Office of Women's Program Launches Book Club
September 2004
The Office of Women's Programs has launched a Book Club!! On the last Tuesday of the month, interested people will gather to discuss that month's book and topic as it relates to women. We start the series off dealing with the issue of medical emancipation of a minor with My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult to be discussed on October 25th. This book offers a unique insight into the world of desperate parents a conflicted sibling and the many moral and social implications of modern medicine.
In honor of Native American History Month, the November book will address Native American children and adoption issues. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver will be discussed on November 29th. This story centers on the creation of family and preservation of culture. In January we will delve into the topic of chemical dependency as we see alcohol addiction and rehab through the eyes of the narrator in Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keys. This book is soon to be made into a movie staring Catherine Zeta-Jones, so it will be great to get a sneak peak! This discussion on January 24th should be as lively as the book itself.
In honor of Black History Month the choice for February's book is The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou. This book will look at the African American experience in the 60's and the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Angelou is a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and former Poet Laureate for the United States and a discussion of her work will take place on February 28th.
In honor of Women's History Month we will be examining gender and transgender issues with Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian the author of the national best seller Midwives. This discussion, to take place on March 28th will include a guest who has recently undergone male to female sexual re-assignment surgery. She will share her story and compare it to the book to comment on its accuracy in portraying such an event.
Finally, we will close out the series discussing a very powerful memoir on a very powerful subject. Lucky by Alice Sebold recounts her rape as a college freshman and how she coped with her assault. Alice Sebold is the best selling author of the book The Lovely Bones and in Lucky reveals the many challenges she still faces in overcoming her rape. This should provide for some interesting discussion on April 25th, in addition to providing for a deeper understanding of the long lasting consequences of sexual assault.
The college bookstore will have all titles in stock by the first of the month designated for the discussion. All discussions will be from 12 noon - 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Taylor Room. For more information contact The Office of Women's Programs.
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