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
Mary Oran.
Put "Omnilore Books" as the subject to your email. We
look forward to hearing from you.
Jul-Aug. 2010
We have lots of entertaining reading to suggest this month. Our two
nonfiction suggestions are slim volumes that are fast, insightful
diversions.
Roger Rosenblatt’s Rules for Aging: A Wry and Witty Guide to
Life is a combination of laughter and wisdom. Tom Brokaw,
Jim Lehrer, and Garrison Keillor have all praised this “aging with
grace” memoir. Rather than a Table of Contents, it has “The Rules” –
58 of them. Beginning with “It doesn’t matter” and ending with
“Apologize, reconcile, give help”, these segments are sometimes
explained in less than a page, sometimes 3 pages, but it is
definitely a concise format. Both delightful and thought-provoking,
this book will change some views for all who read it – and in a very
positive way.
Undiscovered is a meditative memoir that will
especially appeal to the artistic and literary audience. Actress
Debra Winger shows her wide range of talents in the reminiscences,
poetry, stories, and insightful moments offered here. Winger is not
the typical Hollywood celebrity, saying she “loves the work, but not
the business.” In addition to her beautiful prose, the book offers
the illustrations of Phillippe Petit; the illustrations are all
intriguing presentations of doors.
In the fiction category we have three recommendations.
Something is Out There by Richard Bausch is a
collection of eleven stories. While Bausch is a Southerner, these
stories and people could take place anywhere. His themes are
transfixing- marital and familial estrangements, the mysteries and
frights of daily life –and he reminds us that life is a perpetual
work-in-progress. Our Omnilore short story fans will especially
treasure the works of this author.
The next entry may be more of a chick-lit suggestion. The fans of
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood are going to enjoy this
novel by Rebecca Wells: The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily
Ponder. It features the colorful character of Calla Lily,
growing up in Louisiana – her childhood, coming of age and finding
herself, but presented with humor and dignity. The descriptions of
life’s ups and downs are precious; the reader is immersed in a
special culture and time period.
Finally, The Postmistress by Sarah Blake is a World War
II novel with a very different twist. It alternates narrators among
American radio gal Frankie Bard (the first woman to report from the
Blitz in London), postmistress Iris James (a spinster living in a
small Cape Cod town), and Emma Fitch (the young wife of the town
doctor). The setting alternates between America and Europe, and the
relevance to today is compelling. One reviewer said “Great books
give you a feeling that you miss all day, until you finally get to
crawl back inside those pages again. The Postmistress
is one of those rare books. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking
about it.”
(Our thanks to Patricia Edie, Edith Garvey, and
Midge Solomon for contributing to our list.
After putting together “The Bookshelf” since 2004, Mary has
decided to get out of circulation, so to speak. We are hoping that
someone (or ones?) will step up to write the column – or create a new
book-oriented series for the newsletter. Please contact Diana Cutler
if you are willing to share your interest in books and good
reading.
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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