Since You Asked...

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:30:00 GMT

What other six books would I recommend to President Obama?

Imagining the Leader of the Free World strolling from the Oval Office to the family residence at the end of the day, probably encumbered with treatises on the economy and briefs on world events, here's what I suggest. These titles provide context for the current political climate but also have the capacity to nourish the President's curiosity about regional diversity and bestow moments of relaxation and enjoyment. I can picture him reading poetry aloud to his family:

The Metaphysical Club by Louis Menand: reminds us that ideas do have the power to change the course of history and that "intellectual" isn't a bad word
A biography of LBJ (Robert Dallek, Robert Caro, and Doris Kearns Goodwin have authored good ones); lessons from the life of a master politician
The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart by Bill Bishop: title says it all
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: classic, very entertaining exploration of human motivation
Ava's Man or, All Over But the Shoutin' or The Most They Ever Had (due out in October) by Rick Bragg: plain-spoken but powerfully eloquent prose offering insights into the Southern working man's experience
Sailing Alone Around the Room or another poetry collection by Billy Collins: Humorous and warmhearted riffs on topics that are mostly everyday themes but always satisfying. Other Poet Laureates of the United States would be excellent choices for the President and for the rest of us.

And here's a bonus selection: If President Obama can also work in Isaac's Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson, he could join us for one of the Round Rock Reads! events. I promise to buy a round of lattes at both Star Co. and Friar Tuck's Pantry if he does!

Balzac and the Little Book Group

Linda Sappenfield — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:26:00 GMT

If you're a book clubber, you've probably noticed this, too: the most satisfying discussions result when some of the group didn't care for the chosen title and, in airing their grievances, point out facets the rest of us missed or perhaps even incite a spirited debate.

Everyone who attended this week's Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress event apparently liked the book, but the conversation flowed nicely despite universal approval. As discussion leader, I claim no credit; Dai Sijie's first novel is pretty much a can't-miss selection, either for individual pleasure reading or for group consideration. The narrative showcases the author's cinematic eye, personal experience in "re-education" during China's Cultural Revolution, and use of imagery and touches of the fairy tale and the fable to incorporate plot elements into a surprisingly compact tale.

Nine attendees contributed insightful comments, and as the conversation progressed, I realized that the majority of the group has actually traveled in China. Hearing others recount anecdotes from their visits and place their trips into the context of recent Chinese history added another dimension to the story.

Relaxing around a table and sipping a latte in the comfort of Star Co.'s back room enhanced my enjoyment of the Balzac exchange. I missed July's Three Cups of Tea event but heard compliments about Friar Tuck's Pantry, another prime location for treating oneself to snacks, beverages, and good talk about books. Of course I love the library, but I could easily get accustomed to more off-site discussions at these great downtown Round Rock venues.

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Since You Asked...

Balzac and the Little Book Group