Lincolnwood Library Blog

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson was an engaging read for the ladies in our discussion group. Only one participant reported disliking it, and some thought it was the best book we have read in a long time. Since we usually read fiction it was a departure, but we felt that at times it read just like a novel—a technique that Larson has made famous.

• We loved Larson’s writing style, and his choice to focus on the Dodd family to tell the story of the time. The political books about how and why Hitler rose to power have already been written, so he came up with a new perspective.
• William Dodd, ambassador to Germany, disappointed us. His self-absorption and focus on his own research and writing keep him from realizing what is going on in Germany sooner. We give him credit for having evolved and changed his opinions by the time he steps down from his post, though ultimately it is too little too late.
• Martha, his daughter, is the real star of the show and acts as the thread that ties the whole book together. She begins as a spoiled, selfish woman and unfortunately we don’t view her as much changed by the end of the book.
• We wondered, if the characters had been able to access today’s technologies like the Internet and Twitter, would things have been different?

The length of this book did not put us off and the story became more dark and enthralling with every page. Incredibly, it is all true! We had a fantastic discussion with more participants wanting to speak than we had time for, so this book is highly recommended for book clubs.

Join us in November for another fascinating historical read, Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks.

Author Lois Leveen is giving a free lecture titled “What Difference Does Difference Make?  Race, Social Justice, and Jewish American Literature” on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The talk is at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel in Skokie, IL. 

The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen is thoroughly researched and fascinating on many levels. Set before and during the Civil War, it is a fictionalized true story of slave and Union spy, Mary Bowser. Bowser was admitted into the U.S. Army Intelligence Hall of Fame in 1995, 130 years after the war ended. No one in the group had heard of Mary Bowser before reading this, but we were drawn to her strongly principled character, intelligence and spunk. Most participants liked the novel.

• One aspect of the book we particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to learn about the time period from a new perspective. Most of us didn’t know that freed slaves couldn’t remain in the South for longer than one year before being sold back into slavery.
• A fact worth reflecting on: Bet Van Lew was Mary’s wealthy former owner who bought her freedom and helped her spy for the Union. Why is it that historians know so much more of Bet’s story than Mary’s?
• Much of our discussion centered on our own experience with race relations. Lincolnwood is bordered by Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the nation, so it is easy to see the work that still needs to be done.

This novel was lengthy, but it encouraged us to think about race and social justice, which undoubtedly makes for an interesting discussion. The Secrets of Mary Bowser is recommended for book clubs.

Get started on our October selection, In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson, and join the discussion!

In August, we wished faithful book group member Etta Schiller a very happy 100th birthday! Here’s to many more.

The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje did not inspire strong “loved it” or “hated it” reactions from the group. The usual poll at the beginning revealed that a few really liked it and a few didn’t, but most participants didn’t vote either way. The novel was meditative and episodic. It was difficult to pick up after time away without losing track of characters.

However, that same criticism also worked in its favor, and a much-admired aspect of the novel was its large, interesting cast of characters. Some topics we discussed were:

• The cast of characters is “given” on any boat, since you’re in a defined space with a defined group. It reminded us of classic tales like Murder on the Orient Express.
• The protagonist’s adult voice was so wistful and the young voice so delightful, they played against each other nicely.
• “Feral children” don’t exist anymore. We constantly watch and overparent the young, but these boys are so happy to be free and adventurous.
• The protagonist’s parents’ divorce is not a strong plot point. Some of us thought his mother traveled to England without him because she didn’t care very much, while others thought the opposite, that she loved him and needed time to make a life for them first.
• Ondaatje’s writing style is engaging, like we were reading his personal travel journal. The adventures and expressions felt authentic (and in fact were occasionally autobiographical).

Ultimately, the novel’s style does not lend itself to fast-paced discussions. It is much more thoughtful and works on the reader over time. So this book is reservedly recommended for book clubs.

Pick up our September book, The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen, and join the discussion!