Sunday, September 12, 2010
September 2010 The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
What do you think of Junot Diaz's much awaited novel (ten years)?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 2010: Loverboys
The Latino Book Cub meets on July 31st at Pomegranate Books to discuss Ana Castillo's Loverboys.
Discussion is open. Please leave your comments:
Some Questions:
What do you think of her style?
What are some of your favorite characters?
Which story you liked the best?
I like her stream of consciousness style, just that one has to be focused to keep track of where the story started. Just like when we are in a conversation, and we take off tangentially and then go "what was I saying" or "getting back to my story.
I also like that her gay characters are diverse, not just one lesbian or gay focus, but varied, also bisexuals.
Sometimes I don't get the story, or sometimes I just miss the point. She is a very interesting writer. I like Miss Rose!
-Amrita
Discussion is open. Please leave your comments:
Some Questions:
What do you think of her style?
What are some of your favorite characters?
Which story you liked the best?
I like her stream of consciousness style, just that one has to be focused to keep track of where the story started. Just like when we are in a conversation, and we take off tangentially and then go "what was I saying" or "getting back to my story.
I also like that her gay characters are diverse, not just one lesbian or gay focus, but varied, also bisexuals.
Sometimes I don't get the story, or sometimes I just miss the point. She is a very interesting writer. I like Miss Rose!
-Amrita
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Latino Book Club Survey Response
The Latino Book Club Over-haul Survey is over. We had 11 respondents. Here are the final results. We hope to meet soon in July to plan our next step. I will be in touch.
The results:
FACEBOOK PAGE
Is it a good idea to have a Facebook page for Latino Book Club?
Y-7
N-4
If Latino Book Club were to have a facebook page would you visit it?
Y-6
N-5
Would you be willing to create and maintain the Facebook page?
Y-0
N-11
OTHER PROMOTION
Is it a good idea for the book club to have a promotion drive to target various other groups?
Y-6
N-3
No answer-2
Would you be willing to be actively part of the promotion drive?
Y-4
N-5
No answer-2
Would you like to organize the promotion drive?
Y-0
N-9
No answer-2
BOOK READING SERIES
Is it a good idea to have a Book Reading event?
Y-8
N-1
No answer-2
If there were a Book Reading event would you attend?
Y-7
N-2
No answer-2
Would you like to organize a Book Reading event?
Y-1
N-8
No answer-2
BOOK DISCUSSION-COFFEE HOUR (already in existence)
Would you be more likely to read a book and attend the discussion session if it were once every two months?
Y-7
N-2
No answer-2
OTHER COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
There have been no new comments since the last post, which you may read below with my further comments.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Latino Book Club Overhaul 2010
The survey is still open, but here are some of the comments/suggestions received. Below each comment is my comment.
Thank you all for taking the time to try and make Latino Book Club better.
1.* We should pass the word around to as many people but with ample time.
* Also; announce the readings earlier; this way if someone didn't finish the reading on time; they can catch up to the next or simply choose to skip when time is of essence. A 6 or 12 month advance schedule may help out people to organize their reading time.
I am not sure, if I understand the first part of the comment, therefore I will leave it. As for the second part, there is a tentative list, which can last us a few years, and it was passed around to the people who come regularly to the coffee hours. No one else has shown any interest (never asked about it or emailed for such a thing), and therefore I did not want to clutter everyone's email Inbox, but in the future I will be happy to send the list. It is important to remember that sometimes it is difficult to follow the list because I like to encourage other people to suggest readings, and then that book takes precedence over the list.
2. Review the list of participants and delete those who are no longer in Wilmington. Ask others if they want to remain on the list or not. Advertise at UNCW in classes; Centro Hispano; Womens'Resource Center; CFFLC; Puro Teatro to get a new membership base.Question: Do you want membership from UNCW community to be the base of the group or do you want it to be based on non-UNCW community persons? Or a mix?If it is UNCW focused; would more people attend if it were held on campus during the week?Meetings once every two months might be better.
If somebody has changed their email address and not provided a new one, they are dropped from the mailing list. I ask at the beginning of the a year if anybody wishes to be taken off the list.
The Latino Book Club was started with the intention to familiarize the Wilmington community of the Latino (US) literature and culture, and as UNCW is part of the town, anyone and everyone is welcome. At the beginning of the club's formation it was asked of the interested people, what was the best time for everyone to meet. It was simply impossible to find a time during the week that suited the majority, and therefore ONE Saturday afternoon of the month was chosen. We can only hope that more people will find the time now that we seem to be moving towards every other month.
When we organize the Promotion Drive, we will take into consideration all the options given in this suggestion. Thank you!
3. I think you have covered most of it.Good luck with other responses.Irene
Thanks Irene!
4. I would love to attend more often but Saturday afternoon does not work for me. I still buy the books and try to follow them at my own pace.
We understand that everyone cannot come to the coffee hour, but there are still many other ways to join us
1. Send your comments to me and I will share it with the group.
2. Post the comments on this blog spot (you don't need to sign up!)
3. Now that we will have a Facebook page and if you are on Facebook you can leave your comments there.
Check out our IN-PROGRESS Facebook page.
As long as you are reading, the mission is accomplished!
5. I am just sorry I have been so overwhelmed. I will be more active without three classes!
We will be glad to have you back!
6. I like the monthly meeting schedule. One book a month is not hard to fit in; and I think meeting every two months would make it easier to forget going.As for the Facebook page; although I do not use Facebook I think it would be a good idea to have since everyone else in the world but me uses it. It could be a great way to keep people posted on what we are doing (I know you already do that in other ways) and we could include photos of our meetings and events; if we hold any.
Some of us are faster readers than others, and I understand you love to see your friends more often. Don't worry I won't let you forget our events. Now that we will try and have other things you will still see us!
Good idea about the photos. Next time I will bring my camera. Thanks.
Thank you all for taking the time to try and make Latino Book Club better.
1.* We should pass the word around to as many people but with ample time.
* Also; announce the readings earlier; this way if someone didn't finish the reading on time; they can catch up to the next or simply choose to skip when time is of essence. A 6 or 12 month advance schedule may help out people to organize their reading time.
I am not sure, if I understand the first part of the comment, therefore I will leave it. As for the second part, there is a tentative list, which can last us a few years, and it was passed around to the people who come regularly to the coffee hours. No one else has shown any interest (never asked about it or emailed for such a thing), and therefore I did not want to clutter everyone's email Inbox, but in the future I will be happy to send the list. It is important to remember that sometimes it is difficult to follow the list because I like to encourage other people to suggest readings, and then that book takes precedence over the list.
2. Review the list of participants and delete those who are no longer in Wilmington. Ask others if they want to remain on the list or not. Advertise at UNCW in classes; Centro Hispano; Womens'Resource Center; CFFLC; Puro Teatro to get a new membership base.Question: Do you want membership from UNCW community to be the base of the group or do you want it to be based on non-UNCW community persons? Or a mix?If it is UNCW focused; would more people attend if it were held on campus during the week?Meetings once every two months might be better.
If somebody has changed their email address and not provided a new one, they are dropped from the mailing list. I ask at the beginning of the a year if anybody wishes to be taken off the list.
The Latino Book Club was started with the intention to familiarize the Wilmington community of the Latino (US) literature and culture, and as UNCW is part of the town, anyone and everyone is welcome. At the beginning of the club's formation it was asked of the interested people, what was the best time for everyone to meet. It was simply impossible to find a time during the week that suited the majority, and therefore ONE Saturday afternoon of the month was chosen. We can only hope that more people will find the time now that we seem to be moving towards every other month.
When we organize the Promotion Drive, we will take into consideration all the options given in this suggestion. Thank you!
3. I think you have covered most of it.Good luck with other responses.Irene
Thanks Irene!
4. I would love to attend more often but Saturday afternoon does not work for me. I still buy the books and try to follow them at my own pace.
We understand that everyone cannot come to the coffee hour, but there are still many other ways to join us
1. Send your comments to me and I will share it with the group.
2. Post the comments on this blog spot (you don't need to sign up!)
3. Now that we will have a Facebook page and if you are on Facebook you can leave your comments there.
Check out our IN-PROGRESS Facebook page.
As long as you are reading, the mission is accomplished!
5. I am just sorry I have been so overwhelmed. I will be more active without three classes!
We will be glad to have you back!
6. I like the monthly meeting schedule. One book a month is not hard to fit in; and I think meeting every two months would make it easier to forget going.As for the Facebook page; although I do not use Facebook I think it would be a good idea to have since everyone else in the world but me uses it. It could be a great way to keep people posted on what we are doing (I know you already do that in other ways) and we could include photos of our meetings and events; if we hold any.
Some of us are faster readers than others, and I understand you love to see your friends more often. Don't worry I won't let you forget our events. Now that we will try and have other things you will still see us!
Good idea about the photos. Next time I will bring my camera. Thanks.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
July 2010: Loverboys
Latino Book Club is on a break and will meet next in July when we will discuss Ana Castillo's Loverboys.
In the meantine read this article about the Book Club in Star News.
Please remain tuned for further information.
In the meantine read this article about the Book Club in Star News.
Please remain tuned for further information.
Monday, March 1, 2010
March 2010: Cellophane
Latino Book Club will meet on Saturday, March 27th at 3PM at Pomegranate Books to discuss Marie Arana's Cellophane.
Hear Marie Arana deliver the 2008 Key Note Address at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Library of Congress.
Marie Arana will visit UNCW on Thursday, March 25th. She is scheduled to give a talk at the Lumina Theater at 1PM. Her books American Chica, Cellophane, and Lima Nights will be available for sale and signing.
Discussion Questions
1. Nature vs. Man
The novel comments on Man's desire to control and exploit nature. The indigenous cultures of the Amazon live in harmony with nature. Victor Sobrevilla also has a give and take relationship with nature. He is not like the "termite" people nor like the rubber barons. He is not greedy, and therefore survives the Amazon, till he does.
2. Urban v. Amazon
This is a theme that is repeated a lot in the 19th century literature of Latin America. The debate "civilizacion y barbarie." The city is the center of Culture and decorum, controlled by the European creole population, and the Amazon is the habitat of the indigenous people, who are considered savage by the city dwellers.
3. Truth v. Secret
The distinction made by Yorumba. It is not a plague of telling the truth, it is a plague of telling secrets of desire. Truth is explained by the shaman, as something bigger.
4. Importance of history
Latin Americans look into their history, lineage to prove themselves. It is therefore important to have no scandals in your family history. Victor Sobrevilla questions this notion. He is what he is because he has worked hard for it, and therefore his father's questionable acts, and his death do not define him. Elsa, who is unable to understand this notion, unfortunately goes mad.
5. Desire?
Is it wrong to desire? Is it wrong to achieve more? When is it enough?
March 28th, 2010
Latino Book Club met yesterday at Pomegranate Books to discuss Marie Arana's Cellophane. It is a rather charming novel about the turmoils in the Sobrevilla-Francisco family, living in the paper making hacienda of Floralinda in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon. Arana who lived part of her life in the Amazon, brings to life the way-of-life in the hacienda, and also the cultures of the indigenous cultures.
There is a definite romantic element about situating a novel in the deep Amazon, but it refrains from exoticism. Living in the jungle is hard, yet Victor Sobrevilla is able to create a world with the basic needs available to the city dweller. He is smart enough to live in harmony with nature, taking his building materials from his environment, to build his house, and the paper created in his factory. There is an environmental message that engulfs the narrative. Anything in excess, or exploiting nature is seen as harmful, and cause of destruction. The indigenous cultures, in general are suspect of the white people who come from the city. They are the termite people, as they eat away the habitat of the people living in the jungle. Victor Sobrevilla is able to maintain a harmonious relationship with his environment for a long time, till his desire to make Cellophane becomes a reality. Victor Sobrevilla is befriended by a shaman, who respects the engineer, and tries to help him as much as possible.
The narrative abounds with magical realism. The very first use of it is the death of Miguelito and the dog. Miguelito, a young orphan is able to liberate the sick dog of his unstoppable cough by taking in his illness. (I am reminded of the Green Mile). Eventually they both die. This may be seen as an omen for things to come, or as the section title says the "Plague of Tongue." The coughing dog was a big distraction for everyone in the Sobrevilla-Francisco household. Its annoying sound brought everything to a standstill. The ceasing of the cough comes as a relief to all, and almost like a liberation. Padre Bernardo's unsolicited confession of having had an sexual affair with a woman, is the beginning of everyone liberating themselves of their deepest secrets. It seems to give everyone else the right to confess and free themselves of the secret they have so long tried to maintain. Doña Marina, Victor Sobrevilla, Tía Esther, Jaime, and Ignacio all openly speak up. The decorum maintained by this family, an appearance of civility is gone. On one hand, the fact that the family lives outside what is considered the normal center of civilization, the city, allows for this break down. In the jungle the people are free of the constant prying eyes of the "civilized" world. The Judeo-Christian concept of sin does not exist in this world, even though the people of Amazon have their own way of understanding excess. Victor Sobrevilla, a man of this "civilized" world understands decorum and tries his best to regain it, in spite of his own failings. Elsa Márquez, the only outsider is unable to take in all the impropriety of her father-in-law's affairs and his Chinese ancestry, and her mother-in-law's secret of being born of a priest. She goes mad, and seeks to return to the city.
The outing of secrets and desires also bring to light a constant issue that we see in Latin American and Latino novels, the question of lineage. Chinese were brought to the country to work as coolies in guano factories, and hence the name "Shit Shoveler." Interracial marriages with the Chinese is not seen as respectful in this world, just like marrying indigenous or black. The only character who openly accepts her Chinese heritage is Tía Esther, the single octogenarian.
The novel has a lot to offer and brings to question many issues. Even though progress and achieving engineering feats are seen as amazing, but desire in excess is seen as harmful. All that seems to matter at the end is family.
Hear Marie Arana deliver the 2008 Key Note Address at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Library of Congress.
Marie Arana will visit UNCW on Thursday, March 25th. She is scheduled to give a talk at the Lumina Theater at 1PM. Her books American Chica, Cellophane, and Lima Nights will be available for sale and signing.
Discussion Questions
1. Nature vs. Man
The novel comments on Man's desire to control and exploit nature. The indigenous cultures of the Amazon live in harmony with nature. Victor Sobrevilla also has a give and take relationship with nature. He is not like the "termite" people nor like the rubber barons. He is not greedy, and therefore survives the Amazon, till he does.
2. Urban v. Amazon
This is a theme that is repeated a lot in the 19th century literature of Latin America. The debate "civilizacion y barbarie." The city is the center of Culture and decorum, controlled by the European creole population, and the Amazon is the habitat of the indigenous people, who are considered savage by the city dwellers.
3. Truth v. Secret
The distinction made by Yorumba. It is not a plague of telling the truth, it is a plague of telling secrets of desire. Truth is explained by the shaman, as something bigger.
4. Importance of history
Latin Americans look into their history, lineage to prove themselves. It is therefore important to have no scandals in your family history. Victor Sobrevilla questions this notion. He is what he is because he has worked hard for it, and therefore his father's questionable acts, and his death do not define him. Elsa, who is unable to understand this notion, unfortunately goes mad.
5. Desire?
Is it wrong to desire? Is it wrong to achieve more? When is it enough?
March 28th, 2010
Latino Book Club met yesterday at Pomegranate Books to discuss Marie Arana's Cellophane. It is a rather charming novel about the turmoils in the Sobrevilla-Francisco family, living in the paper making hacienda of Floralinda in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon. Arana who lived part of her life in the Amazon, brings to life the way-of-life in the hacienda, and also the cultures of the indigenous cultures.
There is a definite romantic element about situating a novel in the deep Amazon, but it refrains from exoticism. Living in the jungle is hard, yet Victor Sobrevilla is able to create a world with the basic needs available to the city dweller. He is smart enough to live in harmony with nature, taking his building materials from his environment, to build his house, and the paper created in his factory. There is an environmental message that engulfs the narrative. Anything in excess, or exploiting nature is seen as harmful, and cause of destruction. The indigenous cultures, in general are suspect of the white people who come from the city. They are the termite people, as they eat away the habitat of the people living in the jungle. Victor Sobrevilla is able to maintain a harmonious relationship with his environment for a long time, till his desire to make Cellophane becomes a reality. Victor Sobrevilla is befriended by a shaman, who respects the engineer, and tries to help him as much as possible.
The narrative abounds with magical realism. The very first use of it is the death of Miguelito and the dog. Miguelito, a young orphan is able to liberate the sick dog of his unstoppable cough by taking in his illness. (I am reminded of the Green Mile). Eventually they both die. This may be seen as an omen for things to come, or as the section title says the "Plague of Tongue." The coughing dog was a big distraction for everyone in the Sobrevilla-Francisco household. Its annoying sound brought everything to a standstill. The ceasing of the cough comes as a relief to all, and almost like a liberation. Padre Bernardo's unsolicited confession of having had an sexual affair with a woman, is the beginning of everyone liberating themselves of their deepest secrets. It seems to give everyone else the right to confess and free themselves of the secret they have so long tried to maintain. Doña Marina, Victor Sobrevilla, Tía Esther, Jaime, and Ignacio all openly speak up. The decorum maintained by this family, an appearance of civility is gone. On one hand, the fact that the family lives outside what is considered the normal center of civilization, the city, allows for this break down. In the jungle the people are free of the constant prying eyes of the "civilized" world. The Judeo-Christian concept of sin does not exist in this world, even though the people of Amazon have their own way of understanding excess. Victor Sobrevilla, a man of this "civilized" world understands decorum and tries his best to regain it, in spite of his own failings. Elsa Márquez, the only outsider is unable to take in all the impropriety of her father-in-law's affairs and his Chinese ancestry, and her mother-in-law's secret of being born of a priest. She goes mad, and seeks to return to the city.
The outing of secrets and desires also bring to light a constant issue that we see in Latin American and Latino novels, the question of lineage. Chinese were brought to the country to work as coolies in guano factories, and hence the name "Shit Shoveler." Interracial marriages with the Chinese is not seen as respectful in this world, just like marrying indigenous or black. The only character who openly accepts her Chinese heritage is Tía Esther, the single octogenarian.
The novel has a lot to offer and brings to question many issues. Even though progress and achieving engineering feats are seen as amazing, but desire in excess is seen as harmful. All that seems to matter at the end is family.
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