Staff Picks

Book Discussion: The Dinner by Herman Koch

Over the course of a meal at a fashionable Amsterdam restaurant, two couples move from small talk during the appetizer to weightier issues. While discussing their sons -- who have done something terrible -- we learn more about what ties the families together, and what seems to be a skewering of upper-class values turns into something far more serious. -- Description by Shauna Griffin, taken from Novelist

Discussion Questions:

The author has set the novel over a meal in a classy restaurant. What do you think he is trying to
illustrate by this choice?

The novel opens with Paul’s commentary on how much Serge irritates him. What accounts for their attitude toward each other? Does Paul’s animosity run deeper than typical sibling rivalry?

In the beginning of the novel Paul talks about his idea of happiness and quotes from Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. What do you think he means when he says that ‘unhappiness can’t stand silence-especially not the uneasy silence that settles in when it is all alone’? -PAGE 6, top 1/2 of page

How does Paul's narration of the story influence the reader's perspective?

Did your feelings about certain characters change as the novel progressed?

How and to what extent do you think Michel is influenced by his father’s rage?

Do you think people can be born with a propensity for violence and evil, or are they more likely to be 
shaped by early life, family and circumstances?

Do Michel and Rick represent the indifference of their generation, or are teenagers more socially conscious in the Information Age?

Ultimately, who is to blame for the homeless woman’s death? What does the novel indicate about the responsibilities (or irresponsibility) of the upper class?

In what way do the courses of a meal— from aperitif to digestif— echo the experience of savoring a suspenseful novel? As the waiter described each delicacy in The Dinner, did the food appeal to you, or did you share Paul’s belief that it was pretentious?

Serge Lohman is willing to sacrifice his entire political career in light of the crime that his son has committed. What do you think his real motive is? Why does his wife so vehemently oppose his decision?

What commentary does the novel offer about the author’s homeland? What aspects of The Dinner would change if it were set in Washington, DC, rather than in the Netherlands?

Fun Facts:

The Dutch adaptation of the film came out in 2013. There is discussion of Cate Blancett making her directorial debut with the American version.

Book Discussion: This is How You Lose Her

Presents a collection of stories that explores the heartbreak and radiance of love as it is shaped by passion, betrayal, and the echoes of intimacy.

Honors:
National Book Award Nominee for Fiction (2012), OCM Bocas Prize Nominee (2013), The Story Prize Nominee (2012), Andrew Carnegie Medal Nominee for Excellence in Fiction (2013), ALA Notable Book for Fiction (2013)

Press:
NYTimes
NPR Interview
Dictionary of Dominican Slang

Questions:

What was your overall impression of the book. Which story did you like best?

Some have described Diaz's language as "Spanglish." But he also uses a healthy dose of idioms from other parts of culture, from hip-hop to academia. What other cultural lingo does Diaz draw from, and what is the effect of his "multilingualism"? Does it make for greater realism...or humor...or what? Does it cause difficulties for you, the reader? 

Have you read another book that had different languages or slang heavily integrated into the writing?

What did you think of the short story layout of the book, was it a good storytelling tool?

One of the quotes from the book is “And that's when I know it's over. As soon as you start thinking about the beginning, it's the end.” Have you ever found that to be true in a relationship?

Yunior says of himself, "I’m not a bad guy.... I’m like everybody else: weak, full of mistakes, but basically good." Do you agree with his self-assessment...or is he letting himself off the hook too easily? Isn't his description applicable to anyone?

Diaz has expressed that he was encouraged growing up to not view women as fully human and slightly inferior to men. Much seems to be made of his male Dominican values as they relate to women. But realistically, are these values much different from those expressed from average American males? 

Diaz writes in the book "the half-life of love is forever." Do you think this is true for you? If you have been in love, does that love ever completely go away (even after the relationship has ended?)

A  pattern of infidelity runs throughout the stories. Why is Yunior compulsively unfaithful to women?  Would you consider Yunior an addict with regard to his relationships (or lack thereof) with women? For example, he exhibits cyclical behaviors that cause him pain yet he never talks about/ deals with why he does what he does.

Talk about the family's reaction to their new home in the U.S. What would it be like to find yourself in a totally new culture faced with an different language?

Talk about the final story of this book, "The Cheater's Guide to Love." What is Yunior coming to realize? In what way has he changed or matured?

 What did you think of the ending? was it appropriate considering the subject matter or did you find it ant-climactic?

Book Discussion: California by Edan Lepucki

Author's Website
About the Author: Ms. Lepucki is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and is the founder and director of Writing Workshops Los Angeles. She is also known in book circles as a writer for The Millions, a highbrow literary website.
About her Colbert Bump

Read-a-Likes
Find Me by Laura Van Den Berg
World Made by Hand by Howard James Kunstler
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Toward the End of Time by John Updike
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland

Discussion Questions:

What do you think happened to cause the breakdown of modern society in this novel?
What made the Miller's commit suicide?
Have you ever had a relationship that could withstand the pressures of isolation that Frida and Cal's marriage is subject to?
What does the group stand for? What are they opposed to?
When Frida and Cal left their homestead what kind of world did you expect them to find?
How realistic is the authors vision of the future?  Do you think society will devolve this way?
How does the author depict gender roles in the novel? Do you think these roles make sense given the nature of the society?

Creative Adult Programming Roundup

Lincoln City Libraries
Bagels & Books
Set your superstitions aside and come share your favorite read with other book lovers and friends. If "sharing" is not your forte, you're welcome to enjoy a bagel, cup of coffee, and the opportunity to find your next favorite summer read!
T-Shirt Totes
Re-purpose an unwanted t-shirt by turning it into a reusable tote bag! Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own tee. It's a great way to use last season's team shirt or a favorite concert tee!
Other ideas:

• Learn to knit or crochet

Adult Summer Reading Programs

This year I am tasked at my new job with running the adult summer reading program for our 9 libraries. In the past we had people write short book reviews and at the end of the summer did drawings for gift cards to our local independent bookstore. This year I am exploring other ways of doing an adult summer reading program. If you have a method that works we would love to hear about it in the comments section.

DC Public Library
http://dclibrary.org/adultsummerreading 
How to Play
Sign up online or at any neighborhood library. Win a DC Public Library totebag just for signing up. This year's game consists of 10 activities: 5 Reader Block activities and 5 Explorer Block activities. 
Reader Block
Realist - Read 1 non-fiction book Fictionista - Read 1 work of fiction Digitarian - Read 1 eBook Audiophile - Listen to 1 audiobook : downloadable audiobooks, audiobooks on CD Book Clubber - Attend 1 DCPL book club Explorer Block
Library Learner - Attend a Summer Reading event at the library Maker - Create an object in Digital Commons Downloader - Try Zinio or Freegal at dclibrary.org I ❤ DC - Try the DC By the Book App | for Android | for iPhone Fun & Games - Attend a movie night or game night at the library How to Win
Silver Level: Complete any 2 different activities (Reader or Explorer Block) and log your activity online. Then, visit your neighborhood library to receive a coupon for a free burrito at Chipotle.
Gold Level: Complete 2 different Reader activities plus 2 activities from either block for 4 blocks total. Log your activity online. Then, visit your neighborhood library to choose a free paperback book. You will automatically be entered into three raffles.
All prizes available while supplies last.Prize RafflesNeighborhood Library Raffles** Drawing will take place on Monday September 1.  To qualify you must have completed the adult summer reading program by Sunday, August 31.
· 1 Amazon Kindle
War of the Worlds with cover art by local artist Tracie Ching>
One Grand Prize Raffle** Drawing will take place on Friday, August 22.  To qualify you must have completed the adult summer reading program by Thursday, August 21.
· Washington Nationals Game Experience for four people, including:
     -4 field-level tickets
     -special on-field batting practice session
     -free parking for game day

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Did you know?

• Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by more than two thirds. 
• Reading (or bibliotherapy) can help reverse symptoms of depression, by activating the frontal lobes of the brain. 
• Reading provides an opportunity for social interaction. Rather than a focus on negative issues such as gossiping, you'll have a positive topic for conversation. 
• Reading improves your general knowledge and boosts your analytical skills. Reading gives you time to nurture yourself and slow the pace of a hectic life. 
• Reading keeps your memory sharp, your mind healthy and ensures your capacity to learn as you age.

Washington-Centerville Public Library

Getting staff invested in registering adults

 Beyond getting patrons to register, we wanted them to actually read. The random drawing helped, but nothing can replace the staff members personally encouraging patrons to read. We found that the efforts of our front-line public services staff were crucial in keeping people excited about reading for ASRC. So, we decided the best marketing opportunity would have to occur on the front line. To encourage our staff to “sell” continued participation, we created a unique incentive program. At our library, each staff member takes a turn signing up patrons for ASRC during the first few weeks of the summer. Thereafter, if a person they registered for ASRC wins a weekly drawing, the staff member wins a gift certificate for lunch at a local restaurant. Thus, staff members’ chances of winning are directly tied to the reading efforts of those they registered for ASRC. Staff loved the gift certificates, and we loved the fact that the number of ASRC participants who actually read increased 74 percent over our 1997 numbers!

Creative Library Program Round Up

Zentangle Workshops

 Lansingburgh Branch of the Troy Library

 The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. Suitable for all interests and ages.

Fun and Free Apps for Grown-ups

Guilderland Library

An "app" is short for application software. Apps are designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices. Come learn about some fun and free apps for your Android or Apple device. We'll also discuss where to find additional apps and reliable reviews of apps. Bring your mobile device and favorite apps to share!

Photography Contest
William K Sandford Library
Calling all amateur photographers. The annual Library photography contest is next month and entries are due soon. Each photographer may submit up to three framed photos for the 2014 Colonie Library Photography
Contest and Exhibit. The exhibit will run from August 1 to 31. Judging will be done the first week of August and a reception will be held on August 9th. Ribbons and certificates will be awarded for for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for both an adult and a teen category. As last year, photos will be judged for their impact, artistry, and technique. All entries must be framed, with the photos between 8x10 and 11x14 (not counting the frame). For hanging purposes, each photo must have a wire or other loop to hang from). Please attach a card or paper to the back with your name, email, phone number and age, if under 20. 

Colonie Tuesday Night Live Poets' Corner

William K. Sandford Library

Local poets and writers of all ages areinvited to present six to ten minutes of their original work at this open reading forum. The public is encouraged to stop in and listen. Hosted by William Robert Foltin

Digital Photography Workshop

William K. Sandford Library

 If you've ever wondered what all those mysterious buttons and settings on your digital camera are for, this workshop is for you! From white balance, to aperture, to portrait mode - we will demystify common digital photography settings and features and learn how to use them to take beautiful photographs. Bring your camera - this beginner workshop is hands on! Participants will have the opportunity to explore

their own camera with guidance from the instructor.