Blog archive
April 2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
THE PASADENA VILLAGE BOOK CLUB
By Blog MasterPosted: 05/31/2022
The Pasadena Village Book Club
Of all the activities available to us these days, reading can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding. Through reading we can learn, whether we read fiction or nonfiction. Reading often brings us a sense of adventure as we see how characters, real or imagined, deal with the ups and downs of their lives. And if you have ever daydreamed about being a writer, reading other writers is a great place to start.
Perhaps you would like to start some sort of reading program, or maybe you would like to read more than you do, but you just can't find the time. If so, perhaps you need a community of other readers with just a bit of structure to help you along the way. A book club may be just what you are looking for.
The Pasadena Village Book Club has been around since in the first days of the Village some 10 years ago. The group has continued to meet actively about once a month.
A meeting typically begins with a discussion of the book chosen at the previous meeting. The discussion begins with each participant (usually 10 or 12 people) speaking briefly about what the book meant to them, what they got out of it, how much they enjoyed it, etc. The person who chose the book starts off the discussion and gives a gentle reminder if someone jumps in before everyone has had a chance to talk. A general discussion follows.
The group sets aside some meeting time to choose the next book. The members themselves propose titles. The group discusses the candidate titles and chooses one as the focus for the following meeting. The group puts any remaining titles in a queue for future consideration. Proposed titles cover a wide variety of both fiction and non-fiction. See the list below for examples.
In some instances, a member may not have read all of the book being discussed. Or perhaps not read the book at all, as in the case of a new member attending the group for the first time. The group never treats these members as “second class citizens”. They can still participate at least by asking questions about the book. As long-time member Linda Stowitts puts it, “If I have not read or finished a book, the discussion either encourages me to read it or confirms my reason for not finishing it.” Linda adds, “This group is a wonderful way to get to know villagers; conversation is easy and non-confrontational. All are welcome.”
New member Elizabeth Polenzani says “One of the reasons my husband and I joined the Pasadena Village was to meet a new group of active seniors. The Village's Book Club seemed an ideal place to start. Already I have been introduced to twelve new folks and books that I would never think of reading. The discussions are polite, lively and thought-provoking. The members of the village come from amazing backgrounds, adding to thoughtful book club discussions. “
Member John Tuite adds: “I love the book club. The variety of insights are remarkable, but that’s the description of the Village generally: remarkable!”
So, what kinds of books does the group read? Here are a few examples:
The Book of Eels by Patrick Svensson
Part memoir, science, history, and philosophy, the author explores the life of the most mysterious of creatures, the eel.
Perestroica in Paris by Jane Smiley
A satisfying fairy tale about a curious race horse and the animal friends she makes when she wanders away from her stall and into Paris.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Historical fiction based on the life of JP Morgan’s personal librarian. Belle da Costa Greene began her career in the Princeton library with a specialty in medieval manuscripts before being hired by Morgan. Her life is complicated because she is Black passing as White.
Clark & Division by Naomi Hirahara
Set in Chicago, this novel is built on the struggles of Japanese Americans following their incarceration during WW II.
Are you interested in making the adventure of reading a part of your life? Or in developing your joy of reading going forward? If so, see more book recommendations on Ms Vyk's Salon blog, purchase these titles through Vromans Bookstore or consider joining as a member of Pasadena Village so you can be part of this dynamic book club!