Search results matching tags 'book discussions' and 'nonfiction'

The Longest Trip Home

wag.mado@evpl — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:08:00 GMT

After reading several mixed reviews on John Grogan's newest book, I took the plunge and decided I'd see for myself. I really didn't think there was any way I could like the book as much as the bestselling "Marley and Me", but I didn't think it would be as bad as some of the reviews I read either.

This memoir is mostly a story about growing up Catholic in the 1950's. Since, I grew up Catholic in the 1950's, I could relate with almost everything - except being an altar boy. I could also understand how those who did not grow up Catholic may not like the book - and realized how those who are Catholic could be offended or taken aback by Grogan's feelings about his religious upbringing with extremely devout parents.

The book (which I listened to on audio, read by Grogan himself) did have places that seemed to drag on. However, I stayed with it because I never lost my curiosity about where the story was taking me, as Grogan tried to become his own person, living life with a moral code different from his parents.

All that being said - I liked this book. It was an honest, sometimes humorous, sometimes heart wrenching memoir, written by a person who tried to find his own place in the world even when it didn't follow the path his parents had in mind. In that respect, this could be the life story of many of us.

Oh, and about the book being as good as "Marley?" Heavens no! Not even Grogan himself could upstage that beloved dog.

Books For Lunch @ Red Bank

Guatemama@evpl — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:16:00 GMT

Join us at Red Bank Branch Library for Books for Lunch our December book discussion where will will discuss Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup.

Wednesday Dec. 10, 2008 from noon until 1:00 PM.

Experience another point of view, another way of seeing life. Bring your lunch and eat with us while we talk about the books we have read.

One Book One Community "This I Believe" essays: DEADLINE Sunday!

professor.knowsitall@evpl — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Reading, Writing, and Growing Together in Southwestern Indiana

This year's One Book One Community title is This I Believe: the Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women. This collection of essays from the 1950s and today is based on the National Public Radio series of the same name. In addition to holding book discussions, the EVPL will host co-editor and radio series producer Dan Gediman on Monday, November 24, 7:30pm at UE's Shanklin Theatre.

What do you believe in? We asked this back in June, when we started accepting essays of personal convictions. Since then, we've received over 80 essays from patrons & staff members! All of these essays can be viewed online.

We want to hear from you! If you'd like to submit an essay and haven't yet done so, Sunday, November 2 is the last day to do so! Visit the Contribute an Essay page ASAP to submit yours. Selected essays submitted to the EVPL may be posted on our website, read on WNIN Radio, published in the Evansville Courier & Press, or read at the concluding event on Monday, November 24. We've partnered with ThisIBelieve.org, so when submitting your essay you may also choose to send it to them; they may post the essay on their website and possibly broadcast it on NPR (including a $200 prize for your contribution)!

Read the essays others have submitted. Submit your own. Participate in a book discussion. Then join us Monday, November 24 at 7:30pm as we welcome Dan Gediman!

More Information

Contribute an Essay: Submit your own essay online no later than Sunday, November 2.
Browse Essays: View essays others have already submitted.
This I Believe Book Discussions: Attend a book discussion at EVPL libraries.
About One Book One Community: Discover what the One Book project is all about, including its history in Evansville.
ThisIBelieve.org: The official website of This I Believe.

"This I Believe" edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman

GoldensRule@evpl — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:38:00 GMT

This I Believe is this years One Book One Community pick for Southwestern Indiana. Originally started in the 1950's by Edward R. Murrow, it was reinvented in 2005 by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman. A collection of thought-provoking essays from the famous and not-so-famous, the essays have aired on public radio. Some of the essays will resonate with you, some will make you scratch your head, while many will move you to tears.

All of the EVPL locations will be hosting book discussion groups. In addition, the public has been invited to submit their own essays. Again check out the web where over 30 local essays have been posted. Locally submitted essays may be selected to air on 88.3, to run in the Courier, or to be read aloud on Monday, November 24 at UE Shanklin Theater.

You can borrow a copy of the book at any EVPL location, and write your own 500 or less word essay on This I Believe.