Open your calendars.

Our next gathering is on Monday, June 16th at 7pm. If the weather behaves we will meet outside (more details to follow).

We are reading The River Why by David James Duncan. It is a Pacific NW classic.

I have at least one extra copy to lend out. Let me know if you are interested.

What we are reading next...

It is still up in the air about who is choosing the next book, but just in case I am the responsible individual, here is what I am considering:

"The River Why" by David James Duncan
Written by a NW writer. Funny, philosophical, Oregon-oriented.

"A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers
The author is the founder of lit-comedy-mag "McSweeneys" and a series of writing/reading outreach centers for kids around the country. This was his first book. Autobiographical, maybe.

"Blindess" by Jose Saramango
Won the Pulitzer and other prizes several years ago. Has always intrigued me.

"The Shell Collector" by Anthony Doerr (this is a book of short stories - how does everyone feel about short stories?)
Beautiful, creative, surreal stories.

"St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves" by Karen Russell (another book of short stories)
Ditto. But different.

If you have any particular thoughts on these, please let me know.

George

I think the relationship between Dr. Kellogg and George is integral to the plot of the entire book. Dr. Kellogg views the way George turned out as his one failure in life & constantly fights his fear of being discovered in that failure.

So, here are a few questions to think about:

1. What do you think about the "nature vs. nurture" question - can the right environment and influences overcome genetics?
2. What do you think of Dr. Kellogg's approach to disciplining George and George's response to it?
3. How does Dr. Kellogg's obsession/need to be seen as successful in every realm of his life influence the way things end up?