Next fall I’ll be leading five book discussion groups in libraries around Montreal, and this is the time when I’ve got to come up with lists of books to read. This is always both a daunting and a pleasant task because it's always a case of "so many books, so little time."
Thus far I've prepared the list for the Atwater Library and for the Outremont and Kirkland libraries (in French), with Pierrefonds in preparation as is the list for a smaller group in a residence for seniors sponsored by the Outremont library.
In most cases I try to include about equal numbers of male and female writers, one or more translated from the other of Canada's official language, one "classic," and at least one from a different culture. Suggestions are always welcome, but my bossiness comes out when it's time to prepare the final list. Unless I think the book will spark a really good discussion, I don't include any book I don't like. Here's the line-up for Atwater:
Wednesday, September 10
De Niro’s Game by Rawi Hage
The winner of the Impac Dublin Prize 2008
Wednesday October 8
The Golden Notebooks by Doris Lessing
Nobel laureate 2007
Wednesday, Novermber 12
A Blade of Grass by Lewis De Soto
“the taut story of two women, one white and one black, who struggle to save their farm and, ultimately, their lives.” A Heather Reisman pick
Wednesday, December 10
Kamouraska by Anne Hébert
“Generally considered her finest novel.” A murder and love story set in mid-19th century Quebec
Wednesday February 11
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda
A delightful, world-wide best seller by the young French writer
Wednesday, March 11
Moral Disorder by Margaret Atwood
Short stories (some perhaps autobiographical) by the Canadian icon,
Wednesda, April 15
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa el Aswany
Set in Cairo, the story of the residents of famous apartment block has swept the world.
Wednedsay, May 13
Falling Man by Don Delillo
Winner of the National Book Award
Wednesday, June 10
The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf
Growing up Muslim in Indiana and much more.
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