“The Post-American World”

This is an important book to read if you want to understand what is going on in the world today and where we might be heading in the future. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International and writer of a weekly column on international affairs, tells us that the great story of our time is “the rise of the rest.” The economic growth of countries such as China, India, Brazil and Russia is creating a new world order, and according to Zakaria the current political debate in the United States is ignoring this development, instead concentrating on issues of terrorism, immigration, and homeland security.

I found it incredibly informative, surprisingly optimistic, easy to read, and at only 258 pages it took no time at all.

Highly recommended!

Jan Dempsey

“Is Google Making Us Stupid”

What is the Internet doing to our brains?

Is it changing the way  we think?

A thought provoking article by Nicholas Carr can be found in the July/August 2008 issue of Atlantic magazine.

You can find it here.

Jan Dempsey 

Summer Book Discussions

Here is what’s in store for the adult book discussion group this summer.

In June we will be discussing a non-fiction book “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. It’s the story of a young man who in 1992 gives up all of his possessions and heads to Alaska to live off the land. The New York Times calls it “terrifying…eloquent…a heart-rending drama of human yearning.”

Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m.

 In July, we’ll be reading Nicholas Spark’s memoir “Three Weeks with My Brother.” “As moving and emotionally riveting as his best-selling works of fiction, Nicholas Spark’s unique memoir, written with his brother, Micah, chronicles both an astonishing around-the-world adventure and a life-affirming inward journey. Bound by memories both humorous and tragic, the two brothers banded together to heal, to remember, and to learn to live life to the fullest.”

NEW DAY & TIME! (The library will be closed on Wednesday nights in July and August so we will have one group only – Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.)

On a lighter note, in August we will be discussing John Grogan’s story of life with the world’s worst dog in “Marley & Me.” We probably all have a few worst dog (or cat or bird or horse) tales to share. I know I do.

(We’ll be meeting the last week in August rather than the third week – Thursday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m.)

Everyone is welcome!

- Jan Dempsey

 

“A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World”

Tony Horwitz has done it again. If you have read “Blue Latitudes” or “A Confederate in the Attic” you know that Horwitz knows how to write intriguing historical travelogues. In his new book “A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World,” Horwitz tackles the 300 years before Plymouth Rock and Jamestown when the Vikings, the French, and the Spanish explored this country. It’s a fascinating account, well researched and even better told in Horwitz’ witty, engaging style. Highly recommended!

Jan Dempsey