Watch an interview with the author of Dark Dude, Oscar Hijuelos.
The Latino Book Club meets again on Saturday, 31st January at our usual joint: Francesco's Cafe.
Latino Book Club met for the first time this year this afternoon, and our good old faithful members Irene, Lizzy, Olga, and Cathy came out to Francesco's Cafe.
We all unanimously agreed that Oscar Hijuelos' Dark Dude did not meet our expectations and in Cathy's words we gave a grade of "D for the Dark Dude." This is Hijuelos' first attempt to write for teenagers, and maybe only teenagers should read this book, but we felt teenagers deserve better. Sorry for the harsh criticism but none of the issues of racism or drugs, etc actually came across. Hijuelos seems to try to aspire to create a Huck' Finn kind of character, but sorry to say Twain would have had a few interesting words to say if he read this book.
We certainly would like to hear from the rest of our 25 members. Please drop in a line on our blog site.
We are looking forward to our next month's read which was recommended by a colleague of mine: Loida Maritza Perez' Geographies of Home.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
October 2008: What Night Brings
Latino Book Club meets on Saturday 25th to talk about Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings.
This update is coming a little late as I got caught up with school-work, but I am happy to write that we met last Saturday to talk about Carla Trujillo’s What Night Brings. Thanks to Kathy Humphrey, Irene, Lizzy, and our newest member Kathy Murphy (she is Irene’s daughter) for coming out on Saturday.
This book received an overall B grading. Lizzy wasn’t sure exactly what grade she would give it, and I who had not read it completely, had to abstain, but I think this book certainly needs to be finished. Kathy Murphy who grew up in LA felt very close to the character as she identified with some of the issues the adolescent protagonist Marci went through her life, except certainly the abusive father, and Irene, her mother vouched for it.
This was the last time we met this year but we will meet back up again in January with Oscar Hijuelos’ Dark Dude and in February with Loida Maritza Perez’ Geographies of Home. You will be receiving the next e-newsletter close to the end of December this year with information for the first book. I hope you will be able to catch up on some of the readings in the next two months and the holidays. If you are thinking of gifting a book you certainly have many choices.
Finally I also wanted to mention that of the ten times that we have met this year Irene and Olga have been the most regular members and Lizzy is right behind them. Since Kathy Humphrey joined she has not missed one book. Thanks for coming and keep reading.
Have a great rest of the year.
This update is coming a little late as I got caught up with school-work, but I am happy to write that we met last Saturday to talk about Carla Trujillo’s What Night Brings. Thanks to Kathy Humphrey, Irene, Lizzy, and our newest member Kathy Murphy (she is Irene’s daughter) for coming out on Saturday.
This book received an overall B grading. Lizzy wasn’t sure exactly what grade she would give it, and I who had not read it completely, had to abstain, but I think this book certainly needs to be finished. Kathy Murphy who grew up in LA felt very close to the character as she identified with some of the issues the adolescent protagonist Marci went through her life, except certainly the abusive father, and Irene, her mother vouched for it.
This was the last time we met this year but we will meet back up again in January with Oscar Hijuelos’ Dark Dude and in February with Loida Maritza Perez’ Geographies of Home. You will be receiving the next e-newsletter close to the end of December this year with information for the first book. I hope you will be able to catch up on some of the readings in the next two months and the holidays. If you are thinking of gifting a book you certainly have many choices.
Finally I also wanted to mention that of the ten times that we have met this year Irene and Olga have been the most regular members and Lizzy is right behind them. Since Kathy Humphrey joined she has not missed one book. Thanks for coming and keep reading.
Have a great rest of the year.
Monday, September 1, 2008
September 2008: Latin Moon in Manhattan
Latino Book Club meets next on Saturday September 27th to talk about Jaime Manrique's Latin Moon in Manhattan.
Latino Book Club met this Saturday to talk about Jaime Manrique’s Latin Moon in Manhattan. Thanks to Irene and Kathy (Humphrey) for the interesting discussion beyond the book. As for the book it was a "mixed" reaction. Kathy "hated" it, and respecting her reaction Irene and I said we enjoyed it. We all agreed that the novel does not go into depth about any issue, but simply entertains with the variety of unusual crazy characters: Simón Bolívar, Hot Sauce, Mr. O’Donnell etc.
Moving on to our future plans, I would like to welcome our newest member Mary Bulluck to our Book Club.
Some of our regular members (Olga and Lizzy) notified that Pomegranate Books had difficulty getting Jaime Manrique's book, which led us to talk about the unavailability of the books on our list in any of the Public Libraries here in Wilmington, and Kathy has suggested that we send a petition to the Libraries to acquire these books. If you are interested please let me know. We would like to get as many signatures as possible.
With the upcoming holidays in November and December, Latino Book Club will be suspended during these two months. This will give you time to catch up with the books you weren’t able to read, or liked so much that you might want to gift them to someone.
We will meet in January 2008 with Oscar Hijuelos new novel Dark Dude (suggested by Kathy).
We will meet for the last time this year next month to talk about Carla Trujillo’s What Night Brings (suggested and highly recommended by Irene).
Please send ideas for other books that we can read next year, and don’t forget to blog.
Please leave your comments to get the discussion started.
Some topics:
1. Mother and son relationship
2. Homosexuality in the Latino culture
3. The craziest character
Latino Book Club met this Saturday to talk about Jaime Manrique’s Latin Moon in Manhattan. Thanks to Irene and Kathy (Humphrey) for the interesting discussion beyond the book. As for the book it was a "mixed" reaction. Kathy "hated" it, and respecting her reaction Irene and I said we enjoyed it. We all agreed that the novel does not go into depth about any issue, but simply entertains with the variety of unusual crazy characters: Simón Bolívar, Hot Sauce, Mr. O’Donnell etc.
Moving on to our future plans, I would like to welcome our newest member Mary Bulluck to our Book Club.
Some of our regular members (Olga and Lizzy) notified that Pomegranate Books had difficulty getting Jaime Manrique's book, which led us to talk about the unavailability of the books on our list in any of the Public Libraries here in Wilmington, and Kathy has suggested that we send a petition to the Libraries to acquire these books. If you are interested please let me know. We would like to get as many signatures as possible.
With the upcoming holidays in November and December, Latino Book Club will be suspended during these two months. This will give you time to catch up with the books you weren’t able to read, or liked so much that you might want to gift them to someone.
We will meet in January 2008 with Oscar Hijuelos new novel Dark Dude (suggested by Kathy).
We will meet for the last time this year next month to talk about Carla Trujillo’s What Night Brings (suggested and highly recommended by Irene).
Please send ideas for other books that we can read next year, and don’t forget to blog.
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 2008: American Chica
Latino Book Club's next Coffee Hour on Saturday, August 30th at 3PM. We meet to talk about Marie Arana's memoir American Chica.
We had an exciting discussion arising from Marie Arana's memoir, thanks to our regulars: Olga, Irene, and Lizzy and our newest member Kathy. We all seemed to agree that Arana's writing style is very impressive. This is Olga's favorite book.
If you like Marie Arana's American Chica you can also read her first novel Cellophane, set in Amazonian Peru.
The next month's author and book is : Jaime Manrique's Latin Moon in Manhattan.
We have also chosen October's book: Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings.
Please send suggestions for our book list. Remember they just have to be US-Latino authors and writing in English.
Also, lets try and get our blog site going, especially those who can't come to our meetings, but would like to join us with their reactions. The September discussion link will be available starting September 1st.
Please leave your comments, discussion topics.
Irene sends some themes:
1. Color of skin
2. Family ties
3. Identity
We had an exciting discussion arising from Marie Arana's memoir, thanks to our regulars: Olga, Irene, and Lizzy and our newest member Kathy. We all seemed to agree that Arana's writing style is very impressive. This is Olga's favorite book.
If you like Marie Arana's American Chica you can also read her first novel Cellophane, set in Amazonian Peru.
The next month's author and book is : Jaime Manrique's Latin Moon in Manhattan.
We have also chosen October's book: Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings.
Please send suggestions for our book list. Remember they just have to be US-Latino authors and writing in English.
Also, lets try and get our blog site going, especially those who can't come to our meetings, but would like to join us with their reactions. The September discussion link will be available starting September 1st.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
July 2008: The Rain God
Latino Book Club meets next on Saturday, July 26th at 3PM for its coffee hour and to discuss Arturo Islas' The Rain God.
Despite the heavy rain Olga and Lizzy made it to our past coffee hour. For once we all liked Arturo Islas' THE RAIN GOD. I guess the rain was appropriate(although we did not make the connection then).
Irene was unable to come, but sent her comments. She didn't like the novel at first, but then says it grew on her.
Next month(AUGUST) we are changing the geographical origin of our author. Instead of choosing a book by a Chicano/Mexican American, Cuban American, Dominican American or Puerto Rican (the most commonly read), we are reading the Peruvian American Marie Arana's AMERICAN CHICA.
Topic of discussions:
1. In comparison to Rudolfo Anaya's Bless me, Última, how do you feel about this novel?
2. Which Ángel family member is your favorite and why?
Other topics: Send them to Amrita to be posted here.
Despite the heavy rain Olga and Lizzy made it to our past coffee hour. For once we all liked Arturo Islas' THE RAIN GOD. I guess the rain was appropriate(although we did not make the connection then).
Irene was unable to come, but sent her comments. She didn't like the novel at first, but then says it grew on her.
Next month(AUGUST) we are changing the geographical origin of our author. Instead of choosing a book by a Chicano/Mexican American, Cuban American, Dominican American or Puerto Rican (the most commonly read), we are reading the Peruvian American Marie Arana's AMERICAN CHICA.
Keeping the varying motif the SEPTEMBER book is Colombian American author Jaime Manrique's LATIN MOON IN MANHATTAN. More information on this will be in our next issue of the newsletter.
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR BLOG.
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR BLOG.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
June 2008: The Latin Deli
Latino Book Club meets on June 28th to discuss Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Latin Deli.
The Book Club met on Saturday, and I believe because of the summer many people are put of town. Olga and I, the only ones present talked about Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Latin Deli. We both seem to like the prose pieces and some of the essays were helpful to understand where the author and her writings comes from. We both had some trouble liking the poems, just a personal preference.
Do remember our Blog site.
Some topics:
1. What do you think of the combination of prose(fiction and non-fiction) and poetry in one book?
The Book Club met on Saturday, and I believe because of the summer many people are put of town. Olga and I, the only ones present talked about Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Latin Deli. We both seem to like the prose pieces and some of the essays were helpful to understand where the author and her writings comes from. We both had some trouble liking the poems, just a personal preference.
Do remember our Blog site.
If you are unable to come, you can always leave your comments. Everybody's insight and reaction is welcome and appreciated.
The next month's book is Arturo Islas' The Rain God.
We also picked the August book: Marie Arana, American Chica, a memoir of the Peruvian American writer.
Many of you on the list have never been to our once a month meetings. If you wish your name to be taken off the book club list, please let me know.
If any one of you need a ride, some of the regular members will be glad to bring you in to our coffee hour.
The next month's book is Arturo Islas' The Rain God.
We also picked the August book: Marie Arana, American Chica, a memoir of the Peruvian American writer.
Many of you on the list have never been to our once a month meetings. If you wish your name to be taken off the book club list, please let me know.
If any one of you need a ride, some of the regular members will be glad to bring you in to our coffee hour.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
May 2008: Drown
Latino Book Club will meet on May 31st to discuss Junot Diaz' collection of short stories, Drown.
Junot Diaz (author of Drown, our May 08 book) was on Colbert Report on June 18th, to talk about his Pultizer winning novel The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao.
Watch the video
Thank you Lizzy for staying up late, and informing us.
Enjoy!
We met today to discuss JUNOT DIAZ' DROWN. Most of us liked it. Personally it was the best I have read in our series. We also had one member with few reservations about some of the stories.
As it is the summer and if you are leaving town take the next two books with you THE LATIN DELI and July's book THE RAIN GOD.
If you are in town, please come to our next meeting, especially those who haven't been able to make it to any one our meetings.
Remember, the blog site is always there to leave your comments. You don't need any password. All you need to do is click on COMMENT and write your comment in the box that appears. Choose the NAME/URL option at the bottom of the box and leave your name.
Please post your comments!
A possible topic:
Which is your favorite story, and why?
Junot Diaz (author of Drown, our May 08 book) was on Colbert Report on June 18th, to talk about his Pultizer winning novel The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao.
Watch the video
Thank you Lizzy for staying up late, and informing us.
Enjoy!
We met today to discuss JUNOT DIAZ' DROWN. Most of us liked it. Personally it was the best I have read in our series. We also had one member with few reservations about some of the stories.
As it is the summer and if you are leaving town take the next two books with you THE LATIN DELI and July's book THE RAIN GOD.
If you are in town, please come to our next meeting, especially those who haven't been able to make it to any one our meetings.
Remember, the blog site is always there to leave your comments. You don't need any password. All you need to do is click on COMMENT and write your comment in the box that appears. Choose the NAME/URL option at the bottom of the box and leave your name.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April 2008: In Cuba I was a German Shepherd
Latino Book Club meets on Saturday, 26th April at 3 PM to discuss Ana Menendez' In Cuba I was a German Shepherd.
Last Saturday we met to talk of Ana Menendez' In Cuba I was a German Shepherd. We all thought it was a tough read, especially with all the symbolism and the non-linear story telling style. If you didn't quite get it, you were not alone. We all agreed that nostalgia and loneliness were the dominant emotions.
If you did enjoy it, please share your comments with us.
We also enjoyed Jeremy's great music after our discussion.
Here is the next read for the month of May: Junot Diaz' Drown. We have also decided the book for June, and it is Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Latin Deli.
If you want to read a specific author or writer please send suggestions and they will be added to our box.
Happy readings and don't forget to write comments at our blog site.
Leave your comments!
Last Saturday we met to talk of Ana Menendez' In Cuba I was a German Shepherd. We all thought it was a tough read, especially with all the symbolism and the non-linear story telling style. If you didn't quite get it, you were not alone. We all agreed that nostalgia and loneliness were the dominant emotions.
If you did enjoy it, please share your comments with us.
We also enjoyed Jeremy's great music after our discussion.
Here is the next read for the month of May: Junot Diaz' Drown. We have also decided the book for June, and it is Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Latin Deli.
If you want to read a specific author or writer please send suggestions and they will be added to our box.
Happy readings and don't forget to write comments at our blog site.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
March 2008: Bless me, Ultima
The Latino Book Club meets Saturday, March 29th at 3PM.
Thank you all who came out this past Saturday to our discussion of Bless me Ultima. I am happy we all enjoyed the novel, especially New Mexico's landscape.
Please leave a discussion topic and your comment to get the discussion going!
Some topics:
Nature as a character
Tony
Lunas v. Marezes
Ultima
Thank you all who came out this past Saturday to our discussion of Bless me Ultima. I am happy we all enjoyed the novel, especially New Mexico's landscape.
April's book and author: In Cuba I was a German Shepherd by Ana Menéndez.
The book is available at Pomegranate Books at a 15% discount for our Book Club members.
We have also picked the book for the month of May, it is Junot Diaz' collection of short stories titled Drown.
Please feel free to send titles to be added to our box. Please visit the Blog site and leave comments about the books you are reading.
If you any other questions, feel free to write back.
The book is available at Pomegranate Books at a 15% discount for our Book Club members.
We have also picked the book for the month of May, it is Junot Diaz' collection of short stories titled Drown.
Please feel free to send titles to be added to our box. Please visit the Blog site and leave comments about the books you are reading.
If you any other questions, feel free to write back.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
February 2008: Down These Mean Streets
Latino Book Club meets on Saturday, February 23rd to discuss Piri Thomas' Down These Mean Streets.
Some topics of discussion:
1. Racism
2. Life in the Barrio/Spanish Harlem of New York
3. Machismo
4. Father and son relationship
5. Piri's sexual fantasy with White women
Thank you to all who came out on Saturday to our discussion of Piri Thomas’ Down These Mean Streets.
It was really interesting to hear of the west coast perspective to gangs and gang wars in comparison to Piri’s east coast experience.
Keep the discussion going. The blog site is always available to continue, and for those who could not come.
Next month, March 2008 we will be reading Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless me Ultima, and we also picked the book for April 2008, Ana Menendez’ In Cuba I was a German Shepherd. I will soon be sending out the e-newsletter for this month with information for the March book.
It was really interesting to hear of the west coast perspective to gangs and gang wars in comparison to Piri’s east coast experience.
Keep the discussion going. The blog site is always available to continue, and for those who could not come.
Next month, March 2008 we will be reading Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless me Ultima, and we also picked the book for April 2008, Ana Menendez’ In Cuba I was a German Shepherd. I will soon be sending out the e-newsletter for this month with information for the March book.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
January 2008: How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents
Book Club meets on Saturday 26th January to discuss Julia Alvarez' How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. If you cannot make it to the meeting, please feel free to write a comment for discussion. Those who can come, you are also welcome to write a comment.
Some discussion themes:
1. Your favorite García sister: Carla, Yolanda, Sandra or Sofía?
2. Your favorite episode?
3. Machismo vs. feminism
Muchas gracias to all those who made it to our first book discussion yesterday, in spite of the gloomy weather. It was a great success!
It was wonderful to hear of everyone's reactions, personal associations, and opinions about the many themes that arose from the novel.
BLOG SPOT: Some you might have received an email from Irene, in continuation of our discussion about Latino youth. (For the new members: Irene referred to an article in the Newspaper [Sunday] in the "Today" section titled " Suicide among young Latino Girls.") Please use the blog spot to continue the discussion. Simply click on the title of our discussion and leave a comment. You do NOT need any ID or password. If you couldn't make it to the book meeting, please leave your comments. We would love to hear from the rest too.
NEXT BOOK:For the next month we have chosen to read Piri Thomas’ Down These Mean Streets, and for March Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless me, Ultima. We have also decided that we will meet at the same place, Francesco’s Café at 3 every LAST SATURDAY of the month.
I will contact Kathleen (Pomegrante Books) and request her to bring in copies of Piri Thomas’ book. Once they are available I will send out an email.
E-NEWSLETTER: You will also be receiving the next e-newsletter soon. If there are any announcements regarding Latino activities in town that you would like mentioned in the e-newsletter, please forward them to me.
For any questions, please feel free to write back to me.
Muchas gracias to all those who made it to our first book discussion yesterday, in spite of the gloomy weather. It was a great success!
It was wonderful to hear of everyone's reactions, personal associations, and opinions about the many themes that arose from the novel.
BLOG SPOT: Some you might have received an email from Irene, in continuation of our discussion about Latino youth. (For the new members: Irene referred to an article in the Newspaper [Sunday] in the "Today" section titled " Suicide among young Latino Girls.") Please use the blog spot to continue the discussion. Simply click on the title of our discussion and leave a comment. You do NOT need any ID or password. If you couldn't make it to the book meeting, please leave your comments. We would love to hear from the rest too.
NEXT BOOK:For the next month we have chosen to read Piri Thomas’ Down These Mean Streets, and for March Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless me, Ultima. We have also decided that we will meet at the same place, Francesco’s Café at 3 every LAST SATURDAY of the month.
I will contact Kathleen (Pomegrante Books) and request her to bring in copies of Piri Thomas’ book. Once they are available I will send out an email.
E-NEWSLETTER: You will also be receiving the next e-newsletter soon. If there are any announcements regarding Latino activities in town that you would like mentioned in the e-newsletter, please forward them to me.
For any questions, please feel free to write back to me.
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