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Book list for 2011?

by Bonnie Samuel | June 20, 2011 at 1:27 PM

Bonnie Samuel

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Is there a book list for this group for 2011?
What has everyone been reading so far this year and what would you recommend? Thanks

Comments

Since after this writing I am waiting for a reply
from someone else.
I request everyone to express for the benefit of others
including me.
Thanks
Waqar Azim

Hi Bonnie,

This group was started awhile back, and the person who was organizing the group became very busy and couldn't continue leading it. We found it challenging to select books that were available for everyone in their respective country, and it just fizzled out. Now members have been using the group to share their summaries of books they recently read and recommend to others. I know this is a bit confusing on the group page, so perhaps I will change the text. Or if you are interested in leading the group in selecting monthly books to read, please let me know!

As for me, some recent books I have read that I highly recommend are:

"Brother, I'm Dying" by Edwidge Dandicat
"Strength in What Remains" by Tracy Kidder
"Little Bee" by Chris Cleave
"A Thousand Sisters" by Lisa Shannon
"First They Killed My Father" Luong Ung

Best,
Jade

Hi Jade,
I understand how hard it is to keep groups going, but I like the idea of members posting what they are reading with either a list, maybe short comment or even a review. Tell me how much time and what is involved if I were to "lead" the group on that basis? I am an avid reader and particularly love hearing about books by authors outside the US.

Thanks for your list, 3 of which are already on my "to read" list! Here's my list of recently devoured books:
Create Dangerously, E. Danticat
The Next American Revolution, Grace Lee Boggs (95 when she wrote this)
To the End of the Land, David Grossman
Map of Love, Ahdaf Soueif
The "S" Word, John Nichols (about socialism in the US - this would be a good one to start a discussion of socialist systems in other countries, pro and con).

I have also just devoured the latest Pulse magazine and it is beautifully done, full of really interesting and articles that connect women worldwide. Thanks, Bonnie

Bonnie Samuel
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.samuel

Hi Bonnie,

Wonderful idea! I will pass your note along to my collegue Breese, and she can help you figure out the best way to get this group re-activated. I am on holiday right now, but will add these books you suggested to my own list and check in with Breese when I'm back. Glad you enjoyed Sprit! I will pass your praise onto our editors who will appreciate your feedback.

Best,
Jade

Terrific, Jade, and thanks. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Bonnie

Bonnie Samuel
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.samuel

Thanks for updating.. What about reading some books related with politics as well. What do you think?

With Love and Regards
Sunita Basnet

Yes! Great idea to read politically themed books from different countries. Do you have a suggestion, Sunita?

Bonnie Samuel
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.samuel

"Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn changed my life. It woke me up to the harsh realities of the world but then also sparked within me a hope and a passion to change those harsh realities. It is about the harships that oppressed women face all over the world and how to turn that oppression into opportunity.

Thank you, Ekko. I felt the same about the book. Since reading it, I have followed the work and writings of Nicholas Kristof. He is a man who lives a purposeful life and works to open the eyes and hearts of people everywhere.

Bonnie Samuel
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.samuel

Thank you so much for your comment! What did you find most moving or impactful about the book? For me, it was the stories of the horrors so many women and girls go through only to endure and succeed. The inspiration they bestowed upon me is insurmountable. Do you know if there is a way to subscribe to Kristof's work to get it in an e-mail inbox?

Hi Ekko, Here's the link to Nicholas Kristof's blog - you can subscribe at this page: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/author/nicholas-kristof/

What did I find most compelling about "Half the Sky"? - the determination of the young women to move on with their lives and help others who were also brutalized mentally and physically. Abused women and girls everywhere must deal with the violent acts themselves, but then having their families and communities blame them for what happened. This is just as true here in the US as anywhere else.

Bonnie Samuel
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com
http://bonniesamuelprintmaker.com/blog/
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.samuel

There is definitely something about the human spirit that gives me hope for the future. Tragedy seems to bring out the best in us and also brings us together. The trick is to learn to ignite that spirit before tragedy strikes, preventing a lot of needless suffering. Thank you :)