About People of the Book

Perhaps I'm biased but I think our November selection, People of the Book, is a great choice to settle in with on a brisk fall evening. Joan, one of the contributors to Turning the Page, our books and reading blog, did a beautiful job summing up the plot. Here's an excerpt from her review:

"Australian manuscript conservator Hanna Heath is called in by a museum librarian in Sarajevo to preserve the unusual haggidah, which has miraculously survived the ethnic cleansings in that city as just the latest chapter in its long and violent history. She discovers tiny physical traces of the book’s past—a bloodstain, a fleck of butterfly wing, a cat’s hair, salt crystals—in its pages and binding.

As Hanna investigates the provenance of each of these clues, the novel jumps back in time through the centuries to reveal how each came to be in the book and to tell the tale of each person through its history who helped protect the book against destruction..."

And she concludes by saying:

"Lots of readers are going to enjoy Brooks’ detailed historical research, her very readable style, and the knowledge that it’s all inspired by a true story, the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah."

I couldn't agree more! By the way, if you'd like to read more of Joan's review, here's the link to her post in Turning the Page.

About Geraldine Brooks

Before turning her attention to writing novels, Geraldine Brooks was an award-winning foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, covering the crises in the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans. According to her website, while in Nigeria on assignment, she was arrested, thrown in jail, and accused of being a spy. While there, "she began to consider a midlife career change." (Who could blame her?) In 2001, her first novel, Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague, was published. Five years later, March, a retelling of Little Women from the perspective of Mr. March, was published and won the Pulitzer Prize.

If you're interested in learning more about Geraldine Brooks, I'd like to direct your attention to a couple of interesting links on her website. The first is an essay on "The Writing Life," and the second is a profile of her that appeared in the Washington Post.

I hope I have the opportunity to meet her someday. She's had a fascinating life and I've thoroughly enjoyed all three of her novels.

In Conclusion

Are you enjoying this "tale" about a dog's life? What part of the story have you come to? Is it when Annika...? I won't spoil it for you, but if you haven't finished yet continue reading you will be delighted.

It is said that in Mongolia a dog's tail is cut off and buried where no one can walk over the grave. If the dog has unfinished business it will come back as a human. Do you believe this to be true? Can you imagine your canine friend as a person? I had a dog that seemed to be trapped inside his body, the look in his eyes was so human. He has passed away, but wonder if maybe he had unfinished business and I didn't know it.
Would you know?

About the Art of Racing in the Rain

We're pleased to announce that The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein, is the October selection. In this heartwarming and beautifully crafted novel, canine Enzo evaluates his life on the eve of his death, recalling his days as the loving protector of aspiring racecar driver Denny Swift and his family. "If you've ever wondered what you're dog is thinking (and who hasn't!), Stein's third novel offers an answer" said Publishers Weekly in their review of The Art of Racing in the Rain.

After you read and fall in love with this book (which we know you will), mark your calendar because Garth Stein is going to be one of the authors appearing at the Books by the Banks Book Festival on Saturday, October 17 at the Duke Energy Center. He'll be in the Author Pavilion all day, signing books and chatting with Festival attendees. Admission is free!

About Garth Stein

Garth Stein was born in Los Angeles and later moved to Seattle where he now resides with his wife, three children and his faithful companion Comet. According to his website the cover of his book displays a picture of his dog. Garth Stein has written two other books, Raven Stole the Moon and How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets. He has also produced and directed short films and documentaries. He is also a novice race car driver which makes this fictitious story credibly real.
Go to Garth's website and check out his credits, you can even submit your own "Enzo" snapshot.

Discussion Questions for The Art of Racing

Did you enjoy this tale of the life of man's best friend? In the last day of Enzo's life he recounts what meant so much to him. Denny Swift is an aspiring race car driver. Enzo is his animal companion; although he perceives himself to be a human without thumbs. Denny and Enzo knew they could rely on each other through life's ordeals. When Eve got sick Enzo was there to support Denny. Enzo was there to protect Denny from the custody battle with Zoe's grandparents and the accusations from Annika. And that magnificent ride in Denny's race car. Enzo learns a lot from watching television so he knows the techniques of racing a car, especially in racing in the rain of life, love, and friendship? Is there anyone you can truly rely on to be by your side like the friendship Enzo and Denny have. Enzo looks after Denny like a human. Do you think that is possible to be able to communicate in this manner?

Let's Get Started: Discussion Questions for In Defense of Food

Have you started reading In Defense of Food? Whether you're on page 10, page 20, or on to something else already, you must have something to say about it. So say it--right here! Mr. Pollan has, after all, provided us with a feast of ideas and insights to digest!

Here are some easy questions to get you warmed up--but feel free to post your own:

Are you enjoying the book so far? What do you like most? Is there anything you don’t like?

Have your eating habits changed during the last decade? If so, how? If not, why not?

Is there anything in the book that really surprises or interests you enough to investigate further?

Also, don't forget about Michael Pollan's free and open-to-the-public lecture at Xavier University's Cintas Center on September 27th. (See my previous post for more details).

Keep on reading!