Author Archives: jmrlblog
“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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A Fond Farewell to “Miss Read”
I was saddened to learn that Dora Jessie Saint passed away last month just a few days short of her 99th birthday. She was a schoolteacher, screenwriter, and the novelist, better known as “Miss Read”. In 1998 she was made … Continue reading
Summary of History Book Club on April 23
After we read Jared Diamond’s “Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies,” there was a lively, wide-ranging discussion on the sweep of human history from 10,000 years ago to the present. The advent of agriculture, raising of livestock, … Continue reading
Posted in Adult Programs, Good Books, Library musings, Library Program
Tagged book club, Central, library
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“A book is more than the sum of its materials. It is an artifact of the human mind and hand.” ― Geraldine Brooks, People of the Book
The dedication in Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book reads, “For the librarians,” so it’s possible that yours truly was a bit biased before starting to read. Opinions were mixed on the latest BrownBaggers group read, but we enjoyed the … Continue reading
Celebrating Book Groups – The Virginia Festival of the Book 2012
The 2012 Virginia Festival of the Book is history, and we’re contemplating the programs that sparked our imaginations. “Calling All Book Groups” was an great experience from my side of the podium, and I hope members of the audience enjoyed it … Continue reading
A novel is a garden carried in the pocket (Arabian proverb)
Some time ago, I blogged about how I loved my book club. We’ve been together for almost 10 years and I rarely miss a meeting. My book club brings a group of book lovers together, encourages us to read books … Continue reading
History Book Club Post-Game Report
The other members and myself enjoyed an excellent book discussion of “River of Darkness” by Buddy Levy on January 23. Everyone was ready with comments and suggestions for the next book to read. Our conversation covered the varied relationship between … Continue reading
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“And of all these things the Albino whale was the symbol. Wonder ye then at the fiery hunt?”
Moby Dick by Herman Melville is certainly in the top tier of American literature – they call them “classics” for a reason. Perhaps the timelessness of Moby Dick is why we had such a great turnout this month for our … Continue reading
“I am convinced that it is almost as immodest to refuse a high distinction as stubbornly to strive to attain it.” – Goethe
We’re more than a week into 2012 but I feel I’m only just catching up with last year’s “best-of” lists for music, television shows, movies, and of course, books. Instead of feeling annoyance or validation if my personal favorites respectively … Continue reading
Posted in Good Books, Library musings
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Brown Baggers 2012 Book Selections
Despite the number of great titles our Book Baggers group has read in the past, there is definitely no shortage of new books we’d like to tackle next. Our group recently held our December meeting and didn’t talk about one … Continue reading
jmrlblog
Reluctant Blogger
thelibrarianinwaiting
