Joan. Loving father of William (Michele), Kathleen (Guido) von Aulock, Mary (Vincent) Bojan, Christopher, Timothy (Carol), Andrea (the late Christian) Hug, Gregory (Pam) and the late Joseph. Devoted grandfather of 22. Great-grandfather of 5. Dear brother of the late Bette Lanning. 

Visitation Sunday, May 17, 3-9 p.m., at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Funeral Monday, 9:30 a.m. prayers from funeral home, to St. Paul of the Cross Church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sisters of Providence, St. Mary of the Woods, IN 47876 or masses apprec. Info. www.ryan-parke.com.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from May 15 to May 17, 2015

Thanks, Dick Meister, for letting us know about Frank's death.