Cranbury Public Library Book Discussions

Tree of Red Stars

2011-12-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Our next book discussion is on the Tree of Red Stars by Tessa Bridal. If you would like more background on Uruguay and the revolutionary group the Tupamaros try these links.

CIA World Factbook
Tupamaros
NY Times article on Mitrione

Interesting photos of NYC

2011-09-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today's book discussion is Time and Again by Jack Finney. Below are some links you may find interesting.

Today's pictures of Jack Finney's NYC Time and Again sites

http://www.alteich.com/tidbits/nycphotos.htm

Potter Building Fire Report http://www.bklyn-genealogy-info.com/Newspaper/Disasters/1882.Potter.html

Replacement building for the Potter building http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/tallnyw.html

Vintage NY http://www.historyimages.com/Vintage-NY/

Date Change of Daytime Discussion

2011-09-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

The September Daytime Book Discussion has been changed to Wednesday, Sept. 21. at 1:30 in the library.

Time and Again by Jack Finney

2011-08-11T11:30:00.001-07:00

Because it was difficult to get multiple copies of Cutting for Stone the group decided to read Time and Again for our September meeting. Ellen recommended this book and it is one of my favorites.

Ruby's Spoon by Anna Lawrence Pietroni

2011-08-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

The dialect used in the book about a small town in the English midlands made the reading difficult for many in the group. I found some interesting information about the author and her book searching the Web.

Here is the author introducing her book in a small midland town. This video really brings Cradle Cross to life.

Ms. Pietroni gives a book reading at the Harvard Book Store. This is a long video but gives the reader a lot of insight into the author and the process of writing her book.

Anna Lawrence Pietroni on swapping prison for penmanship in the Daily Mail.

The 'Real' Drop City

2011-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Below are several links to the original Drop City in Colorado.

Drop City - wikipedia Drop City - Documentary Drop City - Hippie Museum

Daytime Discussion

2011-03-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

We had a great discussion of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Thanks for all your great comments and insights. Our next book is Drop City by T. C Boyle. I've updated the upcoming books on the right sidebar. (And the place where we meet - in the library.)

"Good Earth" Discussion

2011-01-13T07:34:00.001-08:00

Because the library was closed due to the snow, the January book discussion of The Good Earth has been postponed until Wednesday, January 19 at 1:30 p.m. in the library's Gambino room.

Reading Group Guides

2010-10-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

I just signed our book group up at Reading Group Guides. This is a great Website with lots of ideas and reviews of books to read and discuss, contests for free books, newsletters, polls, upcoming books and, of course, reading group guides.

Links to historical documents

2010-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some links with historical references to Deliverance Dane.

The Salem Witchcraft Papers http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/ Search for Deliverence Dane in 'accused' and 'court documents'.

More on the Salem Witch trials http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

2010-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

This link to a book discussion guide contains and interesting interview with the author, Muriel Barbery.

Choosing a Title for the Next Evening Mtg

2010-07-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have selected three titles for us to choose from for our next discussion mtg in August (8/17). If everyone/anyone interested in coming to this mtg could let me know which book you would like to read that would be great

Memory Keepers Daughter – Kim Edwards
Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen – Syrie James
The Last Chinese Chef – Nicole Mones

More on The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

To read more about the author and listen to an audio clip go to Penguin's Webpage on The Help.

Jean Hanff Korelitz speaking in Hopewell

2010-06-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hear Jean Korelitz read from her book Admission on Sunday, June 13 at the Hopewell Public Library. For more information on this fundraiser go to hopewellpubliclibrary.blogspot.com

Do you remember the video of Princeton University that Portia used to start off her presentation to prospective students? If this is not the exact one I'm sure it is in the same vein.

Princeton: Discovery, Inspiration, Evolution

Tangents to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

2010-05-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Click here to read and view tangents to David Wroblewski's The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I especially liked the first dog video. There is also more information on "shared gaze" exercises as described in the book.

Author Shohban Bantwal speaking

2010-04-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dont' forget to come hear author Shohban Bantwal discuss her books on Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m.

Physick Book of Deliverance Dance

2010-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to provide a quick link to the Univ of Virginia online document archive in regards to the Salem Witch Trials that were used extensively by the author as she researched for the book. Check out the documents here

Curious Incident - Interview with Author

2010-03-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting interview with author Mark Haddon about the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Read and enjoy!

Cranbury Public Library Review : The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon

2010-03-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Christopher Boone is a 15 year-old boy who has been living with his working-class father for the past two years since his mother, he’s been told, died of a heart attack. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time begins with Christopher’s discovery of Wellington, his neighbor’s dog, dead, impaled by a pitchfork. He decides he must solve the mystery of the dog’s death, in part because he has come under suspicion of the crime, but mostly because the situation has presented the ultimate puzzle to solve. Although never fully explained in the text of the novel, Christopher is Autistic, and logic and puzzles are the tools he uses to make the world around him make sense.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon’s debut novel, is written in first person from Christopher’s point of view. In this manner, Haddon takes us along this young man’s journey with unmatched empathy and insight into the Autistic mind. Christopher’s adventure is by turns heart-wrenching, hilarious, tragic, and at times, even shocking. Through his narrative, however, the storytelling is detached, almost simplistically matter-of-fact. But therein lies the magic of this masterfully crafted book. Haddon allows the reader to experience life as Christopher has learned how to deal with it; sharing the literal-minded observations and self-imposed patterns that he relies on to filter the overwhelming world around him.

Christopher Boone warns the reader from the start: “This will not be a funny book. I cannot tell jokes because I do not understand them.” It may be true that the “funny” that most people find in jokes is lost to Christopher’s unique logical processes. But it’s the furthest thing from the truth that the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timedoesn’t overflow with not only unmatched humor, but great poignancy and warmth. This is a novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a well-honed mystery, wishes to gain insight into the mind of a person with Autism, or is simply a fan of engaging, smartly-written literature.

Rescheduled!

2010-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Due to the impending snow storm our Joy School discussion is rescheduled to Wednesday, February 17.

"What is the What" by Dave Eggers

2010-01-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

The Free Library of Philadelphia had this title as One Book Philadelphia in 2008 and published a fantastic Resource Guide. Besides the discussion questions, I found the Timeline: A Recent History of Sudan and the map on pages 6-8 especially of interest. You may also like to check the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation website. Here you will find information on the book and Sudan as well as the Foundation.

Background on "The Age of Innocence"

2009-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is part of the National Endowment for the Arts program called THE BIG READ. The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American popular culture.

To read more about the novel The Big Read discussion Guide has a introduction, historical context, author information and more.

One Book New Jersey 2010 Winners

2009-12-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

The following titles have been selected for OBNJ 2010. Look for the kickoff and library programs in the new year.

Adult: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Teen: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Middle Grades: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Di Camillo

Read to Me: Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin

Still time to vote for One Book New Jersey

2009-11-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

We are hoping our Book Discussion Groups will participate in this year's One Book New Jersey.

The first step is to help choose the book. From now through Sunday, November 15, readers of all ages are encouraged to vote for the titles best suited to be One Book New Jersey (OBNJ) selections! You can only vote for one title per category, but you can place a vote in all four categories: Adult, Teen, Middle Grade, and Read to Me.

Cast your vote now at www.onebooknewjersey.org Winning selections will be announced on November 16, 2009.

Once titles have been selected the library will invite all Cranbury book groups and individuals to read the book. The library will supply books, reviews, and discussion guides. We will also offer several different programs that relate to the book. Remember, other NJ libraries will also be reading the OBNJ selection and offering programs as well.

Let's become part of a large community of readers and join in One Book New Jersey!

Next Daytime Discussion

2009-10-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

The next discussion is on Wednesday, November 11 at 1:30 p.m. We will be discussing Moloka'i by Alan Brennert. Summary: Seven- year old Rachel is forcibly removed from her family's 1890s Honolulu home when she contracts leprosy and is placed in a settlement. There she loses a series of new friends before new medical discoveries enable her to reenter the world.

For December the group decided to read something from Edith Wharton. Some titles are The Age of Innocence, House of Mirth, and Ethan Frome. We will choose the exact title at the next meeting. Come prepared with book ideas for 2010.

The library is working with local authors and hoping to have them come to speak in 2010. The group may choose to read one of their books in the new year. One is Shobhan Bantwal. She has 3 books; The Dowry Bride, The Forbidden Daughter and the Sari Shop Widow.

Another possible author is Rachel Levy Lesser and her book Shopping for Love.

What to Read next?

2009-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Come to the Book Discussion with ideas of what to read for December and the new year. Any ideas for "One Book Cranbury"?

"Prodigal Summer" Information from NoveList Plus

2009-10-13T10:51:00.001-07:00

NoveList Plus - powered by EBSCOhost

Shared via AddThis

Evening Book Discussion Mtg on 7/21

2009-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

In case you did not receive an email from me, I will be unable to lead the 7/21 evening book discussion due to a death in the family. You may either feel free to meet as a group here at the library without me and discuss (your more than welcome) or I can touch base with everyone late next week and we can reschedule the discussion''

I am perfectly fine with either and apologize for the short notice

-Doug

Book Thief Interview with the author

2009-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to listen to an interview with Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief. (He has a lovely Australian accent too.) Once on his site click on Book Club to read more of the author's ideas.

A Blogger comments on The BookThief.

Another interview with the author about writing The Book Thief and writing in general.

A book talk to interest readers. Do a YouTube search and you will find lots of interesting videos.

Daytime Book Discussion

2009-06-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

The next daytime book discussion is Wednesday, July 15. The book we are reading is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The library has copies ready to be picked up.

The Last Chinese Chef

2009-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones is the title of the next daytime book discussion on Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 in the Senior Community Center.

Be thinking about what books the group will read next and come to the meeting with ideas.

Or post comments with book suggestions!

Lace Reader Discussion tomorrow

2009-04-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the NY Times review of The Lace Reader. The review is careful not to reveal too much so no 'spoiler alert' is needed.

You might like to check out www.lacereader.com. There you will find a link to a short documentary with an interview with the author. Or look at Brunonia's Blog the Bru- HaHa. On the right are links to NPR interviews with the author.

April 15th is the next Daytime Book Discussion

2009-03-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Due to Spring Break the book discussion will be the 3rd Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Senior Center. Next month's book is My Antonia by Willa Cather. Please be think about books to read and discuss in the following months.

May Evening Book Discussion Suggestions

2009-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

After last night's meeting, I wanted to add this post to our blog so that you all can have the opportunity to suggest titles for our May meeting by using the comments feature. Hopefully in this way we can bounce around some ideas and get a title in place before the April meeting so Beth Anne can get us those hot titles we crave.

So comment away and lets see what we come up with

Open Book Club

2009-03-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

This resource came up on one of the library blogs I read and I thought you all might be interested in it. Its one version of an online book group called Open Book Club. It contained monthly video episodes hosted by two women who interview authors and have special guests giving insight on books they discuss each month. There is also an online forum where you can comment and read others comments about these different books.

Beside having our discussion group, I would like to when I can offer alternative resources for book discussion and exploration as well (especially techie stuff which holds my interest)

Take a look and see what you think (use the link below)

http://www.openbookclub.tv/

Daytime Book Discussion - Monday 3/16

2009-03-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Daytime book discussion has been moved to Monday 3/16 at 1:30 at the Senior Center.

Next Daytime Book Discussion

2009-03-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that many of our group will not be able to make the March 11 discussion. I think we should change the date to accommodate as many group members as possible.

I can do any day in the next 2 weeks at 1:30 except for Monday the 9th. If we choose a Thursday we would have to meet in the library as there is another program in the Senior Center. Please post your preference in the comments.

Daytime Book Discussion Date Change

2009-02-09T11:27:00.001-08:00

The discussion of The Zookeeper's Wife will be moved to Wednesday, February 18th at 1:30 p.m. in the Senior Center.

Daytime Book Disscussion - Book for 2/11

2009-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

The Daytime Book Disscussion is reading the Zookeeper's Wife.

Books will be available through Inter-library Loan at the library by next

week. The library will be open for limited services (such as

Inter-library loan) during the reconfiguration.

A Viewing of Notes on a Scandal

2009-01-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

I wanted to find out from the evening group if there was any interest in having a viewing of the film for our book discussion at the library between now (1/6) and the discussion meeting on the 13th. If you are interested please let me know by email (baldwin@cranburypubliclibrary.org) ASAP so that if there is enough interest, I could try and get a date and time that would work.

If not, that is fine too!

-Doug

Daytime Discussion - Next Book

2008-12-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

The daytime discussion changed it's next book to David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. The discussion will be on Wednesday, Jan. 14th. If you need a copy of the book let the library know and we'll get it for you. It is also available as an eBook and an eAudiobook through NetLibrary. Stop into our library if you need information on how to access these online resources.

The February discussion will be The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.

For our evening book discussion meeting tomorrow (12/9)

2008-12-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just a brief reminder to anyone attending the book discussion tomorrow evening that with this open book discussion format, it will be really HELPFUL to everyone else if you could bring a copy of any book you plan on discussing with us. This may not be possible, but if it is it will really be helpful to those in the group who would like to take a look at it and have a reference...

OH, and I will have my laptop with me so we can look up information for books people discuss as well as find them either in our library, other libraries, or even online for purchase

See you all tomorrow,

Doug

Next Discussion - Cannery Row

2008-11-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

The next daytime book discussion date will be Monday, Dec. 8 at the Senior Center.

Here are a few links you might want to check out.

Cannery Row Literature Guide

Cannery Row in pictures

Cannery Row

Brick Lane Discussion

2008-11-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

The discussion of Brick Lane by Monica Ali was a lively sharing of ideas and impressions of the book. Everyone in the group enjoyed the book, finding the characters more interesting and likable as the story progressed. For more information about the book, reviews, discussions and read alikes go to NoveList.

The next book is Cannery Row and the discussion is currently scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10th. Two people already know they cannot make that date. Other possible dates are Wed., 12/3; Mon., 12/8; Mon. 12/15; Wed., 12/17. Please check your calendars and comment on what dates are good for you.

Also start thinking about February's book. We will decide that at the next meeting.

Brick Lane by Monica Ali

2008-10-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

For those in the daytime book discussion, you should hopefully have received or be receiving Brick Lane very soon. In the meantime, here are some book resources. Feel free to click the comment link at the bottom and add any comments or thoughts you have as your read the book and others can respond to as well.

Book Browse Readers Guide

Bookrags Readers Guide

Author bio

Author interview

Another author interview

Trailer for the upcoming movie based on the novel

March by Geraldine Brooks

2008-10-27T12:28:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone has received and is making out alright with their copies of March. Here are some web resources you can take a look at if you so desire...

And don't forget about the comment link below so if you want to add your two, three, or four cents that would be great!

BookBrowse Reading Guide

Reading Group Guides.com Reading Guide

Author Website

Reader's Guide from the Author's website

Author interview from Powells.com

Interview with Gerald and Reading Guide Questions

Welcome to Cranbury Public Library Book Discussions!

2008-10-15T10:20:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the online home for Cranbury Public Library Book Discussion(s). I hope that everyone who is interested will have the chance to take part in a book discussion whether it be by coming to our regular meetings or here online. Just a few quick things to mention:

I. Please note to the right that I have created a schedule for the next few book discussions. I will update this as time goes on and that is where you should look to see what the group's current agenda will be. It is also a place where I will make announcements and any changes related to the book discussion group(s). Check back here on a regular basis!

II. For each book discussion date I will create an initial post for that discussion with some links to additional resources relevant to our book/topic. At the bottom of these posts you will see a link that says 'comments' (its really small and located at the lower right of the post). That is where you can click to add your own comments about the book we are reading. It will be the way we can have a discussion online.

Just add your comment (when you do choose the 'Name/URL' option and put your name so we can know who is commenting, and then others in the group can read it and respond, then you can respond back... and all of sudden you have an online conversation going.. its that simple!!

Of course if you have any questions or troubles don't hesitate to contact me!

III. If you scroll down a bit, and look on the right you will see a small chat window with the title "CPL Book Discuss". This small tool will allow you to chat directly with me during the day if you would like to talk about books we are reading or even if you just have a question. Think of it this way...its just something fun and different to try!

I will have the first 'post' up very soon and then feel free to comment and get this thing going

-Doug