[NOTE: This page was taken offline (i.e., not
linked to the
homepage) in March of 2011. The data is correct, but
the contents have not been updated since June 2010]
The Bookshelf
 On this page you
will find a chronological listing of all The Bookshelf
columns that have been published in our Omnilore Newsletter since this
column first began in July of 2004. The Bookshelf is
edited by Mary Oran and contains descriptions of recommended book. Most
of the titles have been recommended by Omniloreans.
The column is not a list of best-sellers, but rather a list of books
guaranteed to stay with you—ones you will not want to end...books with
soaring prose that allows us to learn, feel, think, and escape.
If you would like to see a title-author list of all the recommended
titles in alphabetical order, please go to the Booklist
page.
We need your recommendations in order to make The Bookshelf
column and this page a continued success. Please share your reading
experiences! Send your titles, with author name and a brief
description, to Patricia Edie.
Put
"Omnilore
Books"
as the subject to your email. We look forward to
hearing from you.
May-Jun 2010
As summertime approaches, one’s mind turns to
good reading for our leisure time, no matter where it will be. There is
one updated reference source that is a gem for citing the novels that
should be on our “must-read” list. 1001 Books You Must Read
Before You Die is written by more than 100 international
critics, and edited by Peter Boxall. It’s a 960 page gem, with gorgeous
illustrations/pictures of authors, book covers, and related artwork.
Each of the books has at least one column or one page devoted to a
description, including prizes won. The contents are divided by
Pre-1800, 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. There is a Contributor List, Title
Index, Author Index, and General Index. The 2nd edition was just
published in March, and it includes three 2009 publications. Any
fiction reader is going to love browsing through this book! But don’t
plan on taking it on a plane. They’ll charge you extra for the weight
of it!
At the opposite end of the size spectrum is Here If You Need Me:
A True Story by Kate Braestrup. This is a fast-reading memoir
of a woman who tragically loses her husband, goes back to school,
becomes a minister and finds her calling as a chaplain for game wardens
in Maine. And she does this while raising four children. Her memoir is
dramatic, funny, moving, and captivating. The book is about her search
and struggle; it is not preachy. The anecdotes about what the game
wardens experience are fascinating. This is truly a feel-good book,
reading about the small miracles that happen every day.
If you choose to immerse yourself in the politics of our time, consider
Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and
the Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin.
These journalists give an account of the recent presidential election,
examining the players involved. It makes for fascinating reading, no
matter what side of the aisle you favor. Described as “jaw-dropping”
and “intensely readable,” the observations, revelations and allegations
will keep you turning the pages.
Our first fiction recommendation is Anne Tyler’s Noah’s Compass.
It
features
Liam,
who goes to bed one night and the next thing he’s
aware of, he’s in a hospital bed, bandaged and with a concussion. He
can’t remember anything about the interim. The book is filled with
real, messy people with messy lives detailed in such a way that they
are your friends, family, and neighbors. The author peels the layers
from Liam as he starts to remember.
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier takes place
in the same era as Jane Austen. It focuses on women, social classes,
prejudices, and emerging scientific knowledge and the conflict with
religion. It is based on the lives of two women who made significant
contributions to paleontology in defiance of the restrictions of their
era, gender, and class. The story is well-written and absorbing. (The
author also wrote Girl With A Pearl Earring).
A consistently compelling writer of solid detective stories, P.D.
James’ latest work, The Private Patient, is another
intriguing puzzle centered around Superintendent Richard Jury of
Scotland Yard. This time the setting is outside of London on an estate
owned by a plastic surgeon. One of his patients is murdered the evening
after her surgery, and Jury and his assistants are called in to solve
the crime. There is the usual tangled web with many suspects, but Jury
doesn’t disappoint.
(Our thanks to Marilyn Denno and Midge Solomon for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with author name and
a very brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as
the subject. We look forward to hearing from you.)
Mar-Apr 2010
This month I must begin with an apology. I
managed, in last month’s article, to recommend and describe a book
without ever giving the title. What a way to begin 2010! Belatedly, the
biography about the admirable Madam Walker is entitled On Her
Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, written
by A’Lelia Bundles.
This month’s selections are all fiction entries. (our Omnilore
nonfiction readers seem to be less inclined to send in
recommendations)! The first one, Sarah’s Key, is a
fictionalized version of the 1942 Paris roundup and deportation of
Jewish children by the Parisian police. Author Tatiana de Rosnay
presents parallel stories transporting the reader between present and
past. The fact that part of the narrative is told from a child’s
perspective makes it even more wrenching.
Alice Munro’s Too Much Happiness is a collection of ten
masterful stories that show how random events influence lives. Every
story hinges on a calamity –calamities of love, illness, accident,
violence, and how these events determine the shape of one’s life.
Beautifully written, it reminds the reader how quickly one’s life can
change if one is careless or thoughtless, and how different one’s life
could be if the world just made a bit more sense.
Picture Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s. Kathryn Stockett, in The
Help, explores the complexities of a segregated society in the
growing civil rights movement. The narration is shared by three
Southern women- a privileged young white women, and two black women who
have spent their lives working as maids and raising the children of
southern families. It is a riveting presentation of the lives of
Southern women-sometimes difficult to read, and yet impossible to put
down. It offers an authentic picture of Jackson society at a crucial
time in our recent past.
Two books by Jane Gardam are recommended. It is suggested that one read
Old Filth and then follow it with The Man in
the Wooden Hat. Gardam is a much-honored British author in her
early eighties. Her featured character in these novels is Sir Edward
Feathers, a Dickens-like fellow who is generally known as Filth
(meaning Failed In London,Try Hong Kong). He is a barrister who
succeeds overseas, but has never quite recovered from a traumatic
childhood. The book is described as “mordantly funny.” His wife Betty,
a secondary character in Old Filth, tells her side of
the story in the second book, told at the same time that Filth tells
his. Anglophiles, especially, will enjoy reading about the couple who
retire to Dorset.
For a light-hearted romp, pick up Supreme Courtship.
Christopher Buckley pulls out all the stops in this spoof on American
politics. The Supreme Court has a vacancy, and the President (who does
NOT want to be re-elected), nominates a popular TV court to the post
(think outspoken Texan babe). The shenanigans of a legislator who wants
to be President, a group of justices who don’t get along, a television
producer who is making big bucks off of mediocre shows, and a Congress
who passes a one-term only amendment because the Pres. has been vetoing
all the pork, will have you laughing aloud, and nodding your head in
agreement at times. It’s a deliciously silly farce.
(Our thanks to Patricia Edie, Blanche Herring, and Midge
Solomon for contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with
author name and a very brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore books" as the subject. We look forward to hearing from
you.)
Jan-Feb 2010
In the previous newsletter I requested
suggestions for good biographies. The response was underwhelming, so
the suggestions won’t be as comprehensive as I had hoped, but the
suggestions we have are great ones! Consider the lives below worth
reading.
Author A’Lelia Bundles is the great-great-granddaughter of the
remarkable Madam Walker. C.J.Walker, a freed slave, became the nation’s
first black female millionaire through her successful marketing
techniques of hair-care products for black women. In addition to
effective business strategies, the narrative of On Her Own
Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker sheds light on
race relations and social norms of the early 20the century. The
inspiring Madam Walker is unforgettable.
A book that traces the life of an amazing woman and presents an
overview of Iranian history, Daughter of Persia: A Woman’s
Journey From Her Father’s Harem Through the Islamic Revolution
has a fascinating storyline. Written by Sattareh Farman Farmaian with
Dona Munker, the book opens with Sattareh’s story of growing up in a
compound as the daughter of one of the eights wives of a prince. Her
father was progressive enough to have his daughters educated at a
Protestant school in Tehran. During WWII, she came to the U.S. to study
and earned a graduate degree from USC. She returned to Iran, ended up
in prison, escaped from it after the Iranian revolution, and returned
to Los Angeles. How’s that for an incredible journey?
For a change of pace, consider In the Studio by Tony
Bennett, Mitch Albom and Mario Cuomo (what a great combo!) Focusing on
Tony Bennett and his art, Albom and Cuomo add wonderful anecdotes about
Bennett and their friendship with him. It is filled with Bennett’s
beautiful watercolors, and it includes a CD with some of his favorite
songs from the 60s. A real treasure!
Tony Bennett is an American legend, and so is Satchel Paige. Satchel:
The
Life
and
Times of an American Legend by Larry Tye has just
been published. Paige was both a gifted baseball pitcher and
“consummate entertainer.” He was the second African American to breach
baseball’s color barrier in the major leagues. In spite of a childhood
of poverty and five years in juvenile detention, he rose to the top and
was a real favorite of fans. This biography should entertain you from
beginning to end.
More than one person has mentioned On Gold Mountain (A One
Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese American Family). Lisa See
tells the story of her great-great-great-grandfather, Fong See, who
comes to the U.S. in 1867. He manages to build a mercantile empire and
live to be about 100. He moves to Los Angeles at the beginning of the
20th century; consequently, the book not only traces the offspring of
the four wives, but also shows the development of Los Angeles and the
changing immigration laws.
Finally, what would a list of good biographies be without at least one
presidential one? David McCullough’s John Adams is a
well-told narrative featuring many early patriots. One learns so much
about history in this special book, and the personalities of many
figures come alive. As the contributor said- it “makes our present
government and politicians seem bland and ineffectual.”
Remember- we welcome your recommendations.
(Our thanks go to Joyce Barham and Helen Leven for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with the
author's name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. We look forward to
hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2009
If I were to judge Omniloreans by their
much-appreciated book suggestions, I would determine that 90% of you
read only fiction. Before I offer this month’s slate of books, I would
like to request a new year’s resolution from each of you. In the coming
year I would like to do a biography/autobiography issue. Are there any
really good ones that you remember from your past reading? Please let
me know by sending in the information to the address at the end of the
article. Resolve to send in nonfiction suggestions as well, and of
course we always welcome the fiction choices too. Take a proactive
stance in sharing the love of reading in 2010!
This month we have two nonfiction entries. Beowulf On the Beach
by Jack Murnighan is subtitled “What to Love and What to Skip in
Literature’s 50 Greatest Hits.” The author discusses the great books
and why they still matter. The book is funny, smart, passionate and
wise. If you’ve already read some of these books, this prose is a great
refresher course, and if you have them on a mean-to-read list, this
will get you pumped up to get started.
With the success of the movie Julie/Julia, Julia Child is again
a star. My Life in France, written by Julia and Alex
Prud’homme covers the years that Julia and her husband lived in France
and other areas of Europe, and spends a considerable amount of time
explaining the arduous process of writing Mastering the Art of
French Cooking. If you love food, you will enjoy Julia’s enthusiasm
for it. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, and it is especially
delightful to read if you have seen the movie.
The first fiction entry takes place during the Depression. Recapitulation
by Wallace Stegner focuses on a successful statesman and diplomat who
returns to Salt Lake City where he had spent his youth. He had left the
city in bitterness 45 years before. Upon his return he faces the ghosts
of his past, and his recollections become a source of revelation.
Lisa Genova’s Still Alice is a story told by the main
character, a 50 year old linguistics professor at Harvard who has
early-onset Alzheimer’s. The author, a neuroscientist, has created a
story that is heartbreaking and haunting; the prose gives a compelling
first-person glimpse of the reality of the disease.
The next book was a best seller in France. The Elegance of the
Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery has a double narrative. The two
narrators are both extremely intelligent and aware of their
surroundings. One is a 54 year old concierge in a Paris apartment
building. She describes herself as dumpy and uninteresting, but she is
actually a well-read, likeable woman who life hasn’t treated well. The
other narrator is a 12 year old girl who lives in the apartment
building; her journal describes how she is an outsider in her
dysfunctional family, as well as in the way she thinks. Both narratives
are philosophical in their approach.
As the November/December holidays appear, think back to the stories and
poems that were reading treasures to you and your family. Reading them
again can renew one’s spirit. Whether it’s Dickens or Robert Frost,
Ogden Nash or Anatole France, treat yourself to the special feelings
that familiar words can bring forth. Among the blessings we can be
thankful for are Omnilore, its members, and the freedom to study what
interests us. May all of your holidays be happy and safe ones!
(Our thanks go to Marilyn Denno and Patricia Edie for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with the author's
name and a very brief description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore
Books" as the subject to your email. We look forward to hearing from
you.)
Sep-Oct 2009
While autumn may bring nippiness in other parts
of the country, our weather tends to stay on the warm side. The
suggestions this month can apply to beach, patio, or on a trip viewing
fall leaves! Your fellow Omniloreans have come up with some great
suggestions.
On the fiction side, we have Brooklyn, a wonderfully
written story by Booker winner Colm Toibin. This is an intimate novel
about an Irish girl who comes to the U.S. in the 1950s. The community
and culture she is a part of is crippled by an inability to express
emotion. Her struggles and successes are captured most effectively.
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa is
a slim novel set in Japan. It focuses on the relationship between a
single-mother housekeeper and a brilliant mathematics professor with a
brain injury. His short term memory will only last for 80 minutes. He
develops a friendship with the housekeeper’s ten year old son.
Beautifully told and poignant, the story and its characters leave a
lasting impression on the reader.
During China’s infamous Cultural Revolution, children of professionals
were sent to rural areas to be re-educated into Communist doctrine. In
Dai Sijie’s Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress,
the teenage sons of a doctor and a dentist are sent to a mountainous
village to rid themselves of their bourgeois upbringing. They are
assigned menial work, but in the process, discover some western books,
and set up a reading program to relieve their drudgery. They share
these works with a pretty seamstress. This is another slim but powerful
book.
Perhaps short stories appeal to you at this time of year. In that case,
consider Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. These
exquisitely written pieces center on the Bengali immigrant experience,
primarily in America. The first section of the book features diverse
stories divulging the immigrant point of view. The second section is
composed of three stories that turn out to be related; these three are
especially powerful. Every reader is going to have some favorites in
this special collection.
On the nonfiction side, we have 381 AD by Charles
Freeman. He dates the closing of Christian minds to 381 AD when Emperor
Theodosius decreed that the Nicene Code was the church empire’s one
Word- and all others might be treated as heretics. Freeman offers a
readable tracing of the flow of Christian thought and ties its strands
back into Greek and Roman thought. Among his quotes: “It is impossible
to believe that the Church would itself have come close to an
enforceable consensus on the Trinity if an emperor had not provided the
legal framework…” A lot to think about with this one!
The last suggestion has been around for awhile, but its title keeps
being mentioned when people talk about books they enjoyed. How
Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like
Everyone Else is an inspiring story of a successful man who has
everything (including a six figure income), loses it all (job, family,
health), and then finds it again – at Starbucks! Michael Gates Gill is
in his fifties when his world falls apart. As he starts his life over,
he becomes a kinder, gentler person who sees humanity out of new eyes.
Our next issue is holiday-time. Do you have any favorite seasonal
suggestions?
(Our thanks go to Patricia Edie, Edith Garvey, Tom
Rische, and Midge Solomon for contributing to our list.
Please send your titles, with author name and a very brief description,
to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject. We look
forward to hearing from you.)
Jul-Aug. 2009
Whether you are traveling or enjoying summer at
home, we have some fascinating book suggestions for you.
A Pigeon and a Boy by Miev Shalev features a
middle-aged Israeli tour guide and his American client. With themes of
home, memory and survival, the two story lines concentrate on the
fascinating subject of birds and their keepers as well as Israel’s
fight for independence. This book won Israel’s Brenner Prize, and in
the words of an Omnilorean, it “touches and breaks your heart.”
If short stories are your summer preference, consider Love
Stories in this Town by Amanda Eyre Ward. The collection of
twelve stories travels from Montana to Saudi Arabia, and tackles the
subjects of love, terrorism and “grave matters of the heart.” As our
reviewer described them so effectively: “These stories are filled with
humor, clear-eyed insight and emotional richness. How can you not read
a story that starts, ‘I first heard about Cipro at the potluck’, or
“It’s a crappy coincidence that on the day James asks for my hand in
marriage, there is a masturbator loose in the library’?”
Occasionally one is looking for a sweeping epic of a novel that one can
live with for many hours. Cutting for Stone is just such
a piece. Weighing in at 560 pages, it covers decades and generations,
and is an enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and
patients, exile and home. Author Abraham Verghese offers an intriguing
look at the practice of medicine; the narrative is absorbing and deeply
moving.
In the nonfiction department we recommend the much talked about The
Outliers:
the
Story
of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Why are
Mozart, Bill Gates, etc. successful while others aren’t? The author
says that successful people have hidden advantages and opportunities.
He challenges the self-made man idea. This very readable text also
offers a lot of interesting trivia.
For something even lighter in fare, consider Sit, Ubu, Sit: How
I Went From Brooklyn to Hollywood with the Same Woman, the Same Dog,
and a Lot Less Hair. Gary David Goldberg is a TV scriptwriter
and producer. His credits include “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Family
Ties.” This is a funny, touching memoir (and Ubu is the dog).
Finally, many of you have read the columns and/or seen the movie, but I
would still recommend Steve Lopez’s The Soloist: A Lost Dream,
an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music. Each
genre has offered a different perspective on this fascinating story of
a homeless musician and the LA Times reporter.
Whatever reading discoveries you make this summer, please share them
with us!
(Our thanks to Al Blinder, Helen Leven, and Midge
Solomon for contributing to our list. Please send recommendations
to Mary Oran. Include title, author, and a very brief description of
the content. Please put “Omnilore books” as the subject of the email.
We look forward to hearing from you!)
May-Jun 2009
As summer approaches, we have three suggestions
for excellent historical fiction. As you enjoy the warmer weather,
consider letting these gems take you to another time.
Guernica by David Boling is the story of several
generations of a Basque family and what they experienced living in a
tiny city during the Spanish Civil War. This time period was a
“practice war” for the German Air Force as they geared up for much
larger actions during WWII. The Basque author offers a vivid portrayal
of the events, and includes many historical figures, including Picasso,
who immortalized Guernica after its bombing.
Thornton Wilder’s Ides of March, originally published in
1948, has just been reissued. Set in Julius Caesar’s Rome, this
epistolary novel portrays Caesar, the human being. From meeting
historical figures such as Cleopatra, Cicero, and Catullus to seeing
the villas and slums, spies and assassins, beautiful women and brawling
youth, you are there! The letters and documents contribute to
the book’s contemporary feel.
Seventeenth century Quebec is the setting for Shadows on the Rock.
It
is
another
beautifully written classic by Willa Cather. A widowed
apothecary and his young daughter are the featured characters. Into
their lives come a variety of historical and fictional figures, all
seeking cures. Traders, soldiers, rich men and poor offer a fascinating
view of this French area in its early development.
For those of you who, at this point, can think of little else but the
economy, an Omnilorean offers this text – Modern Portfolio
Theory and Investment Analysis(6th edition) by Elton, Gruber,
Brown, and Goetzmann. While it is used as an MBA text, it is
nonetheless rewarding for the average reader. The prose offers many
studies and explanations of why most Mutual Funds and Advisor
Strategies don’t live up to their promises. Additionally, it gives
insights into many other financial areas including pricing theories and
bond portfolios..
Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have more accidents than
others? Do you worry about which is the safest car or safest airplane
seat? Then The Survivors Club:The Secrets and Science That Could
Save Your Life is the book for you! Author Ben Sherwood, in the
book’s first half, discusses what it takes to survive. The second part
concentrates on “Are You A Survivor?” Among the things you will learn
are: some people are born with a Resilience Gene; religious observance
can add years to one’s life; and why good things always happen to the
same people. Reviewers all used variations of the “riveting” for this
one!
Finally, closer to home, consider The Black Girl Next Door
by Jennifer Baszile. The writer’s family moved to the Palos Verdes
Peninsula in the early 1970s, and this is a memoir of her school
experiences (Rancho Vista, Lunada Bay, PV Intermediate, and Palos
Verdes High), the overt and subtle racism that she and her family
experienced, and the mixed messages that she and her older sister
received from their parents. While her experience in PV was indeed
challenging, her ultimate achievements are an inspiration.
(Our thanks to Al Blinder, Midge Solomon, and Dan
Stern for contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with
author name and a very brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore books" as the subject. We look forward to hearing from you.)
Mar-Apr 2009
Hopefully you can take time away from your
presentations and S/DG readings to enjoy some of this month’s suggested
readings. We will first take a quantum leap into the nonfiction
category and consider Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters
Consciousness by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner. The authors
are professors of physics at UCSC and offer this material as a lay
person’s introduction to quantum theory and the implications for
consciousness. The well-written and accessible book is a result of a
course they teach to liberal arts students. It is described as “worth
the read to ‘techies’ with a philosophical bent too”.
If you are in a “memoir-mood”, Mao’s Last Dancer is
definitely the book to check out. This is an absolutely engrossing
autobiography of Li Cunxin, an internationally known ballet dancer.
Described as a cross between “Billy Elliot and Torn Curtain”,
it
is
the
incredible story of a peasant boy, chosen at age 11 to be
taken from his rural home and brought to Beijing to a dance academy. As
a young dancer, loyal to Mao, he was chosen to come to America as part
of a cultural exchange. The year was 1979. This memoir offers a
fascinating picture of China, and reveals the courage of a very special
individual.
Since the year has heightened our interest in the Presidency of the
U.S., the third recommendation from an Omnilorean is timely. Doris
Kearns Goodwin’s No Ordinary Time shows the many
accomplishments of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and also reveals Eleanor’s
efforts to help the downtrodden and underdogs. The biography is
described as exceptionally well-researched and offers a clear picture
of a significant time in American history.
For fiction recommendations, a classic suggestion was e-mailed our way.
Here is what was written: “The burgeoning interest in the green
movement has triggered renewed interest in the classic Lady
Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. The responsibilities of a
gamekeeper in the greenest of environments, a large English country
estate, are detailed. But, as Field and Stream magazine
critiqued, there is a lot of extraneous material.” You should put this
one on your must-read list; see what all the chatter is about, green or
otherwise.
Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper is about a family
whose young child develops a rare type of leukemia. The parents decide
to have another child genetically designed to save the sick child by
giving her blood, bone marrow, etc. to keep her alive. At age 11, the
second child rebels. How each family member reacts to this claim of
“medical independence” and the moral questions it raises is at the
heart of this book. This is another fascinating tale by Picoult.
The Bellwether Prize for Fiction is awarded biennially to a first
literary novel that addresses issues of social justice. Mudbound
by Hillary Jordan received the award in 2008. 1940s Mississippi comes
alive through the voices of six characters who alternate the chapter
narrations. History, tragedy, romance…farm life, racism, war, and so
much more are a part of this book. Reading it is not for the faint of
heart for there are some very unpleasant scenes in it, but it certainly
conveys a slice of Americana from that time period. Publishers
Weekly describes it as “A superbly rendered depiction of the fury
and terror wrought by racism”.
(Our thanks to Al Blinder, Patricia Edie, Edith
Garvey, Jim and Mary O’Neill, and Dan Stern for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with author name and
a very brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore books" as
the subject. We look forward to hearing from you.)
Jan-Feb 2009
We received several excellent recommendations to
start off the new year, and the descriptions sent in were so
well-written that you are going to see a number of quotation marks in
this article. After all, why fiddle with something that is already
well-expressed?
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is “a
story of a family with all of their travails and successes as told
through the eyes of the family dog, Enzo. Yes, Enzo the dog is the
narrator of the story. As he ages through the story, Enzo reflects on
his life with sensitivity and wisdom not normally attributed to a dog.”
This novel is more than likely to have an emotional impact on the
reader.
“Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) is a very well
written novel of characters clashing and loving in a small dying town
in Maine. The book has won the Pulitzer Prize and been named by Time
magazine as the ‘Best Novel of the Year.’ It is the story of three
families: the aristocratic Whitneys, the Robys, who long to escape the
small town confinement, and the anti-intellectual Mintys. Here, it
evokes Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’. It is a mystery, a story of
an illicit affair, but mostly it is a story of love between parents and
children. Russo’s dialogue and action in everyday ordinary scenes is
terrific.” Russo recently published another excellent novel, The Bridge
of
Sighs, which is also a riveting small town story that captures
one’s heart.
“Are you interested in the difference between modern and tribal
cultures? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend years
in a primitive culture doing anthropological fieldwork? Do you love
reading intricate thrillers? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these
questions, then you will probably enjoy Mischa Berlinski’s remarkable
debut novel, Fieldwork. The book was a 2007 National
Book Award finalist…It’s an intelligent, fascinating and very different
type of novel. Try it and you’ll find yourself on a wild armchair
adventure ride in the primitive hill country of modern Thailand.”
Our first nonfiction suggestion is humorist Russell Baker’s Growing
Up, an “oldie but goodie.” It “is an enchanting memoir of the
journey of a young man growing up during the depression, becoming a
Pulitzer Prize writer and eventual host of PBS’s Masterpiece Theater.
Simply, and with quiet wisdom, he draws us into the struggle to
survive, his mother’s strength, his own shortcomings, and the wonderful
characters that make up his intergenerational family.” His follow-up
book, The Good Times is equally entertaining.
On a more serious note, consider The Omnivore’s Dilemma
by Michael Pollan. “This book is an interesting and very readable
account of the various agricultural systems that bring us our food in
the US: Industrial Agriculture, Organic Agriculture, Sustainable
Agriculture and Hunting & Foraging. It answers the questions,
‘Where does my food come from? and What am I eating anyway?” After
reading this book, my eating habits changed!”
Finally, how about a romp through the entertainment world with Barbara
Walters? Audition is just the ticket. “After a slow
start, this turns out to be a fascinating autobiography. She [Walters}
really had to fight to break the Boy’s Club of broadcasting. It seems
she interviewed anyone worth talking to.”
(Our thanks go to Barbara Case, Lucia Dzwonczyk, Luke
Dzwonczyk, Patricia Edie, Chuck Herring, and Helen
Leven for contributing to our list. Please send your
titles, with the author's name and a brief description to Mary Oran.
Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. We look
forward to hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2008
To show that Nobel “judge” that American writers
aren’t as “insular” as he claims, we are recommending three excellent
pieces of fiction by American writers who have focused on settings in
Japan, China, and Rome.
The first selection, The Commoner, by John B. Schwartz,
depicts the rigid Japanese monarchy after WWII. It tells of the
first-time marriage of Japan’s prince with a non-royal woman. Through
her eyes, one sees the restrictions and protocols imposed upon an
intelligent, modern woman who protests her lack of freedom. The story
parallels actual Japanese events. It is a fascinating study of what
goes on beyond the moat and behind the imperial walls.
Peony in Love by Lisa See is narrated by a ghost.
The book reveals the life of a young girl from a successful family, her
hopes and dreams and death (No, I’m not giving anything away!). The
majority of the book takes place from her after-life point of view.
This narrative offers an intriguing view of Chinese beliefs and
customs, a horrific description of the Manchu rebellion, and culminates
in a better understanding of the culture.
Stephen Saylor’s Roma is an impressive work of
historical fiction. Each chapter is devoted to a significant time
period in the city of Rome, beginning when it is a source of salt, and
ending in the time of Augustus. It follows the fortunes and misfortunes
of two family lines that play varied roles in Rome’s progress. Romulus
and Remus...vestal virgins...playwrights...wars and
warriors...Caesar...barbarians...rape and pillage...architecture...you
name it, it’s all here in this epic novel. It’s an entertaining way to
refresh your knowledge of Roman history.
The first nonfiction recommendation is Comfort by Ann
Hood. She writes of her tortuous journey trying to cope with the sudden
death of her five year old daughter Gracie. While she conveys the sense
of disbelief, helplessness and raw pain that accompanied this event,
she also weaves in an energy and lust for life that is redeeming. In
spite of the topic, the book is not a “downer”. It is an inspiration
that reminds us that there is hope for all of us who have difficult
journeys in our future.
How about a complete turnabout? The Life and Times of the
Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson is called “A
laugh-out-loud pilgrimage” by Tom Brokaw. Bryson was born in 1951 in
Des Moines, Iowa, and this is his hilarious tale of growing up in
middle America. He presents the simple pleasures of boyhood, and the
fantasy life he had as a superhero- the thunderbolt kid. The book has
also been described as “an exercise in hyperbole.” Go on —give it a
try!
As long as we are pushing humor, consider Humor for the Holidays.
The
book
has
stories, quips and quotes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
New Year’s. It has the perfect material to get family members of all
ages laughing or a cocktail party off the ground. You might want to
take a gander at lists telling you what not to get your wife or husband
for Christmas, or at the tips for kids, including mashed potato
sculpting. (Also, you should know, without even trying it, that you
won’t like mince pie until at least age 30).
Here’s my annual New Year’s plea — recommend some books to me — please?
(Our thanks go to Patricia Edie and Edith Garvey for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with the author's
name and a very brief description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore
Books" as the subject to your email. We look forward to hearing from
you.)
Sep-Oct 2008
This “Book Shelf” article is like no other. For
the first time, all of the recommended titles come from fellow
Omniloreans; no personal recommendations from me. Hooray!
Our fiction entries begin with Birdsong by British
author Sebastian Faulks. This novel is representative of the clear,
descriptive prose that runs through all of his fiction. A captivating
story of love, heartbreak and renewal set against the horrors and
devastation of World War I, it shows the agony and despair of the
soldiers in the trenches of Belgium and France. A descendant of one of
the soldiers is searching for answers to a terrible event that
occurred. The vivid descriptions and the captivating story line both
contribute to a wonderful reading experience.
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones offers a remote Solomon
Island as the setting. Most of the men have left the island, but one
white man, married to a native woman, remains, and he reopens the
school and offers to teach the children. He reads them Great
Expectations, which captures their imagination and ultimately
changes some lives for the better. The power of books! The wonder of
the human imagination! This is captured in this special story.
Based on a true story that took place in the late 1800s in northwestern
Mexico, The Hummingbird’s Daughter, by Luis Alberto
Urrea, provides a panoramic description of the place and time. It is
the story of a mestizo girl who is believed to have magical healing
powers. It is both a scholarly and riveting tale.
For nonfiction, two history books received kudos. Savage
Kingdom: the True Story of Jamestown,1607 and the Settlement of America
by Benjamin Woolley is a fast-paced narrative that sets the historical
record straight. Jamestown’s founding, the daily struggles of the first
settlers, the Virginia Company, and the natives of the area are
presented. The author details the numerous difficult and
life-threatening episodes that formed the beginning of the settlement
and covers the economic influence of the area as America grows.
Ned Sublette’s The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish
Silver to Congo Square presents the development of New Orleans
from European colonization through the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.
While this is a comprehensive history of the city, it is also much
more. The unique culture developed by the slaves as well as Cuban,
Caribbean, and Haitian influences resulted in an alternative path for
African-American culture. The Boston Globe, in describing
Sublette’s book, said “The best argument yet for why we need to save
New Orleans.”
Next is a book with two subtitles, depending on which edition one has. Murder
in
Amsterdam by Ian Buruma is subtitled “The Death of Theo van
Gogh and the Limits of Tolerance” in one edition, and “Liberal Europe,
Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance” in another edition. The Dutch-born
author who is now an American journalist, returned to his native
country after van Gogh’s death to explore why it had happened. He found
much more than a terrorist act. The book is a provocative critique of
national identity, civilization, and the culture of the west. Does
tolerance have its limits? That’s one question Buruma confronts.
How fascinating the brain is; a few centuries ago it was thought of as
a 3 pound glob. Now we know better! In An Alchemy of Mind: the
Marvel and Mystery of the Brain, Diane Ackerman devotes her
usual clear, lyrical writing to a subject we can all relate to —how our
brain works. Covering such topics as consciousness, language, mental
differences between genders, passion and emotion, and self-identity,
Ackerman presents scientific material in a poetic manner.
All those nonfiction offerings are serious reading, so we will close
with a more light-hearted suggestion. Wendy Northcutt’s The
Darwin Awards are fun books that show the follies and foibles
of mankind. Consider some of the subtitles and you will get the idea:
“The Descent of Man,’ “Felonious Failures,” “Unnatural Selection,”
“More True Stories of How Dumb Humans Have Met Their Maker,” and
“Evolution in Action”. Get the idea? If you’re in the mood for some
hearty laughs, these books are perfect!
(Our thanks go to Joyce Barham, Patricia Edie, Margaret
Ellis, Edith Garvey, C. H. Gray, Chuck Herring,
and
Jim O’Neill for contributing to our list. Please send your
titles, with author name and a very brief description, to Mary Oran.
Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject. We look forward to hearing
from you.)
Jul-Aug. 2008
Oliver Wendell Holmes said “One’s mind, once
stretched by a new idea, never regains the original dimensions.”
Hopefully the books suggested in this issue will offer some stretching
opportunities for you!
First up is The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee.
Both a memoir and a history, this writing is for people who love
reading, love books, love browsing in bookstores, and can’t resist
adding books to the stacks already at home! Buzbee fluidly tells tales
of his life in the book business while interweaving the history of book
publishing and bookstores. Beautiful descriptions and fascinating
trivia add to this delightful tome. It is an unusual treasure to add to
that “must-read” stack.
Life Is So Good by George Dawson (ghost written by
Richard Glaubman) is the story of 101 year old Dawson, the grandson of
a slave in Marshall, Texas; Dawson started work at the age of 4, and
finally learned to read at the age of 98. In the book he reflects on
the philosophy he learned from his father, that “life is good.”
Uplifting in showing how attitude is everything, it also gives a
wonderful historic account of 20th century America through the eyes of
a black man. The book was written in 2000; Dawson passed away in July,
2001. This story is inspirational; tissues are advised.
How obsessed are you with your diet and the foods you eat? How have
your nutritional habits changed over the years? Michael Pollan’s In
Defense
of
Food:
An Eater’s Manifesto examines our unhealthy
preoccupation with everything dietary. He looks at the diet bullies,
the processed food industry, marketers, nutritional scientists, and
while he doesn’t preach to the reader, he implies that change is
necessary. “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” Try to avoid snack
foods while reading this one.
For our fiction entries this month, consider Donna Leon and her
captivating mysteries for good vacation reading. She has written
seventeen novels centered on Commissario Guido Brunetti, all set in
beautiful Venice, Italy. The city is as important in each of these
novels as the plot — the food, family, art, history, politics, all
aspects of Venetian life are vividly brought to life. Brunetti has an
intelligence, wit, and sensitivity that makes these books addicting.
All of the books are good; a few of the titles are Death at La
Fenice, Acqua Alta, and Dressed for Death.
Markus Zurak’s The Book Thief is one of the most
compelling books I have read in years. Related by Death (who is a
fascinating spirit as he weaves in and out of the narrative), the story
is set in a small German town in the beginning years of WWII. A young
girl, her “adopted” family, and various vivid village inhabitants are
presented over a four year period, as the war accelerates. The impact
of various events on the girl, her family, and the village is
powerfully presented. The author’s writing style is exceptionally good,
the personalities portrayed are memorable, and the emotional impact is
strong. I’m sticking my neck out here, but if you only put one book on
your list this year, make it this one!
Finally, a quirky little piece by Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad,
is
the
myth
of Penelope and Odysseus as told from Penelope’s point of
view. It starts before their betrothal and continues on through the
long years until his return. Amidst the story line is some poetry, some
songs (sung by a Greek chorus, of course) and doses of wit and humor.
For a whole different take on the famous couple, this book is a little
gem.
(Our thanks to Patricia Edie for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with the author's name and a brief description
to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
We look forward to hearing from you!)
May-Jun 2008
It’s almost time for those two magical words —
“summer reading.” There is something special about a sunny day, a
little breeze, a comfortable seat, and a good book. Perhaps the
suggestions this month will complete the picture.
I Wish I’d Been There: Twenty Historians Bring to Life
Dramatic Events That Changed America, edited by Byron
Hollinshead, is an anthology of “participatory fantasies.” Through the
imagined experiences of the historians, we spend a day in 11th century
Cahokia, join Meriwether Lewis on the Continental Divide, experience
the death of Lincoln and M. L. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and much
more. In some of the essays, one will see that politics hasn’t changed
much. The approaches are varied and the arrangement of the events is
chronological. This is one of those books that one can read in little
bits, and not necessarily in order.
CBS roving correspondent Bill Geist offers a collection of quirky and
unusual places around America in Way Off the Road. Meet
Kathy DeBruin, known as the “Annie Leibovitz of cow portraiture”. Visit
the Land of Lost Luggage in Scottsboro, Alabama and Boston’s Museum of
Dirt. Almost thirty tales that will amaze and amuse may even inspire
one’s next road trip. This is a delightful little picture of offbeat
America.
For those wishing for a more serious presentation in American history,
consider Doris Kearns Goodwin's A Team of Rivals. This
presentation offers marvelous insight into the life of Lincoln and his
political genius through his relationship with three men he selects for
his cabinet (all of them opposed his candidacy). These men were shocked
by his victory, but came to respect and admire Lincoln as his
presidency evolved.
As for the fiction selections this month, the classic to read is The
Country
of
the
Pointed Firs and Other Stories by Sarah Orne
Jewett. Published in 1896, the novel and selected stories center on a
fictional town in rural Maine. The narrator is a visitor one summer and
writes portraits of the town’s residents, with bits and pieces of their
lives. It has been described as “…a New England idyll rooted in
friendship”. This is perfect summer reading, with the imagery of the
sea and the tang of salt air weaving its spell.
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (author of Atonement,
Enduring
Love) is a novella set in 1962 . It is a beautifully told
but sad story about inexperienced newlyweds and what happens on their
wedding night. The narratives and memories of one fateful night seem
like a classical drama as they unfold. This is a short but memorable
reading experience.
If a totally frivolous novel is what one is looking for, The
Oscar Season by Mary MacNamara (Los Angeles Times
entertainment reporter) is just the ticket! It is a mystery with a
number of twists. The setting is the Pinnacle Hotel, the place where
anyone who is anyone connected with the awards meets and stays. One
gets an inside view of what goes on at a hotel during the busy season.
The references to local landmarks and famous people give the novel
extra “spice.” Both mystery and a little romance make this a great
escapist read.
As usual, we would really welcome suggestions from our 250+ members.
Please take a few minutes to email us the name of a book you have
enjoyed. Share the richness of reading.
(Our thanks to Al Blinder and Helen Leven for
contributing to our list. Please send your suggestions, with title,
author name and a brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore
Books" as the subject to your email. We look forward to hearing from
you!)
Mar-Apr 2008
Two of our recommendations this month have, as a
foundation, diaries and journals from World War II. The first, The
Zookeeper’s
Wife:
A
War Story by Diane Ackerman (praised by
many of our Omnilore members for her Natural History of the
Senses) is a true story of wartime Poland, based on the diaries
of Antonina Zabinski, the wife of Jan Zabinski, who ran the Warsaw Zoo.
This courageous couple sheltered over 300 jews from the Warsaw Ghetto,
constantly risking the lives of themselves and family. In this
beautifully crafted work, Ackerman has thoroughly researched the time
period and tells not only of other heroes of the time, but gives a
wonderful picture of zoo life, animal behavior, and the harrowing
experiences of the people of Warsaw.
Italy is the scene of our second piece of wartime nonfiction. Iris
Origo's War in Val D'Orcia: An Italian War Diary- 1943-1944
presents a daily record of living in Tuscany during the war. The
author's personal account gives a day to day picture of life in rural
Italy. She is an American/Briton and her husband is an Italian
landowner. Together they protected the poor people in their community,
hid escaped Allied prisoners of war, sheltered over 60 orphans, and
stood up to the Germans. One reviewer indicated that this inspiring
work belongs to "the literature of humanity".
If you are concerned with the increasing threat of secrecy in America,
you should read Nation of Secrets: The Threat to Democracy and
the American Way of Life. Author Ted Gup is a former Washington
Post and Time magazine investigative reporter. His premise
is that secrecy in the federal government, on college campuses, in
courts and in the corporate world, is generally undercutting a central
condition necessary in a democracy - the ability to know.
For fiction readers, we offer three diverse works. Away
by Amy Bloom tells of a larger-than-life Russian immigrant who claws
her way through life to find a child left for dead in Russia. She
starts in New York tenement life and ultimately walks through Alaska.
This book has been called “epic storytelling.” Taking place in the
early part of the 20th century, it presents a vivid picture of the
immigrant experience.
Angell, Pearl and Little God by Winston Graham is
what one would call “an oldie but timeless.” It is the story of a love
triangle portrayed by a masterful English writer. Described as having a
sharp and interesting style, Graham develops three fascinating
characters in this piece.
If historical fiction is to your liking, then To Spit Against
the Wind: A Novel About the Turbulent Life of Tom Paine should
definitely be on your personal booklist. In this biographical novel,
author Bernard Levin presents the life of one of America's most
brilliant and misunderstood heroes. While Paine was of major importance
to our eventual independence, he definitely didn't lead a "charmed"
life.
Whether the rain is pouring or the sun is shining, we hope you find at
least one of these books to your liking!
(Our thanks to Al Blinder, Patricia Edie and Helen
Leven for contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with
author name and a very brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore books" as the subject. We look forward to hearing from you.)
Jan-Feb 2008
Welcome to a new year of reading. When we are
gathered during our breaks and at our forums, I frequently hear people
talking about books. It would be wonderful if those discussions would
result in some recommendations coming our way. This would give us an
opportunity to offer a diversity of reading. Please consider making a
resolution this year to send some ideas our way!
The nonfiction choices this month feature two remarkable women and one
remarkable language. Grayson by Lynne Cox is a true-life
account of an extraordinary ocean adventure. When the author was 17,
she trained for marathon swimming off the coast of Seal Beach. A lost
baby whale (she named him Grayson) became her underwater companion.
This is the story of her determination to reunite the baby with his
mom. It is a joyful little book that offers wonderful descriptions of
the ocean as well.
Georgina Howell’s Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of
Nations makes use of letters, diaries and Bell’s publications
to tell the story of one of Britain’s most famous travelers. Bell’s
life covered 1868 to 1926, and in that life she was known as an
explorer, travel writer, translator of Sufi verse, scholar and spy.
What she ventured to do is truly amazing. This biography may be long,
but it is a gripping read. (Note: It will be coming out in paperback in
a few months).
If you love our language, with all its peculiarities, you will enjoy Mother
Tongue. Author Bill Bryson provides insight into both British
and American English, showing how the language evolved with uncertain
grammar, spelling and pronunciation. The presentation of the changes
keeps the reader turning each page, wondering what the next revelation
will be. Bryson is always an entertaining writer and prolific as well.
You might want to check out some of his other works too.
Our fiction recommendation is a delightful little book called An
Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. It tells the story of Queen
Elizabeth II’s discovery of a book mobile outside her castle (her
corgis were barking at it). This marks the beginning of the Queen's
reading "binge". Her passion for reading begins to change all sorts of
courtly things, much to the court’s distress. The literary references
and character portrayals are clever and fun. This book will leave you
smiling!
The other two recommendations are memoirs rather than fiction; both
have the same essential theme - childhood survival in extreme
circumstances. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells is
the story of Wells and her siblings, children of off-the-wall parents,
and how they have to fend for themselves. The parents are oblivious to
the empty refrigerator, the leaking roof, the tattered clothes. The
children rescue each other and break out of that existence. The
Liar’s Club by Mary Karr tells of a child growing up in a Texas
refinery town. The father is a drunk, and the title refers to his
gatherings with his cronies at the local bar where he would spin his
lies. Though some of the scenes are appalling, the story is told with
humor, and one critic described this book as “howlingly tragic and
howlingly funny.” Both of these memoirs leave the reader with an
admiration for the children and an appreciation for the spirit that
allows them to cope and survive.
Again, please tell us about books that Omnilore members would enjoy.
Also, you can check out all of the "Bookshelf" recommendations on our
website; there are approximately 125 books on the list —something for
everyone!
(Our thanks go to Patricia Edie, Edith Garvey, and Chuck
Herring for contributing to our list. Please send your
titles, with the author's name and a brief description to Mary Oran.
Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. We look
forward to hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2007
"The universe is made of stories, not atoms."
Muriel Rukeyser, American poet stated this, and on a metaphorical
level, it is true. This month's selections are all stories of the human
experience. Hopefully you will find that at least one of them touches
your own personal story line.
Ivan Doig’s The Whistling Season is set in rural
Montana, beginning in the fall of 1909. The narrator, an aging state
superintendent of schools, must decide the fate of the remaining rural
schools in Montana. He is a product of those schools, and relates the
experiences of his seventh grade, his motherless family, and the hard
life in the rural environment. The setting, the characters, the
humorous and sad events that compose the book are beautifully
presented. This is perfect reading for a winter day or evening, and its
scenes will stay with you long after you have read the last page.
Going much further back in time, The Birth of Venus by
Sarah Dunant is a delightful piece of historical fiction taking place
in 15th century Florence. The Medici Family, Savonarola, and the city's
culture are highlighted through the eyes of the daughter of a wealthy
fabric merchant. In the course of the action, the reader sees how the
church, the diseases, and the political events affect individual lives.
If one has visited Florence, the descriptions will add to the reading
pleasure. A compelling and colorful story offers some insights to the
past.
Autobiography of an Elderly Woman, by Anonymous is
a tricky book to classify. Is it fiction or nonfiction? Originally
published in 1911, it is written from the perspective of an elderly
woman who bemoans her existence because of the hovering of her adult
children. The book was actually the work of 37-year-old Mary Heaton
Vorse, a Greenwich Village bohemian and radical journalist who wrote it
in the voice of her mother. The mother rebelled against the constant
interference of her overprotective children. "Every moment of our lives
we are preparing for age; carving out the faces that we are to wear."
Recently republished, the messages and observations are current!
A detailed account of the surveying and mapping of the territory that
became the United States is the focus of The Fabric of America
by Andro Linklater. From early colonial times through the post
revolutionary period, and later the expansion and division of the
Louisiana-purchased territories into individual states, the book
reveals how Andrew Ellicott (self-educated astronomer, mathematician,
and surveyor), commissioned by President Washington, delineated the
boundaries of the capital of the new nation. Later he surveyed and
mapped much of the northern and southern boundaries of the country and
established principles used in cartography. Meriwether Lewis and
William Clark also come into play in this fascinating history.
On a lighter vein, Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry (of "LA Law"
fame) wrote the memoir Living in a Foreign Language. The
couple bought a small "rustico" in Umbria. The story is not so much
about the restoration process as it is about their experiences as they
are drawn into the daily life of their community. The descriptions of
the food and wine are enough to send the reader to the nearest Italian
restaurant — immediately! Additionally, it tells the beautiful story of
their relationship.
Finally, this may be a book you will like or you will hate - The
End of Faith by Sam Harris. The subtitle, "Religion, Terror and
the Future of Reason" offers a good summary of the content. The author
contends that faith is the most dangerous element of modern life. He
indicates that faith, as contrasted with reliance on evidence, has
proved to be a cure worse than the disease. He also proposes alternate
approaches to the mysteries of life, and has a comprehensive
bibliography for those who wish to pursue this fascinating topic.
In the spirit of the season, how about giving us some book
recommendations?????
(Our thanks go to Marilyn Denno, Patricia Edie, Chuck
Gray, and Rich Mansfield for contributing to our list.
Please send your titles, with the author's name and a very brief
description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to
your email. We look forward to hearing from you.)
Sep-Oct 2007
In most of our “Book Shelf” columns, the
recommendations have concentrated on works outside the best seller
lists. This time, however, there are two recommendations from
Omniloreans that are best sellers, and books that simply shouldn’t be
missed.
Joan Didion's A Year of Magical Thinking. is a
remarkable piece of nonfiction describing the author's reactions and
emotions after the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne.
"Life changes fast, life changes in an instant" begins the book. In
this very moving story she shares her thoughts and her search for
understanding. This book is neither self-pitying nor depressing. It
offers an honest look at grief - something that affects all of us at
some unexpected time in our lives.
The other best seller is A Thousand Splendid Suns by
Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner). Again, the setting is
Afghanistan. It is about love and friendship and the meaning of family
ties during a time of invasion and tyrannical governance. Most of all,
it is a shocking revelation of the treatment of women throughout these
years, and of their remarkable resilience. The memorable characters
will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
For another trip back in time, consider Medicus: a Novel of the
Roman Empire by first time novelist Ruth Downie. Set in
Roman-occupied Britain and featuring wry army doctor Gaius Petreius
Ruso, this novel is a delight of period detail, humor, and suspense.
Ruso has just arrived at his assignment; he is overworked, underpaid,
and a sucker for taking care of those he should probably ignore. He may
not have the best bedside manner, but, as critics say, he has a "sullen
charm!"
For those still beaching it, cruising it, or escaping it, this piece of
"chick lit" was recommended as being "the best of its genre." The
Guy
Not
Taken by Jennifer Weiner is a collection of 11 stories
that follow the sometimes serious, sometimes hilarious progress of love
and relationships in the course of a lifetime. Maybe it’s just the
ticket for that wait in the dental or doctor office?
Back to the very serious, we have The World Is Flat: A Brief
History of the 21st Century. Author Thomas J. Friedman shows
the "surprising advances and ubiquity of the computer revolution in the
world at large." Think of "flat" as meaning "connected." He offers
facts one can't ignore, and Friedman is definitely a writer one can't
ignore either!
White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the
Promise of the Civil Rights Era Shelby Steele says it all in
the title, indicating that white guilt has been exploited, resulting in
a lack of progress in black achievement. Did blacks make a deal with
the devil by exchanging control for handouts? This is a controversial
piece of prose that raises a number of questions.
Most people have read the powerful short holocaust novel, Night,
by Elie Wiesel. But how many of you have read Dawn?
Equally concise, it is a night-to-dawn narrative centered on Elisha, a
young holocaust survivor and Israeli freedom fighter, who is scheduled
to assassinate an English officer in retribution for a British
execution. What dilemmas does conflict bring us to? Justifications,
compromises, horrors of the past and present…one reads the book feeling
the same anguish and torn feelings as Elisha and the officer.
Remember, if any examples of the printed word please you, we would like
to know about them!
(Our thanks go to Edith Garvey, Rich Mansfield, Nancy
Shannon, and Midge Solomon for contributing to our list.
Please send your titles, with author name and a very brief
description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject.
We look forward to hearing from you.)
Jul-Aug. 2007
The books recommended this month will hopefully
appeal to you whether you are traveling or lounging in your backyard -
or sitting in your comfortable chair with your favorite beverage.
Enjoy!
We have some nonfiction titles this month that will open your minds to
some new ideas. The Future and Its Enemies by Virginia
Postrel describes two kinds of people that she terms "dynamists" and
"stasists." The dynamists embrace the future with the technological and
social change it brings; the stasists fear change and/or hang on to
memories of an imagined former "golden era." The stasists try to apply
old solutions to current problems. The viewpoints of these two groups
provide a different dimension by which to evaluate policies and
candidates. Forward-looking progressive or backward-looking
reactionary? With elections in the offing, this is a worthwhile reading
choice to consider.
Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our History
by Kati Marton consists of twelve biographical sketches of twentieth
century presidents and their first ladies. While the concentration is
on post 1960 couples, the chapters on the Wilsons and Roosevelts
provide a strong beginning to the book. How much influence do First
Ladies really have? Read this one for some insights!
Journalist David Brooks examines the rapid rise of a new group of
leaders based on a meritocracy of "genius and geniality" in Bobos
in
Paradise
—
The New Upper Class and How They Got There.
According to Brooks, this meritocracy resulted in significant part from
Harvard's shift in admissions policy during the 1950s, and the
subsequent similar raising of academic standards by other major
universities. This new class of leaders has benefited from their
talents and education, leveraged by new technologies; this has
contributed to the rapid rise of new fortunes in the US.
Have you thought about gene splicing and its unknown possibilities,
especially when applied to humans? Are transgenetic scientists
performing experiments that are outlawed? What to read next? Next!
This intriguing piece of fiction by Michael Crichton is an exciting
story about bioscientists threatened by the results of their own work,
including an unintended experiment with humans, and the adventures of
their strange creations in the modern world.
If reading a mystery is your idea of a good time, consider Ariana
Franklin’s Mistress of the Art of Death. This is the
story of children being murdered in 12th century Cambridge, and a
forensic doctor being brought in to solve the crimes. Described as time
travel at its best, this is a well written and researched piece that
includes Latin, Greek, Hebrew (all translated!) as well as local
dialects and medieval English.
For something different, consider A Measure of Love by
Christopher Wilkins. This is a stylish and witty novel about the
history of clocks, time and time-keeping, love and presenile dementia;
the story lays bare everything that matters in a marvelous and moving
way.
Whatever you read, I hope it is a good experience. And if you read
something REALLY good, let us know about it!
(Our thanks go to George Clark, Lucia Dzwonczyk, Jay
Edie and Midge Solomon for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with the author's name and a brief
description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to
your email. We look forward to hearing from you!)
May-Jun 2007
All of the wonderful suggestions received since
our last newsletter have been fiction; consequently, here is a feast of
fiction reading for spring and early summer. These are great titles for
vacation reading.
Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat (he has served in Turkey, Great
Britain, Ethiopia and the United States) whose first novel is entitled Q
&
A. The book opens with the protagonist, Ram Mohammad
Thomas, in jail for correctly answering all twelve questions on India's
biggest quiz show, "Who Will Win a Billion?" (A decidedly different
version of our popular "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?".) The story
that follows is a beguiling blend of high comedy, drama and romance in
which humanity is revealed in all of its squalor and glory. This is a
different but delightful book!
Another book with an India setting is One Last Look by
Susanna Moore. It is a story taken from an actual journal and diaries,
and tells of a man who is appointed Governor General of India. His
appointment begins in 1836. The novel details the life of the man and
his two sisters, and shows magnificently the beginning of the end of
English imperialism.
For those of you who like long books to really get into, consider Widow
of
the
South by Robert Hicks. Taking place in Tennessee during
the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin, the novel centers on a bitter,
reclusive woman who, because of the battle and its consequences,
changes her outlook. Against her wishes, her home is requisitioned by a
Confederate general as a hospital for wounded soldiers. The
protagonist, Carrie McGavock, begins to work day and night to help the
wounded and to console the dying. In doing so she becomes a different
woman, finding her way back into the world and carrying out a
significant mission.
My Jim, by Nancy Rawles, is the story of the
runaway slave in Twain's Huckleberry Finn. The story is told
from the perspective of Jim’s wife. It is written in the vernacular,
giving the text a richness and authenticity that so many "period
pieces" lack.
For lovers of mystery and suspense, Joseph Kanon’s The Prodigal
Spy is recommended. Nine year old Nick Kotlar's life is turned
upside down when his father is accused of being a communist spy during
the McCarthy hearings. In an effort to help his father, Nick destroys a
piece of evidence; then a key witness is found dead and Nick's father
disappears. Twenty years later Nick is in London participating in a
Vietnam War protest when a young woman journalist gives him a message
from his father. Nick travels to Soviet-occupied Prague and confronts
his father. This intriguing spy story evokes recent history set against
of the relationship of a father and son.
For something different, try Travels in the Scriptorium,
an offbeat fabulist story by Paul Auster. It presents one day in the
life of Mr. Blank, who wakes up in a room and has no memory of who he
is or how he got there. He pieces together clues to his past and the
identity of the captors in what one reader describes as "this fantastic
labyrinthine novel."
We end this month with a real home run, a piece of baseball fiction by
Steve Kluger — Last Days of Summer. Beginning in 1936,
the story relates the correspondence of a 12 year old boy with his
baseball hero. But there is so much more. Joey Margolis also
corresponds with FDR's press secretary and other real life figures. The
book doesn't have a normal text. In addition to letters, it has box
scores, newspaper articles, war bulletins, and much more. I'm going out
on a limb here, but Last Days of Summer is one of the
funniest, most delightful and most moving books I have ever read. At
times I was laughing out loud and other times I was sobbing. Joey is a
one-of-a-kind kid who manages to accomplish a lot in his young life.
While baseball fans will find the book especially amusing, one doesn't
have to understand or like baseball to enjoy the book. Trust me on this
one! It's the perfect summer read.
And now — three questions. Is anyone reading any good nonfiction? Or
remembering some good nonfiction from the past? And are any male
Omniloreans doing any reading? Tell me!
(Our thanks to Lucia Dzwonczyk, Patricia Edie, Edith
Garvey, Gloria Jacobs, and Midge Solomon for
contributing to our list. Please send your suggestions, with
title, author name and a brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. We look forward to
hearing from you!)
Mar-Apr 2007
Before we present this month's selections,
another plea comes your way. We know the majority of Omniloreans are
readers. And most Omniloreans have email too. So is it asking too much
to request you to recommend the good books you are reading? Help me out
here! My tastes go in certain directions, and I would like to have all
directions covered. Please think about your lifetime of reading and
books that have stayed with you. Tell me about them.
One of our members selected the perfect book for Omniloreans before it
even hit the nonfiction best seller charts. The Intellectual
Devotional: Revive Your Mind, Complete Your Education, and Roam
Confidently with the Cultured Class, by David S. Kidder and
Noah D. Oppenheim, is the perfect book to pick up every day. It offers
365 daily lessons from the seven fields of knowledge. The one page
lessons cover History, Literature, Visual Arts, Science, Music,
Philosophy, and Religion. 52 weekly lessons on each of these subjects!
In some cases the material may be a review of what you already know,
but in others, you are definitely going to learn something new. I am
currently resisting the temptation to read ahead.
Another nonfiction item that offers diverse material is The Book
That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That
Matter Most to Them. Edited by Roxanne J. Coady and Joy
Johannessen, the 71 writers present the first book that changed the way
they thought about things, or stirred a strong emotion, or introduced
them to a character they have never forgotten. The majority of the
entries are two pages, and feature the selections of Kate Atkinson,
Billy Collins, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Sebastian
Junger, Alice Hoffman, and Frank McCourt, among others. And their
choices are fascinating! Who would think that chef Jacques Pepin would
cite Camus? And Michael Stern presents the Sears Catalogue as his
choice! This book is a great browser!
Our third nonfiction entry is And Still We Rise: The Trials and
Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner City Students. Author Miles
Corwin, a veteran Los Angeles Times reporter, spent a year with
these students (and their teachers) in south central LA. He sat in the
classrooms where bullets zinged past windows. He observed how both
students and teachers transcended the many obstacles that confronted
them. This is an inspiring profile of high achievers, and is both
engrossing and heartbreaking. Education and the school system is
constantly in the news. Read about some of the successes that
determination and discipline achieve.
Our classic fiction this month is Michael Shaara’s Killer Angels.
You
won't
find
a better historical novel than this American war
classic, the story of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a Maine college
professor at the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is told from both the
Union and Confederate point of view. Chamberlain, an amateur soldier,
anchored the left flank of the union forces, and his decisive action
was the turning point of a battle that ultimately was the turning point
of the Civil War.
It’s about time we recognized a science fiction classic. A
Canticle for Leibowitz has been compared to 1984
and Brave New World. Walter J. Miller Jr.’s novel is set
in the future, an age of darkness that is full of ignorance. Is there
any hope for humanity? Imaginative, comic, and grim, the story is a
search for meaning and truth. Read it and find out, perhaps, why an
"ancient" shopping list is a sacred document. This is compelling
writing at its best!
(Our thanks go to Luke Dzwonczyk and Chuck Herring for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with author
name and a brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books"
as the subject to your email. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Jan-Feb 2007
Whether the weather is freezing or warm, one can
always find a good excuse to get comfortable and read. Hopefully your
2007 resolutions include giving yourself time to explore the written
word.
There are two nonfiction recommendations this month. The first, by New
York
Times journalist Howard W. French, is A Continent for
the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa. The author offers
unforgettable eyewitness reportage on major 20th-21st century events,
including the AIDS crisis, the Ebola crisis, the Rwanda genocide, and
the child-soldiers of Liberia. Additionally, he writes of the corrupt
tyrants of many African nations. Little hope and a lot of tragedy are
reflected here, but it certainly offers a clear-eyed vision of the
continent most Americans know so little about.
His Brother’s Keeper: A Story from the Edge of Medicine,
by
Jonathan
Wiener,
focuses on the ethical issues we must face in light
of the many new gene therapies being developed. How much tinkering with
life should society be allowed to do?
Not too many political thrillers have Tibet as a setting, and that is
one of the features that makes The Skull Mantra by Eliot
Pattison an exciting read. A forced labor camp where the Chinese have
imprisoned Buddhist monks, local dissidents, and a former Inspector
General of the Ministry of Economy in Beijing is the setting. When an
important Chinese official turns up dead, the Inspector is called upon
to solve the crime, or his prison friends will suffer. The story is a
combination of excitement and enlightenment!
A recent original novel by Ronlyn Domingue, The Mercy of Thin Air,
involves
a
“between”
— a so-called “realm that exists after life and
before whatever lies beyond it.” The novel entwines two tragic love
stories (1920s and end of 20th century). Critics have praised the
“clear and resilient” prose, and the ending is described as
“breath-taking.”
Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer’s The Pickup has two
settings — South Africa and a nameless, impoverished desert country. It
is about a “pick-up”, the two people involved (a wealthy young white
woman and a black mechanic), and the realities they face.
Immigration/emigration, love, power, and the world of today are all
part of this gifted writer’s involving prose.
Finally, a step back in time to a writer of “good yarns” — Nevil Shute.
No Highway, originally published in 1948, features
a scientist who is en route to Labrador to investigate a plane crash.
His flight turns out to be dangerous as well. Shute was a World War I
veteran who thought of himself as an engineer, and worked in the
aerospace industry. He is thought to be the first to explore the
concept of metal fatigue in planes, and this comes through in this
novel.
(Our thanks go to Christine Rhodes and Midge Solomon
for contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with the
author's name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. Or, drop your
suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look
forward to hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2006
A reminder to all of you to take some time to
relax the next few months and pull out some of your favorite readings
to enjoy again. Whether they are holiday classics, beautiful poems of
the season, or wintry tales perfect for the fireside, give yourself the
pleasure of reading —maybe aloud!
Meanwhile, we have some recommendations this month that may be good for
your gift list. The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita
Diament (of "The Red Tent" fame) is a haunting novel about a forgotten
chapter of early American life. In this decrepit settlement at the
heart of Cape Ann, Dogtown residents cope with day to day existence.
Widows, orphans, free Africans, scoundrels, witches, and spinsters
inhabit the story that turns into an affirmation of life. This is a
historical novel with vivid and compelling description.
Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men has been
receiving attention due to the Sean Penn movie on screen. Ignore the
movie's mixed reviews and read the real thing. This American classic is
described as a book of poetry and willpower, of twists and turns. The
setting may be Depression era politics in Louisiana, but the relevance
rings true today.
We have had author Geraldine Brooks appear in this column before. With
her latest, March, she has another winner. It is the
story of the father of Alcott’s girls from Little Women. Much of it is
his narration of how he came to be involved in the war to free the
slaves. When he enlists, he becomes a chaplain. His experiences in
battle, in early reconstruction attempts, and in the military hospital
are all graphically told. His sense of failure is deeply felt. This
compact but intense book is no sentimental addition to Alcott's
writings. It definitely stands on its own, featuring historical figures
such as John Brown, Emerson, and Thoreau.
Our final fiction offering is Water for Elephants. It is
a richly textured novel about a traveling circus during the Depression.
The story is revealed through the voice of the an elderly resident of a
nursing home. Sara Gruen has certainly done her research on circus
life, and she enhances the novel with actual photos of circuses. While
introducing us to offbeat circus characters, Gruen also takes an
insightful look at aging in America. This is a really good read!
Everyone needs a good laugh. Marley & Me: Life & Love
With the World's Worst Dog is just the ticket. John Grogan
offers this memoir about the puppy that he and his wife adopt.
Actually, Marley is just an adorable golden lab who has special needs.
From the time the family adopts him, Marley offers challenges. Failing
Obedience School is only the tip of the iceberg. The reader is
guaranteed to be laughing nonstop at some points. The narrative is a
bit of an emotional roller coaster , but worth every minute spent on
it. This is a truly delightful and touching tribute to a pet that is
part of a family.
Is there a bibliophile, a bibliopole or a bibliophagist in your life?
Then Bibliotopia, compiled by Steven Gilbar is the
perfect book. Subtitled "Mr. Gilbar's Book of Books & Catch-all of
Literary Facts and Curiosities," the text features lists, quotations,
author trivia and book-related facts. Did you know that the first
printing press in the New World was established in Mexico City in 1533?
Or that the phrases "wild goose chase" and "mind your own business"
came from Don Quixote? There will probably be more facts and quotes
from this book source in future columns — it's irresistible!
As a finale, here are, according to The Library Journal ,
and
as
quoted
from Bibliotopia, the 10 most influential
20th century novels: "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Catcher in the Rye,"
"Lord of the Rings," "Gone With the Wind," "Beloved," "The Color
Purple," "1984," "Animal Farm," "Lord of the Flies," and "Catch-22." I
know, I know — lists are controversial!
(Our thanks go to Luke Dzwonczyk and Helen Leven for
contributing to our list. Please send your titles, with the author's
name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books"
as the subject to your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the
Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing
from you!)
Sep-Oct 2006
Some Omnilore members have suggested a diverse
roster of reading materials this month. In the Fiction category,
consider The Red Carpet: Bangalore Stories, written by
Lavanya Sankaran. These short stories present the cultural changes
taking place in India among the diverse residents. The conflicts of the
new and old social orders and rift between generations are highlighted.
The author paints this dynamic world with a subtle wit. Our contributor
says "each short story is a gem."
Canadian novelist Richard B. Wright penned Clara Callan.
This is a Depression-era story composed of the letters and journal
entries of two adult sisters and their older friend. The characters and
the era come to life as the one sister, a schoolteacher, stays home in
rural Canada, and the other, an aspiring actress, lives in New York,
starring in radio sit-coms. While Wright is a popular novelist in
Canada, he is little known here; give him a try!
For this month’s "classic," consider the short dystopia Anthem
by Ayn Rand. This dark portrait of the future, first released in 1938,
presents the beliefs of Rand in a one-night reading. It tells of a man
who escapes from a society in which all individuality has been
squeezed. After this one, you might want to read or re-read Atlas
Shrugged & The Fountainhead .
Our final fiction suggestion is The Dante Club by
Matthew Pearl. This could be described as a literary suspense story.
With Boston, 1865, as a setting, it centers on a group of men who meet
to translate Dante's Divine Comedy from the Italian. The
protagonists are based on actual people, including Oliver Wendell
Holmes, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and James Lowell. At the same time
they are meeting, a serial killer is torturing/killing victims in ways
that resemble the events in "The Inferno." The group thus becomes
involved in helping the police.
Our first nonfiction entry is also of a literary nature. The
Annotator, by Allan Keen & Roger Lubbock, opens in 1940
with one of the authors, a London antiquarian book dealer,
investigating a book just acquired from a country library. Thus begins
a 10 year investigation into the book and the identity of the
Elizabethan era person whose numerous annotations were in the book's
margins. After extensive research, the authors claim that a young
Shakespeare had used the book to collect historical information for his
plays! Intriguing! (A note of caution: It's a 1954 publication and out
of print, but definitely worth looking for in libraries and used
bookstores!)
Finally, we offer two humorous pieces to lighten your autumn. Richard
Lederer’s Anguished English is a hilarious collection of
goofs, gaffs, and just plain errors with the English language.
Contributions are from many professions; if you find yourself
correcting the news anchors when they slip with the language, this is a
book for you!
The Da Vinvi Cod by Don Brine is a short parody of
you-know-what. Jacques Sauna-Lurker lies dead on the floor of the
National Art Gallery of Fine Paintings in London. He has been murdered
by a cod. Robert, Sophie, and Sir Teabag try to solve the mystery. And
it all comes down to a cod.
(Our thanks go to Gloria Jacobs, Myron Pullen, Midge
Solomon, and Pat Stevens for contributing to our list.
Please send your titles, with author name and a brief
description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject
to your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair's
mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Jul-Aug. 2006
Summer, for many of us, brings back memories of
lazy times, reading for pleasure, in the sun, on the beach, under a
tree, maybe even in a hammock. The seven offerings described below may
be just the ones to get you back in the summer reading groove.
If you are in the mood for fiction, consider The Reasons I Won’t
Be Coming by Elliot Perlman. The author is an Australian
barrister, but these nine short stories prove that he is also an
accomplished writer. The stories explore the complex worlds of lovers,
poets, lawyers, immigrants, students and murderers. This is totally
absorbing fiction. Short stories too often get short shrift; give these
a chance!
Ordinary Heroes by Scott Turow takes place
primarily during World War II when a lawyer finds himself in the midst
of battle with little preparation. His orders are to find and arrest an
American soldier who is a turncoat. Many problems ensue, and the crises
of battle make for an exciting story. A secondary plot revolves around
the lawyer’s son who sets out to learn the truth about his father’s
actions. The ending of all this is truly a revelation, in true Turow
fashion.
A best seller in Europe is The Princess of Borundi by
Kjell Eriksson. This is a thoroughly suspenseful book about crime in
today's Sweden. If you are in the mood for some action and mystery, get
involved with these realistic characters. The universality of our lives
is evident in this selection.
Carl Hiaasen’s Skinny Dip is pure escapism, definitely
rated PG-21. A woman’s husband pushes her overboard on a cruise, and
assumes she’s dead. But she’s not, and the story centers on her
delicious revenge. Along the way Hiaasen covers his usual themes of
saving the environment and condemning corporate corruption. This is an
enjoyable read for those with a somewhat wicked sense of humor — ideal
summer reading.
For nonfiction we have three diverse suggestions. First, there is Darwin’s
Dangerous
Idea:
Evolution
and the Meaning of Life by Daniel C.
Dennett. The author, a philosophy professor, presents a position on the
implications of evolution, and is not afraid to criticize those who
disagree with him. He gives the reader plenty to think about as well as
a crystal clear explanation of his positions. The contrast to Michael
J. Behe’s Darwin’s Black Box is striking. After reading
Dennett’s book, you will definitely have a working knowledge of
evolution (and several views of its consequences).
Honeymoon With My Brother is Franz Wisner’s
narrative that begins with his being dumped by his fiancée 4 days
before a big, expensive wedding in Laguna Beach. Since it is too late
to cancel the festivities, he goes on with the party, and then takes
his brother with him on his honeymoon to Costa Rica. The adventure
changes both of their lives in major ways. The "honeymoon" turns into a
two year plus voyage to see the world. This story is interspersed with
unique humor and a startling insight. This is a book that one just
hates to see end!
J.R. Moehringer is a Pulitzer prize-winning writer for the Los
Angeles Times. His memoir, The Tender Bar, tells of
his growing up, fatherless, in Manhassat, New York. His mentors and
male role models are the regulars at Dickens, a neighborhood bar where
his Uncle Charlie is the bartender. The eccentric characters, the
dysfunctional family, the struggles in school, the girlfriend problems
— it’s all here. At times one is laughing out loud; at other times one
is moved by his mother’s courage. This is a coming of age story that
stays with the reader; J.R. is so honest, and ultimately likeable; one
cheers his eventual success.
(Our thanks go to Patricia Edie, Edith Garvey, Midge
Solomon and Dan Stern for contributing to this list. Please
send your titles, with the author's name and a brief
description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to
your email. We look forward to hearing from you!)
May-Jun 2006
This month we are taking a different approach,
thanks to one of our Omniloreans who submitted some reference books
that "every reader needs." I'm adding a couple of my own to the list,
and hope all of our readers will find something to their liking. Never
fear — in the next newsletter we will return to some fiction/nonfiction
recommendations (we already have some wonderful titles waiting in the
wings!).
The Oxford Dictionary of Allusions is a slim volume
that will explain the extra meaning or characteristic that an author
hoped to conjure up in referring to a name or an event. Arranged by
theme, it is especially valuable to writers and poets as well as
readers.
A lengthier tome is The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols.
It goes into detail about symbols of literature, religion and national
identity, delving deeply into the subconscious mind and dream world.
Find out the symbolic significance of snakes, nightmares, water, and so
much more. Neither your dreams nor your reading will be the same with
this one by your side!
A classic literary reference is Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase
and Fable. While an excellent sourcebook on English usage and
expression, it also "…records the chief figures of the world's
mythologies, as well as superstitions and customs of ancient and modern
times."
Of a similar nature is Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia. It
covers all aspects of literature, including short biographies of
writers and poets, summaries of books and poems and definitions of
literary terms; it is a delightful and concise way to learn literary
history.
Along a different line is the Dictionary of Theories: One Stop
to More Than 5,000 Theories. This reference will appeal to our
nonfiction readers, especially in the fields of science, philosophy,
psychology, politics , mathematics, the arts, and linguistics.
Alphabetically arranged, the name of the theory (or principle) is
followed by the subject area, a brief explanation or its meaning and
origin. Learn about the echo principle, situationism, the Cantor Set,
and arte mata, all in one sitting. Be forewarned- this book isn't for
the faint of heart!
Finally, for the real bibliophiles out there, Nancy Pearl's Book
Lust and More Book Lust offer "reading recommendations for
every mood, moment, and reason." Over 100 lists in each of these books
present book titles, along with brief explanations. This former
librarian's eclectic tastes are a delight to explore. Consider these
list choices: Africa: A Reader's Itinerary, Space Operas,
Ciao Italia, Living Through War, At Work:Good
Reading from the Government (really!). Hundreds of nonfiction and
fiction books are there for the taking! Even her introduction,
explaining her philosophy of reading, is interesting.
Dig into the above, and let us know what you think.
(A special thanks to Merle Culbert for her recommendations for
this column. Please send your titles, with the author's name and a
brief description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the
subject to your email. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Mar-Apr 2006
This issue’s book selections cover a range of
time periods and settings. (A reminder that we welcome suggestions from
all of our readers. What are you reading now? What memorable book do
you remember from years past?)
Our first fiction entry is Easter Island by Jennifer
Vanderbes. In this fascinating narrative, two women of different eras
experience the mysteries of Easter Island. In 1912, Elsa marries an
anthropologist with the Royal Geographic Society in England. Along with
Elsa’s 19 year old sister, who has mental problems, the three travel to
Easter Island to research the statues. In a parallel narrative, Greer,
a young American botanist, arrives on the island in 1973 with a grant
to study the island’s trees. The women’s stories are told in alternate
sections, along with a third element that is intertwined — the tale of
Graf von Spee, a German admiral in charge of a fleet at the beginning
of WWI. This is a fascinating tale that is intellectual, scientific,
intriguing, and emotional.
Tracy Chevalier’s historical novel The Lady and the Unicorn
tells the story of the six famous lady and unicorn tapestries. In 15th
century France, Nicholas des Innocents, a rakish artist, designs works
for a French nobleman, Jean La Viste. The nobleman’s wife asks the
artist to feature a unicorn in the tapestries. Nicholas’ love of women,
however, inspires him to include the faces and gestures of women as
well (including the nobleman’s daughter). The richness of this novel
centers on its portrayal of the social customs of the times, and
especially the craft of weaving. Brussels was the home of the major
weavers, and much of the novel occurs there. Only a few facts are known
about the creation of the unicorn tapestries; Chevalier has taken these
and embellished them , creating a riveting tale.
Another recommendation is Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co.
by Maria Amparo Escandon. The story is told by “Libertad,” a young
Mexican-American woman who is incarcerated in the Mexicali Penal
Institution for Women. There are parallel stories of Libertad in prison
and her life on the road growing up with her father. It is quirky and
yet poignant, and gives one a glimpse into life in the prison where she
helps pass the time by forming a literary club in the prison library.
It also offers a glimpse into the life of a trucker, complete with CB
calls. It offers a nice change of pace, especially for a reader looking
for something just a little different.
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten
Passion in a Paris Atlier, authored by Thad Carhart, is
definitely a book for music lovers (especially piano players). Carhart
is an American writer who, with his family, resides in Paris. Near his
apartment he discovers a little piano shop that comes to play an
important part in his life. This is an account of his finding a piano
to purchase, and relearning how to play it. In the process, he tells
the history of the piano, provides technical explanations on how a
piano works, and discusses the fine art of piano tuning. He also looks
back on his childhood experiences with piano teachers and music. His
relationship with Luc, the piano shop owner, and the Friday night
social gatherings at the little establishment present a warm picture of
everyday life in France. This is an infectious book that is going to
affect anyone who has ever played a note!
We may think we have some of the smartest people in the world in our
group, but how many of us have read the entire Encyclopedia
Brittanica cover to cover? In The Know-It-All: One Man’s
Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World, A.J.
Jacobs describes his year reading all 32 volumes of the 2002 edition of
the EB. The alphabetical arrangement of the book allows him to
share the highlights of each volume, and shows his special interests.
But the best parts are his digressions into anecdotes describing his
attendance at a MENSA meeting, trying out for a crossword puzzle
tournament, meeting Alex Trebek, irritating family and friends with his
new found knowledge, and much more. This is a memoir that causes one to
laugh out loud. Jacobs’ wit and the EB’s trivia combine to form
an enjoyable book that will allow you to feel like you’ve conquered
some of the EB yourself!
(Thank you to Patricia Edie for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with author name and a brief description, to
Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room
7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Jan-Feb 2006
Happy New Year! We hope that you made a
resolution not only to read some good books this year, but also to send
us your favorite titles so we can share the wealth! We have such varied
interests in our group, and consequently welcome your suggestions. We
know
that
most
of you reading this article have been reading good books
for years; please give us some input! How about some Science
Fiction? Poetry? History? Music? Fantasy? Science? Biography? We hear
you talking about them; share them with us!
This month we will start with the nonfiction recommendations. Some of
these titles were the core books for Omnilore courses. They were so
well-received, however, that they have been recommended for our
“general populace.” Guns, Germs, and Steel was written
by Jared Diamond, a biologist who reviews human history on every
continent since the Ice Age. He concludes that the differences in
peoples’ environments had the strongest influence on people and their
history. Modern day civilization is determined by its geography. This
is a long but fascinating study of human history.
Dinesh D’Sousa’s What’s Great About America offers a
look at America from the viewpoint of a foreigner who can compare this
country to others. It is not tied to any particular timeframe and is
independent of current political controversies. If you are weary of all
of the America-bashing, this book offers a refresher course on what’s
right and good about the country we live in.
West With the Night, a memoir of Beryl Markham, was
originally published in 1942. Markham’s father took her to Africa when
she was still quite young. Her childhood was among African natives and
wild animals. Her father was involved in horses-breeding, racing, etc.
Markham’s unusual life didn’t end when she turned 18. She became a
horse trainer and then ultimately found her real love- flying. Her
description of being a woman flying solo in Africa through the dark of
night is compelling. Hers was no ordinary life, and even Hemingway
offered high praise for this publication.
A recent best seller heads the list of fiction offerings this month. Snow
Flower
and
the
Secret Fan by Lisa See is set in 19th century
China. It is the story of a special female friendship that was
established between two girls and lasted their entire lives. As young
girls, they had their feet bound, and then lived their lives in
seclusion in the “women’s chamber”. In a remote Hunan province, women
developed a secret code of writing called “nu shu” and they embroidered
the code on handkerchiefs and painted them on fans to communicate with
each other from their seclusion. Besides being a story that reveals the
reality of life for females in China, it also reveals a love story
between Snow Flower and Lily.
If you’re ready to stay home, stay warm and read a good mystery, Peter
Tremayne’s series may be what you want. There are many books in
the series; they take place in ancient Ireland- mid 7th century A.D.,
and feature Sister Fidelma, who is not only a religieuse, but also a
qualified dalaigh, or advocate of the ancient law courts of Ireland.
The author is a well-respected authority on the ancient Celts. The
result is a series that is rich in historical material, Irish myths and
law. These mysteries are more challenging than most; the plots are
“wonderfully designed” and require the reader to be as sharp as Sister
Fidelma! The first title in the series is Absolution By Murder.
Calvin Trillin is known for his unique view of the world as well as his
wit. Tepper Isn’t Going Out is his entertaining novel
about the quest for open parking spaces in New York City, as seen
through the eyes of Murray Tepper. Tepper spends his days plugging
meters, sitting in his car reading newspapers. Waves of people come
along waiting for the space, but he doesn’t move. The media gets hold
of the story and he becomes a sort of cult hero. People line up to sit
in his car and talk to him. The NY mayor becomes incensed. This is a
quietly humorous and entertaining tale.
Willa Cather’s Death Comes to the Archbishop is an
American classic, published in 1927. It is based on two real life
French-Catholic priests who were sent to the American Southwest in
1851. The Bishop and his vicar are the focal points for the events that
occur, but the real protagonist may be the New Mexico landscape, so
vividly described and depicted. As in her wonderful immigrant tale, My
Antonia, Cather conveys the hardships people endured, and the inner
strengths that helped them survive. Death Comes to the Archbishop
is an ideal book to settle down with on a winter evening.
(Thank you to Jay and Patricia Edie for contributing to
this list. Please send your titles, with the author’s name and a brief
description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to
your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s
mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2005
This autumn’s recommendations highlight four
books with Middle East themes.
Inside the Kingdom, by Carmen Bin Laden, relates
the author’s experiences as she marries into the Bin Laden family (in
1974) and moves to Saudi Arabia. Carmen, half-Swiss and half-Persian,
describes the increasingly restrictive life, the lives of the clan’s
wives, the power struggles of the Bin Laden brothers, the dubious
business dealings, and her ultimate flight, with her children, from the
hostile environment.
Azadeh Moaveni is an Iranian born in Palo Alto, who has been a writer
for both Time magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Lipstick
Jihad delves deeply into all aspects of life in today’s Iran.
Moaveni records her experiences living in Tehran — the underground
network, the politically-deadlocked system, the demonstrations, the
upper crust's drug and alcohol-saturated parties. Most of all, she
describes a "young woman of the diaspora searching for a homeland" that
may not exist. This work is a fascinating, first-hand account of modern
Iran.
Two novels by Bandula Chandraratna, a Sri Lankan author, are also
recommended. Both novels take place in an unnamed country that is
assumed to be Saudi Arabia. The Mirage tells the story
of an orphaned boy who sacrifices his own happiness to care for his
family. He lives in the shanty town of a city, working as a hospital
porter. It is a cultural experience to read this beautifully
descriptive tale. The Mirage just missed being on
Britain’s coveted Booker Prize short list. Chandraratna’s second novel,
An Eye for an Eye tells of an American expatriate
and his local Muslim friend, who are spending a day out together. They
witness the most gruesome of acts, and the book goes on show, in the
land of shocks and surprises, how one man attempts to cope with the
tragedy in his life. Both novels are relatively short but powerful.
For a change of pace, consider perusing the poetic. A Poem A Day,
edited
by
Karen
McCosker and Nicholas Albery, presents 366 poems old
and new that are worth learning by heart. The poems have two things in
common: they are short enough to learn in a day, and they are good
enough to stand with great poetry. The editors have interspersed brief,
interesting trivia about the poets or poems to add to the pleasure.
Spoon River Anthology is a 1915 classic that
everyone should experience. Edgar Lee Masters presents the 19th century
Midwest in a microcosm through these poetic epitaphs. 244 characters
speak from the cemetery on the hill. These posthumous words are the
voices of humanity, relating gossip, regret, corruption, injustice,
love and, as one critic said "the essence of American life." As the
reader "walks" through the cemetery, he first meets the less desirable
characters of the town; the more upright citizens are at the back.
Masters was referred to as "the Kinsey of his time"; this controversial
book is a delight to read today. Reading it aloud with several people
is even more fun!
Speaking of fun, another oldie but goodie is the John Nichols tome The
Milagro
Beanfield
War. A simple act of irrigation turns into an
all-out war in a New Mexican agrarian community. Here we have the
age-old peasants versus government and wealth; agrarian versus city
conflicts. The quirky characters who decide to make a last stand, as
they have nothing to lose, provide many laugh-out-loud moments. In
spite of the 1970 outlook on a group of neglected individuals, the book
is above all, humorous, irreverently so at times. The reader is
definitely with the underdogs on this one!
(Thank you Gloria Jacobs and Patricia Morris for
contributing to this list. Please send your titles, with the
author’s name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. Or, drop your
suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look
forward to hearing from you!)
Sep-Oct 2005
Our Omnilorean readers have given us some
wonderful suggestions this month.
First up is The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland. The
author is known for her fictional works about arts and artists, and
this novel follows that theme. It is a biographical novel about artist
Emily Carr, who painted pictures of the Indians in British Columbia and
Alaska as well as the villages, forests, and totem poles that were a
part of their lifestyle. Carr was considered a renegade for most of her
life. In this novel, we are given a vivid portrait of the Indians’
lives and the white man’s effect on them. In addition to The
Forest Lover. two other Vreeland works are also recommended - Girl
in
Hyacinth
Blue & Life Studies.
Another featured writer this month is Geraldine Brooks, who has both a
fiction and a nonfiction book on our list. The novel, Year of
Wonders, describes how the plague of 1655-56 affected one small
English village. At the rector’s urging, the Derbyshire villagers
isolate themselves to prevent spreading the plague. The despair and
agony of the families are captured in the writing. How does one
maintain one’s humanity in the face of such a disaster? Year of
Wonders is a fascinating character study.
Nine Parts of Desire: the Hidden World of Islamic Women
is the nonfiction work by Brooks. A prize-winning correspondent for the
Wall Street Journal, Brooks spent six years covering the
Middle East, and two years specifically interviewing and living with
Muslim women. She writes of their daily lives, and attempts to
understand the women behind the veil — the contradictory political,
religious, and cultural forces that shape their lives. She traces the
origins of today’s practices through Islamic history.
Our next recommendations have a Mormon theme. Red Water,
by Judith Freeman, is set in 1870s Utah, and tells the story of John D.
Lee, a Mormon Elder and frontiersman who married 19 women and was
involved in the killing of more than 100 men, women and children in the
"Mountain Meadow Massacre." The story is told from the point of view of
three of his wives. This is a brilliant historical novel that recreates
the Mormon frontier world as well as the inner world of the women who
were brought to live there.
In Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent
Faith, the world of Mormon fundamentalism is explored. Krakauer
weaves several pieces of the Mormon world through the text — a
horrendous crime done in 1984 "acting on a direct order from God", the
history of the Mormon faith, the development of the fundamentalist
communities, and interviews with pivotal personalities involved in
various events. The presentation is factual, analytical and at times
horrifying. Even the "Mountain Meadow Massacre" and polygamy (see the
fiction book above) are carefully presented here. This nonfiction piece
presents a little-known part of America. In addition to this book,
Krakauer has written three exciting adventures: Into the Wild,
Into Thin Air, Eiger Dreams — all
three good nonfiction pieces.
For a change of pace, how about a little humor? Sense and
Nonsensibility: Lampoons of Learning and Literature by Lawrence
Douglas and Alexander George is just the ticket! It is a collection of
humor writing that makes fun of just about everything academic: tenure,
footnotes, SATs, plagiarism, philosophy, college presidents, alumni
newsletters-you name it and these two Amherst professors are probably
spoofing it. Read about the "Effected Accent Summer Camp", the Home
Shopping University, the OSHA Report on Academia, or the script of "The
Iron Prof" (for all you "Iron Chef" fans). Pick this one up, read a
little bit at a time, and have your hearty, healthy laugh of the day.
(Thank you to Marilyn and Richard Denno, Patricia
Edie, and Edith Garvey for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with author name and a brief description, to
Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room
7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Jul-Aug 2005
This month we have some interesting fiction and
nonfiction pairings, dealing, broadly speaking, with the environment,
religion, and history.
Michael Crichton's State of Fear is a thriller that
centers on a frantic chase to prevent terrorists from wreaking
widespread havoc to incite the world against global warming. Publishers
Weekly describes it as "one of the most unusual novels of the year
for its high-level mix of education and entertainment, with a decidedly
contrarian take." If you like intense fiction that makes you think, if
global warming is an issue you want to learn more about - grab this
one!
For a more tranquil approach to the environment, read Four
Seasons in Five Senses by David Mas Masumoto. The author, an
organic farmer in the Central Valley, carries on the family tradition
of growing peaches and raisins. His writing captures the essence of
what farming means to him, not just the methods and mechanics, but the
philosophy and way of life. Through the use of stories, he relates his
experiences and those of his family. At the end of the book, one is
left with a profound understanding and appreciation of the dignity of
farming and those who dedicate their energies to the profession. Even
more, one feels an appreciation for the senses that allow one to
experience life in a rich and tangible way and to experience nature and
the world we inhabit.
The History of God: the 4000 Year Quest of Judaism,
Christianity and Islam by Karen Armstrong is a comparative
history of the three major monotheistic faiths. Through storytelling
and thorough research, Armstrong shows an appreciation for the past and
offers an overview of how these faiths have evolved. She pinpoints the
alterations that have taken place. The book is lengthy but unfailingly
interesting.
Graham Greene’s classic The Power and the Glory is a
short but powerful novel that is set in the 1930s. The Mexican state
has outlawed the Catholic Church, saying it is full of greed,
debauchery and superstition. The protagonist, the nameless whiskey
priest, is in flight from the authorities, who have rounded up all of
the other priests. A lieutenant is on his trail. The priest struggles
with faith and guilt, love and hate, struggle and redemption. This
imperfect man earns our respect in spite of himself. The book’s title
takes on many meanings by the conclusion. This is one of Greene’s best!
For the history buffs in our midst, we have two fiction and one
nonfiction selection. If ancient Rome is appealing to you, consider Silver
Pigs by Lindsey Davis. This detective novel in 70 A.D. features
a hero-gumshoe named M. Dideus Falco, a wisecracker (in ancient idiom,
of course). Rich in period detail and intrigue, the novel features
Falco going underground to solve crimes against the State. He is a
cynical observer of society. Those of you with a Latin background will
get some extra laughs from this series (there are a whole bunch of
Falco novels!). This selection will appeal to both mystery and
historical fiction readers.
April 1775 through 1783 is the time frame of Kenneth Roberts’ Oliver
Wiswell. This lengthy but mesmerizing novel allows one to share
the mindset of the Loyalists during the war against Britain. Oliver
comes from colonial America’s aristocracy, and like other Loyalists, he
is forced to move to Canada. There is no sugarcoating here, and the
book describes many battles, inserts historical figures familiar to us,
and involves us in a gripping, exciting tale of struggles, failures,
and successes. Oliver Wiswell offers a point of view
seldom presented. This is a great piece of historical fiction.
Misia by duo-pianists Arthur Gold and Robert
Fizdale, is a biographical portrait of one of the major influences and
figures in the cultural world of her time, Misia Sert. She was a woman
of incredible charm who dominated artistic society — in the fields of
art, music, dance, drama, and even fashion, from the mid 19th century
through World War II. In this biography that is also a cultural
history, one reads about Renoir, Degas, Claudel, Proust, Colette,
Diaghilev, Picasso and a litany of other close friends. Her life was
sometimes scandalous and always interesting. Her home was the meeting
place of everybody who was anybody in the world of the arts. This
biography is a wonderful discovery!
(Thank you to Patricia Edie, Richard Foy, Lori
Geittmann, Robert Koch and Frances Roberts for
contributing to this list Please send your titles, with the author's
name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books"
as the subject to your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the
Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing
from you!)
May-Jun 2005
This month's selections are good books to take
with you - on the plane, at the beach, in the waiting room; wherever
you may go, they will keep you engrossed.
First up is The Interpreter by Suzanne Glass. This novel
is about a translator at an international medical conference who
accidentally overhears about a potentially revolutionary HIV cure.
Unbeknownst to her, the secret is being kept by an Italian researcher
that she is close to. Suspense, moral dilemma, love story, and insight
into an interpreter's job are all offered here in a short but
intriguing tale. (Please note: a movie by the same name is about to be
released; from the looks of the trailers, the movie is not related to
the book!)
If you are in the mood for a good mystery series, and you haven't yet
become acquainted with Martha Grimes, check out her Man With a
Load of Mischief, the first of the 18 books in her Richard Jury
series. Jury is a Scotland Yard Inspector, intelligent and
introspective, who has some delightful friends and neighbors who are
"regulars" in the books. These are suspenseful stories with heavy doses
of wit . Each title in the series refers to an English pub. If you want
escapism, try these!
Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari is the story of an
overland lourney from Cairo to Cape Town. The natural order of Africa
is frolicking children, laboring women and idle men. In Africa,
unfortunately, no one's lifetime is long enough to accomplish anything
substantial or see any task of value completed. This is what Theroux
shows in the 500 page New York Times bestseller. It is an interesting
story of a troubled continent and is sure to appeal to anyone with an
interest in Africa.
Child of My Heart by Alice McDermott shows us a
summer through the eyes of Theresa, the 15 year old narrator. She is on
the brink of womanhood, an only child, who interacts with various
people on Long Island, revealing her hopes, her wisdom, and her caring.
It is an engaging story that reminds you of the potential and yet the
bittersweet reality of life.
A Natural History of the Senses (Diane Ackerman)
was a text in one of our discussion groups, and a participant thought
it was so good that she recommended it for this column. The book is
composed of a series of essays grouped according to the human sense
with which they deal. The opening sentence of the book - "Nothing is
more memorable than a smell" - launches one into some rich writing that
is a spendid example of creative non-fiction. There is much to learn
here, and it is all fascinating as the author (whose life experiences
are broad, unusual, and often surprising) plays with your mind.
And finally, Lewis Thomas, a biologist who writes fascinating essays on
a variety of topics, has a little gem of a book called Late
Night Thoughts on Listening to Mahler's Ninth Symphony. This
series of essays is about humanity, life, science, and their
interconnectedness. Read about the brain, altruism and music and much
more. A delightful variety is offered in splendid prose.
Whether you're packing your bags, your purse, your picnic basket,
consider one of these readings to entertain and enlighten!
(Thank you to Merle Culbert, Marilyn Denno, and Patricia
Edie for contributing to this list. Please send your titles, with
the author's name and a brief description to Mary Oran. Please put
"Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. Or, drop your
suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look
forward to hearing from you!)
Mar-Apr 2005
This month's list features a variety of
cultures. Each book offers a perspective that deepens our understanding
of humanity.
The Bone People was written by Keri Hulme, a New
Zealander of Maori, Scottish and English ancestry. This 450 page novel
won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1985. Three pivotal characters (one
Maori, one European and one mixed blood) learn what it means to lose
and regain family in a culture dominated by colonialism. The thoroughly
original writing, which includes Maori vocabulary, poetic punctuation
and shifting points of view, is a challenge, but the "mural" of New
Zealand that emerges makes it well worth the effort.
Wild Swans:Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
is a mesmerizing nonfiction work covering 1911-1976 in China. It is the
story of three generations of women and how they endured the many
transformations of 20th century China. The author's grandmother was a
warlord's concubine. Jung Chang's mother, after a sheltered childhood,
struggled through many hardships, including Mao's revolution and the
cultural revolution. The third generation author was an ardent follower
of Mao until disillusionment set in. This book is an excellent way to
absorb China's recent history.
James McBride's The Color of Water: a Black Man's Tribute to His
White Mother is the inspiring story of Ruth McBride Jordan. She
was raised a Polish Jew who immigrated to America as a child. As a
young adult, she moved to New York City, leaving the family behind. She
married a black man and battled racism and poverty most of her life.
And amidst it all, she had "two good husbands and twelve good
children." This is a beautifully written tribute that, as one reviewer
says, "makes you proud to be a member of the human race."
One of our best known Hispanic writers is Rudolfo A. Anaya, whose Bless
Me,
Ultima is required reading in many schools. Six-year-old
Antonio lives with his family in New Mexico; Ultima, who is a
"curandera" - one who cures with herbs and magic - comes to live with
his family. Antonio's self-discovery is guided by Ultima and her wise
ways. The novel casts a lovely spell as it explores Latin American
mythology/theology.
Now, very close to home, let's take a look at our voting culture.
Recommended is What's the Matter with Kansas? by Thomas
Frank. The book provdes an analysis of America's shift to the right as
demonstrated by the red state of Kansas. It discusses the backlash of
the 60s, the rise of religious fundamentalism, the concentration of
wealth, and the consequences for the middle class as it has impacted
the citizens of the heartland and all of us. Why are the Democrats now
viewed as the party of the "elite"? What does this new form of populism
portend? Are we voting against our best political and economic
interests? Frank writes with great foresight and humor.
We mustn't neglect our "literary culture." The Discovery of
Poetry:A Field Guide to Reading and Writing Poems by Frances
Mayes is just the ticket! Mayes is probably better known as the author
of Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany (both good reads!), but she
has taught poetry at San Francisco State for many years. In this
volume, in lyric language, she invites the reader to share her passion
for poetry by focusing on each aspect of a poem to better understand
it. She presents discussions of word texture and sound, imagery, voice,
rhyme, meter and forms. For each chapter she presents a wide selection
of poems to illustrate the point of the discussion. Just reading the
poetry selections is wonderful, but in addition, the reader gains more
appreciation of the poem by the understanding resulting from the text.
New Zealand, China, New Mexico, Kansas, black and white America, or the
land of poetry...take your pick.
(Thank you to Merle Culbert and JoAnna Kerrigan for
contributing to this list. Please send your titles, with author name
and a brief description, to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as
the subject to your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the
Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing
from you!)
Jan-Feb 2005
The new year is a great time to treat yourself
to some good reading. First off is Ted Kooser, America’s newest
poet laureate. I confess I had never heard of him; I have a feeling
most of you hadn’t either. He is a retired insurance administrator who
has been writing poetry all his life. A recent Christian Science
Monitor article described Kooser’s poetry as presenting ordinary
moments in a clear, graceful style; he has been described as a
“haiku-like imagist.” He is the first poet laureate appointed from the
Great Plains (Nebraska). Delights and Shadows is a 2004
publication that presents poetry about the overlooked details of
everyday life. Winter Morning Walks: 100 Postcards to Jim
Harrison is a 2001 publication composed of poems no longer than
a page that Kooser wrote while he was battling cancer. They form a
diary of sorts. In February 2005, a new book will appear, entitled, The
Poetry
Home
Repair
Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets.
For those who enjoy writing, this one sounds like a winner!
Gospel by Wilton Barnhart has been described as
"exciting, profound, irreverent, and terrifically funny." The novel
involves a search for a lost 1st century gospel of the Bible. The
narrative covers three continents, nine countries, and numerous
colorful locales. Lucy, a shy theological student and Patrick, a
disillusioned ex-Jesuit are in pursuit of the gospel, following rumors,
clues, and a cast of fascinating characters. One reviewer called this
"an addictive epic." In the course of the suspenseful journey, one
comes to have a new understanding of the meaning of faith.
In Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America by
Barbara Ehrenreich, the essayist goes “undercover” to find out if one
can survive in low wage jobs. Taking the cheapest lodgings available,
she accepts work as a waitress, hotel maid, house cleaner, nursing-home
aide and Wal-Mart salesperson. Whether in Florida, Maine or Minnesota,
she discovers survival is a constant struggle. This is a riveting work
that brings to life the “invisible poor” - those who are working hard
to make a living, facing obstacles that are impossible to overcome.
Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories by Hisaye
Yamamoto chronicle the Japanese experience in America, from the oil
fields in Redondo Beach to the internment camps of WWII and beyond. A
recurrent theme is the experience of Japanese-American women. The 19
stories are delicately presented; most have a California setting.
And finally, why not return to a classic? Thornton Wilder’s The
Bridge of San Luis Rey, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is worth
reading (or rereading). In 18th century Peru a major bridge collapses
and five people die. Brother Juniper observes this happening, and
wonders why these particular five were there at that time. Was this
their destiny? Was it divine intervention, or was it chance? He
investigates their lives to find out what led them to the bridge at
that fatal time. Again, as in Gospel, faith is a central focus.
How about making a new year’s resolution to contribute to this column?
(Please send your titles, with the author’s name and a brief
description to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to
your email. Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s
mailbox in Room 7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Nov-Dec 2004
First of all, a special plea to each of you
during these months of "giving." If you have a biography, historical
work, piece of science fiction, scientific tome (get the idea?) that
was a memorable read for you, please pass the title on to us. We want
this list to be well-rounded, and my “tastes” are somewhat limited.
Share good reading with us!
This month features some real treasures. Angle of Repose,
by
Wallace
Stegner
is a Pulitzer prize-winning novel (1971) in which
two stories, past and present, merge. A wheelchair-bound historian
decides to write about the frontier lives of his grandparents, and in
the process, weaves a "generational tapestry" that ultimately enriches
his own life. This beautifully written novel was selected by the Modern
Library as one of the 100 best novels of the 20th century.
Harpo Speaks, the autobiography of Harpo Marx, is a
long but thoroughly delightful chronicle of this harp-player and his
family members. It is full of hilarity, action, and fascinating people.
From his unorthodox childhood, to vaudeville, to his many friendships,
Harpo led a captivating life. This book is frequently laugh-out-loud
funny, and never dull!
Five Smooth Stones, by Ann Fairbairn is the story
of a black man's development growing up during the depression, and his
attitudes towards whites. The author creates a true-to-life story that
compels the reader to experience the hatred, bewilderment, and passion
the characters feel. This book has been labeled a "must read" for
anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement.
Travels With Charley, by John Steinbeck is one of
those books that, even if you read it in the 60s when it first came
out, you might want to pick up again. For three months, Steinbeck (at
age 58) and his poodle Charley, journey across America in a camper. The
people he meets, the experiences he has, the observations and
descriptions he provides, and, of course, Charley, make this a
memorable travelogue.
The Fig Eater, by Jody Shields is an unusual
detective story set in Freud’s 1910 Vienna. The Inspector and his wife
set about solving a crime using different methods. In the early 20th
century, detective methods were moving from folklore to the scientific
and psychological. Turn-of-the-century Vienna is richly described as
the story moves around the city, and following the logic of the crime
solvers is a delightful challenge.
A Christmas Memory, One Christmas,
and The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote are three
stories which are combined into one little book. The stories are partly
autobiographical, based on Capote’s southern childhood. A Christmas
Memory is the best known, narrated by a young boy describing the
holiday rituals he shares with an eccentric old lady, Miss Sook Faulk.
It’s fruitcake weather, and as poor as she is, Miss Sook always makes
fruitcakes as holiday gifts, including one sent each year to the
President. All three stories feature the same characters; these stories
are sad and nostalgic, but somehow comforting to read this time of
year.
Our Simple Gifts by Owen Parry presents four
Christmas tales set amidst the spiritual and physical landscapes of the
Civil War. An injured Union soldier, a young Southerner released from
prison camp, and immigrant private on the front, and a newly freed
slave are the featured characters in these poignant, special holiday
stories.
And finally, if you have a chance, read (preferably out loud) the poem Christmas
Trees by Robert Frost and Dylan Thomas' A Child’s
Christmas in Wales. The power of language is assuredly revealed
in these works.
(Thank you to Marilyn Denno for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with the author’s name and a brief description
to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room
7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Sep-Oct 2004
The possibilities for good reading are endless,
as you will see by the recommendations in this issue. Again, we welcome
your suggestions. What we ask is that you stay away from proffering the
current best sellers that most people are aware of and, instead,
suggest lesser known good works. Is there a book you read years ago
that made a lasting impression? Or one that provided a great escape?
Please share. That said, here we go!
Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri is a
collection of stories about Indians who have emigrated to America. The
culture that comes with them does not always fit easily into this
baffling new world. These stories reveal humor, courage and pathos, and
feature delightful characters.
Shadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of
Consciousness is written by Roger Penrose, referred to as
"perhaps the world's greatest living mathematician AND a New York
Times best-selling author." The work involved in reading this tome
is rewarded by an intuitive understanding of modern physics and some
interesting theories about consciousness.
84 Charing Cross Road, by Helen Hanff is a little
gem of a book that contains letters between a writer living in New York
and a London used-book dealer. Although the two never meet, they build
a warm friendship through their natural love of books and their 20
years of correspondence.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,
by Mark Haddon is written from the point of view of a 15-year-old boy,
an autistic savant, whose mind is incapable of processing emotions. A
literalist by neurology, he deconstructs life into math equations and
physical laws. This heart-warming novel is an old fashioned mystery, a
coming-of-age story, and an insightful glimpse of what it is like to
live with a different view of the world.
A Very Long Engagement, by Sebastian Japrisot is a
World War I story about five French soldiers and the mystery revolving
around their deaths in "no man’s land." The wheelchair-bound fiancee of
one of the men is determined to find out the truth about what really
happened. A mystery, a labyrinth of sorts, memorable characters and
vivid war scenes contribute to a compelling reading experience.
Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by
Douglas R. Hofstadter won a Pulitzer Prize several years ago. It is a
mind-expanding experience that ties together the last few millennium of
math, art and music. This book also takes effort, but the result is
pieces falling into place that seemed forever separated. The philosophy
that is included is an added bonus.
The Soloist by Mark Salzman is a short novel about
a man who was a cello prodigy; at the height of his success he develops
a handicap, and rather than performing, he ends up teaching cello at
UCLA. After 16 years of teaching, two "intrusions" change his life: he
becomes a teacher to a nine-year-old Korean prodigy, and he is assigned
to a jury trial of an acolyte who murdered his Buddhist Zen master.
This is a reflective presentation.
(Thank you to Patricia and Jay Edie, Edith Garvey, Blanche
Herring, and Dan Stern for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with author’s name and a brief description to
Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room
7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
Jul-Aug 2004
This book list marks the beginning of a new
column for Omnilore readers. In it we will offer you suggestions of
good reading—not necessarily the best sellers, but the "gems" we find
while browsing a book store or library . . . the books that stay with
us long after they have been read . . . the ones that we don’t want to
end . . . the prose that allows us to escape, to learn, to feel, to
think. Our members have varied tastes and interests. We hope that all
of you will send us, via e-mail (see below), your memorable reading
adventures - history, biography, fiction, science, poetry, humor,
essays - share your pleasures with all of us!!
Embers, by Sandor Marai: Two old men, once best
friends, meet after a 41-year break in their relationship. The short
novel traces the course of a dead friendship amidst the fading splendor
of an old castle. The author is a celebrated Hungarian novelist who was
persecuted by the communists and forced to flee his country. This is a
quietly suspenseful book that creates the atmosphere of another era.
The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde: In 1980s Great
Britain, time travel, cloning and literature are taken quite seriously
(in fact, hundreds of Britons have named their newborns John Milton).
Acheron Hades, the villain, is out to steal Jane Eyre from her novel,
and literary detective Thursday Next must try to stop this literary
homicide. Outlandish, absorbing, futuristic, and laugh-out-loud funny.
1421: The Year China Discovered America, by Gavin
Menzies: A former submarine commander investigates and provides
evidence that the Chinese traveled "all the way to the ends of the
earth" seventy years before Columbus and the other explorers. Evidence
includes DNA, crops, animals, maps, carved stonework, and much, much
more. Those who like maps and navigational things will really
love this one, but the subject matter is so intriguing that the curious
will fall under its spell. A fascinating view of Chinese achievements.
Compelling Evidence, by Steve Martini: Here is your
escape/recreational reading for beach, airplane or ? Paul Madriani, a
skilled but offbeat lawyer, is involved with dramatic courtroom
suspense and colorful characters. The story is filled with lusty
descriptions and a surprise (oh boy!) ending.
Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters, by Mark Dunn:
This is the story of a fictional island's fight for freedom of
expression as well as a linguistic tour de force. A satire for word
lovers, it is based on the phrase that contains all the letters of the
alphabet: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." The islanders
worship the phrase writer, and when some of the letters start falling
off his statue, the hysteria begins. The story is both hilarious and
moving - and totally unique!
(Thank you to Nancy Sinclair for contributing to this list.
Please send your titles, with the author’s name and a brief description
to Mary Oran. Please put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email.
Or, drop your suggestions in the Communication Chair’s mailbox in Room
7. We look forward to hearing from you!)
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