Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
This is a fascinating graphic novel that is the account of Marjane Satrapi's coming of age during the Iranian Cultural Revolution in the 1980's. She does a fabulous job of describing the contradictions between public and private life in Tehran during those times. As a 10 year taken from a co-ed school, veiled and required to attend an all-girl school the results are remarkably funny. What does one do with a veil that they have never had to wear before? Parts will make you cry. Interested in learning more about Iranian woman and the Iranian culture, a lecture series by Dr. James H. K. Norton at the Vineyard Haven Library will be held Wednesday evenings at 7pm from Jan 9 - Feb 22. They will be reading Persepolis and more. Call 508-696-4211 to sign up.
Happiness: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment
by Tal Ben-Sharar, Ph.d
It is the season of being crazy happy, so this seemed like a good choice. Can you learn to be happier? According to this popular Harvard professor, you can. (This book is based on one of Harvard's most popular courses) The best part is that Ben-Sharar doesn't think that there is one answer and uses science, scholarly research and advice to come up with some general principles that could be a great start to being happier. This is an excellent book for what can be a trying season.
Promises, Promises
by Annie Bryant
The girls of Beacon Street are having an election in Promises, Promises by Annie Bryant. Find our how the campaigning goes for those in search of school power.
The curious incident of the dog in the night time
by Mark Haddon.
This is a brilliant book. "Christopher John Francis Bone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Routine, order and predictablity shelter him from the messy wider world. At fifteen, Christopher's carefully constructed life falls apart when his neighbor's dog, Wellington, is found impaled on a garden fork and he is initially blamed for the killing. Christopher decides he will track down the real killer and uses the impeccably logical Sherlock Holmes as his inspiration." Join us for discussion on Saturday, October 20th 3:00-4:00pm. Program Room.
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.
Even though we have to get back to business (school) now that it is September, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, can be our last hurrah. Maureen Johnson writes an engaging story about Ginny who follows the written instructions, found in 13 little blue envelopes, left for her by her favorite eccentric Aunt Peg. These blue envelopes take her on a worldwide adventure and Ginny learns more about herself in one summer than she thought possible. This is a quick, fun read and one last blast of summer before we settle into the predictable autumn of school books and routine.
