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Author Archives: jmrlblog
“Home, whether it be structure or familiar ground, is, finally, the identity that does not fade.”
A slightly smaller turnout did nothing to dampen the discussion of the Brown Baggers’ latest book, House of Stone by Anthony Shadid. A two-time Pulitzer winner, Shadid reported for the Washington Post and later, the New York Times. Tragically, Shadid … Continue reading
The Elegance of the Hedge-blog
At the last Brown Baggers meeting, group members had a lively discussion of The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Originally published in French, this novel was a bestseller in many European countries as well as America and South … Continue reading
“This is the Court of Chancery, which has its decaying houses and its blighted lands in every shire…”
The title of Bleak House is a bit deceiving. The BrownBaggers Book Group discussion of this novel by Charles Dickens in January was not at all bleak, and the presence of the house in the novel is a pleasant one although … Continue reading
Brown Baggers 2013 Selections
Members of JMRL’s Brown Baggers Book Group are demonstrably adept at discussing themes, characters, and fascinating twists each month — but for December, members put those sharp minds to good use by selecting books to read for the upcoming year! … Continue reading
“Life isn’t like a book. There’s never a final page.” — We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen
It’s not unheard of for members of the Brown Baggers to arrive at our discussion without having finished the chosen title. But generally when this is the case for the majority of members, it’s because the book was dull, dry, … Continue reading
“Buddy” — a respite from election weariness
Are you getting tired of the serious give and take of the political debates? Does it scare you when someone says, “This is the most important election in a century”? (It may be, but a person can only take so … Continue reading
“I believe that today more than ever a book should be sought after even if it has only one great page in it.” – Henry Miller
September 30 through October 6 marks Banned Books Week 2012, promoting and celebrating our freedom to read and access information. So it was only appropriate that the September selection for the Brown Baggers was Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer. First … Continue reading
Seated Delegates and Empty Chairs
Now that the national conventions have wrapped up, less than two months remain until the polls open. Whether you’re undecided, a dyed-in-the-wool party member, or just want to be as informed as possible before casting your vote, the library is … Continue reading
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“What did these small things mean? Why does touch matter? And what survives?” — Edmund de Waal
A nibbling rat. A cluster of tortoises. And of course, a pale ivory hare with amber eyes. All of these intricately carved figures – netsuke – were the subject of our latest Brown Baggers’ read, The Hare with Amber Eyes … Continue reading
“However, some things must be said, and there are times when silence becomes an accomplice to injustice.”
We knew were in for a lively discussion of controversial issues with our latest pick, and the Brown Baggers group didn’t let us down. This month, we read Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Born in Somalia, Hirsi Ali grew up … Continue reading
Posted in Adult Programs, Brown Baggers Book Group, Uncategorized
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jmrlblog
Reluctant Blogger
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