Janet Gibbons's blog

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

Submitted by Janet Gibbons on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 3:19pm

What books are you and your friends talking about?  Are you looking for a book that's bound to ignite a spirited conversation?  In order to extol the pleasures of shared reading and encourage more people to get involved in reading groups, the Women's National Book Association has named October National Reading Group Month. 

A selection committee has chosen eight works of fiction as this year's Great Group Reads.  The books are: 

I'M JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY

Submitted by Janet Gibbons on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 3:49pm

Attention all witches, wizards, and Muggles!  Have you heard about the Orlando theme park based on J. K. Rowling's best-selling books?  Progress on the 20 acre site has been a well kept secret, but recently Universal Studios launched a web site dedicated to promoting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  

BANNED BOOK WEEK

Submitted by Janet Gibbons on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 2:31pm

Since 1982, many libraries in the United States have dedicated the last week of this month to recognize how fortunate we are to have the freedom to read. The American Library Association observes Banned Book Week from September 26th through October 3rd, 2009, and encourages us never to take for granted our freedom to enjoy literature, information, and ideas. 

Many of the books we're used to seeing on library book shelves were at one time considered unsuitable.  They were "challenged" based on political, religious, or sexual objections.  Sometimes books are challenged or banned because the cultural standards accepted when the book was written no longer seem appropriate.  

I DON'T LIKE IKE

Submitted by Janet Gibbons on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 11:10am

It's been a year since Hurricane Ike barreled through Texas, knocking out power to over 2 million people and causing billions of dollars worth of property damage in Harris County.  Except for the inconvenience of living without electricity for awhile, I and almost everyone I know were very fortunate, and made it through Ike relatively unscathed.  Spending the day before landfall immersed in utter dread turned out to be the worst part of my hurricane experience.  Why is it then, that I have absolutely no problem immersing myself in a book with disaster at its core, where doom is imminent? 

FICTION FIESTA

Submitted by Janet Gibbons on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 3:17pm

We are pleased celebrate the culture of people who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico,  and other Spanish-speaking nations during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th to October 15th.  If you wish to expand your knowledge of Hispanic culture, here are some books you may enjoy.

 In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

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