Summer reading around the corner

Summertime is just around the corner and with it comes Summer Reading Celebration at San José Public Library. It’s time to kick back, read, and enjoy a book (or several) of your own choosing. “Be Creative @ your library” is the theme for children from birth through grade 5, while teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to “Express Yourself @ your library.” This year all registration and recordkeeping will take place online, so there are no paper logs to keep track of. The ability to download eBooks and audiobooks from the library’s digital media collection makes it possible to participate even when out of town. In addition, participants will be able to set their own reading goal. A free book and a pizza coupon await those who reach their goal (while supplies last). Free activities increase at all San José libraries throughout the summer months providing ample opportunity for fun and relaxation. There will also be a summer reading program for adults: “Master the Art of Reading. For more information as summer draws near, visit SJLibrary.org/src.htm.

June Book Club Selection

For the month of June we'll be reading a prolific writer in Bill Bryson. In the words of one editorial review "Bill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century—1951—in the middle of the United States—Des Moines, Iowa—in the middle of the largest generation in American history—the baby boomers." His latest title is "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" and it's a look back at what growing up in the 1950's in Midwest America meant to him and, likely, to anybody else who happens to remember America in the post-World War II years. Truly, a unique period in the history of the United States if ever there was one. Bryson's writing is always infused with a tremendous sense of humor and these memoirs, like most of his books, draw you into his world and keep you entertained with an everpresent and slight, dopey grin on your face for the duration of his personal recollections. The book club next meets on Wednesday, June 10th at the regular time of 6:30pm. We hope to see you there.

May Book Club Selection

Ahhh, springtime... the glorious rebirth of dormant flora, the morning air filled with the chirping of enthused songbirds ... beauty abounds. It is an easy thing to be seduced by beauty, wouldn't you agree? But the problem with Dorian Gray is that he is a man seduced by his own beauty and corrupted by the notions of an ignoble mentor. The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde has come to be recognized as a classic of Western literature and a memorably creative work of Gothic horror. We'll be reading this unique novel, the only novel ever published by Oscar Wilde, the original king of contemporary and furious wit, for our May book club meeting. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30pm as usual. It would be a shame if you missed the occasion.

Beauty has as many meanings as man has moods. -Oscar Wilde

April Book Club Selection

We'll be reading a piece of fiction entitled "Montana, 1948" by Larry Watson for our April book club meeting. Literary review magazine Kirkus Reviews writes "Watson (author) offers a lean, gaunt narrative rich with implication about a 12-year-old boy who witnesses the anguish of his sheriff father, who is forced to arrest his own brother for rape ... A literary page-turner, morally complex and satisfying in its careful accumulation of detail and in its use of landscape to reveal character." This is a quick read, a mere wisp of a book at 175 pages, but our next book club meeting will be on Wednesday, April the 8th(@ 6:30pm), so we have but a mere 3 weeks before our next gathering. Hopefully we'll see you there to talk literature together.

Brian Copeland at West Valley March 11th

Just a quick reminder, folks, that Brian Copeland, author of "Not a Genuine Black Man" will be here tomorrow, Wednesday March 11th, at 7pm. This year's featured author for Silicon Valley Reads, Mr. Copeland will come by the branch for an evening sure to satisfy anyone interested in his enjoyable book and personal narrative. It'll be time well spent ... come join us.

Health Series Talk #2

Our second event in a health series is scheduled for Saturday the 14th of March when Dr. Yen Tran, Doctor of Naturopathic Health, or Naturopathy, will visit out branch again for a talk entitled "Heart Health & Incoporating more Green." The "Green" relates to healthy eating (green vegetables!) and healthy environment (green spaces). Dr. Tran will be speaking at 12 noon on Saturday the 14th of March in our community room. So come on out and stay informed of your health matters.

March Book Club Selection

In March we will visit a well-known title of American literature. Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was published in 1943 and has steadily remained placed in the list of well regarded American fiction of the 20th Century. The New York Public Library has named it as one of the "books of the century" and it likely has a place on other lists of notable American titles. Join us on Wednesday the 18th of March as we get together for our next meeting. Hope to see you there!