State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

Characters
Minnesota	Brazil, Amazon River
Vogel Labs Mr. Jim Fox - CEO Marina Singh – student of Dr. Swenson’s Anders Eckman Karen – wife Three sons	Lakashi Tribe – females able to reproduce until end of life Dr. Swenson – 70 years old, studying fertility, Dr. Rapp’s mistress Bovenders Barbara – writer Jackie – surfer Milton Rodrigo – brother-in-law, store owner Easter Dr. Martin Rapp – Harvard ethnobotanist, deceased 9 years when Mariana arrives Dr. Thomas Nkomo – studying malaria Dr. Alan Saturn – student of Dr. Rapp’s, studying malaria Dr. Nancy Saturn – Alan’s wife and possibly former student, botanist Dr. Budi – Studying malaria Benoit – attended missionary school as child, wants to work in tourism Rapp mushrooms – hallucinogenic, pale blue Martins – trees, prolongs fertility and prevents malaria Purple Martinet – moth – goes into wound of tree, eats and then excretes Fertility is from combination of tree and martinet

For discussion:

1.       Review the incident when Mariana delivered the baby because Dr. Swenson did not come when paged.   She accidentally blinded and scarred the baby.  Who do you think was at fault?  Why?

2.       Were you surprised that Dr. Swenson did not remember Mariana?

3.       Do you think Mr. Fox was correct to want Mariana to stay after she found Dr. Swenson and confirmed that she was still working on the drug? 

4.       On page 143 of the hardback, Dr. Swenson states, “None of us know how life will work out, Dr. Singh.”   Has this been true in your own life?

5.       Were you surprised that Dr. Swenson was pregnant?  There were several hints throughout the book:

a.       Page 159 of hardback – on the boat Dr. Swenson was “panting lightly as if making an effort not to vomit.”

b.      Page 167 – “She was thicker around the middle than she had been in Baltimore.” (Mariana of Dr. Swenson)

c.       Page 167 – “From all I know about the body this is still not what I expected.” (Dr. Swenson)

6.       Review the incident at the beginning of Dr. Swenson’s time in the Amazon when she treated a girl who had been cut on her head by her brother.  After that people started to come to her for medical treatment and she felt this hindered her research.  She stated that was a mistake to intervene, that she should have let their world progress as if she was not there.  Do you agree?

7.       Discuss how Dr. Swenson used compliments – not to build up the person being complimented but to knock down another who was not complimented.  Have you ever met anyone like this?  Do you think Dr. Swenson would have been able to accomplish as much as she did if she had treated people more kindly?

8.       Consider Marina’s dreams of her father.  How do these memories affect her current situation?

9.       Anders wanted to take Easter to the United States to live with his family.  How do you think this would have worked out?

10.   Why did Dr. Swenson say that Anders was dead when she did not know for sure?  What did happen to Anders?

11.   Was it ethical to have Vogel Labs pay for all of the science when they only thought they were paying for the fertility drug?

12.   Was it right for Mariana to trade Easter for Anders?  Was it right for Dr. Swenson to keep Easter in the first place?

13.   What do you think happened to Easter?  Did he find his way back to Dr. Swenson?

14.   Do you think Mariana will go back as Dr. Swenson predicted?

The Narcissism Epidemic, by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D. and W. Keith Campbell, Ph.D.

Overview of Book

The Diagnosis of Narcissism: We have confused narcissism and self-esteem Those with high self-esteem value relationships with others Narcissists only value themselves, not others American culture is becoming more focused on self-admiration Narcissism is counter to success: Narcissists cannot take criticism or learn from mistakes They lack motivation to improve because they believe they are already on top They are over-confident, therefore there is no need to prepare Narcissists do better at individual activities than group activities

The Causes of Narcissism: Parenting Media and the idea of celebrity The Internet –  Facebook and Blogs Having your own blog, Facebook page etc. reinforces narcissism On Facebook, individual can redesign and promote themselves Addictive Can post private thoughts and moments Internet’s reach is wide ranging Easy credit – I deserve the best

The Symptoms of Narcissism Vanity Attractive physical appearance promoted by media and television Materialism Uniqueness Trend toward unique names for children Antisocial Behavior Fights broadcast on You Tube Mass killings considered way to achieve fame Poor manners many times are the norm – feel no need to be nice to others Disregard for grammar and spelling         Relationship Troubles Entitlement Other people’s needs are not as important as yours Religion and Volunteering Religion - change in focus Volunteering - mandatory in many high schools, improve college application, "I want to make a difference."

The Treatment of Narcissism: Parenting – Say no Don’t give children too much power over family decisions Examine messages about competition – let kids fail sometimes Don’t buy clothing and other items that announce how great your child is Teach child empathy and compassion Media and the quest for celebrity Screen shows and don’t allow those that promote narcissism Anti-social behavior Do not “reward” antisocial behavior with attention via the media Recognize honor and integrity Consciously  work on qualities of humility, mindfulness, compassion and connectedness Change core values

For discussion:

1. Do you agree with the authors’ assessment of narcissism as a disease in America?
1. What is the difference between narcissism and positive self-esteem?

2. Do you think Mr. Rogers promoted narcissism with the idea that “You are special?
1. How does this relate to the statement by Margaret Mead, "Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everyone else."

3. What television shows currently promote the “disease” of narcissism?
1. What examples of well-rounded, emotionally positive people are there in the media?

4. How have the media and television promoted the idea that we all should look young, beautiful and perfect?
1. How does this relate to the trend in obituary photographs that show the deceased as a much younger person?

5. What examples have you encountered of narcissistic behavior?

6. Discuss religion’s and volunteerism’s role in narcissism, both the symptoms and treatment.

7. Is there a way that we all are narcissistic?

8. In the last chapter the author’s recommend that we change America’s core values.  What do you think are our current core values?  Should they be changed?  How could this be accomplished?

Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen

Characters etc.:

Berglunds

            Walter

            Patty - parents Joyce and Ray, sister Abigail

            Jessica

            Joey

            Dorothy – Walter’s mother

Richard Katz

Monaghans

            Carol

            Connie - eventually married to Joey Berglund

            Blake

Eliza - Patty's college roommate - lied and said she had leukemia

Lalitha - Walter's assistant

Jonathan - Joey's college roommate, sister Jenna

House on Nameless Lake

Linda Hoffbauer - lived in Canterbridge Estates Lake, cat Bobby

Cerulean Mountain Trust

            Van Halen

            Carol Zorn – campaigned against Cerulean Mountain Trust

Forster Hollow

            Cole Mathis – lived in Forster Hollow

Mistakes Were Made - Patty's autobiography

For discussion:

1. Discuss Patty's childhood.  How did that influence her adult life? 

2. Discuss Walter’s childhood and how it influenced his adult life.

3. Discuss Richard and Walter’s friendship.  Franzen wrote, “Intellectually Walter was definitely the big brother and Richard was his follower.”  Also, “He (Walter) could never shake the feeling that Richard was hiding stuff from him; that there was a dark side of him always going off in the night to pursue motives he wouldn’t admit to, that he was happy to be friends with Walter as long as it was understood that he was the top dog.”  (page 135, hardback)

4. Discuss the relationships among Walter, Richard and Patty.  Consider each pair – Richard and Walter, Richard and Patty.   How did the relationships evolve over the years?

5. Discuss Richard and his reaction to success. 

6. Discuss the family dynamics in the Berglund family?  Was the discord inevitable?

7. The neighbors, particularly Seth and Merrie Paulson were surprised at how unaware Patty was of what was happening with Joey and Connie.  At one point Seth stated, “I think it’s a mistake to take pleasure in a fellow parent’s ignorance.  It’s tempting fate, don’t you think?”  (page 13, hardback)  Do you agree with this statement?  Can you relate to it?

8. Did you like the background of current politics in the novel?  Did it add to your enjoyment of the novel?

9. Discuss Connie and Joey's relationship.

10. How would you explain Patty’s college roommate, Eliza?  Why did she lie and say she had leukemia?  Do you think Patty really wanted to know the truth?

11. Do you think the Cerulean Mountain Trust was justified in all that it did in order to save one bird from becoming extinct?

12. What parts of this novel do you think represented real life?  Did the author address any issues or life situations that future generations will identify with?  Explain.

13. Do you think this novel will become one of our modern day “classics?”  Why or why not?

14. What is the significance of the title "Freedom?"  What statement is the author making?

15. Who was your favorite character?  Favorite scene in the book?

The Postmistress, by Sarah Blake

Characters:

Iris James - Postmaster

Harry Vale – mechanic, nightly patrolled coastline for Germans

Frankie Bard – radio gal

Harriett Mendelsohn –Frankie’s roommate

Edward R. Murrow

Billy – 6 year old boy, mother killed by bomb

Jim Tom Winthrop

Maggie Winthrop – died in childbirth

For discussion:

1. Edward R. Murrow’s three questions for reporting the news were:  1) what is happening? 2) how does it affect Americans?  and 3) what does the Common Man say?  Do you think current news reporting is following these guidelines?  Why or why not?

2. Discuss Will Finch and how the events of his life affected his decisions.  For example, what effect did his father’s behavior during the bank crash and the death of Maggie in childbirth have on him?

3. Discuss Will’s death.  It was commonplace compared to other deaths caused by the war.  Why do you think the author had him die in such an undramatic way?

4. Frankie reported on some boys as heroes who, “…wept and picked themselves up and went on…”   How does this agree or disagree with your idea of a hero?

5. Frankie did not tell Emma about meeting Will or the letter.  Was this the right thing to do?  Why or why not?

6. Did you like the writing style?  Did you like the mix of real and fictional characters?

The Brontes: Charlotte Bronte and Her Family, by Rebecca Fraser

People
Rev. Patrick Bronte: born 1777 (fear of fire, did not allow house curtains) Wife Maria Branwell:  died 1821 Maria: died 1825 (model for Helen Burns) Elizabeth: died 1825 Charlotte: born 1816 Patrick Branwell Emily Anne: born 1820 Mrs. Gaskell: Charlotte’s biographer Miss Elizabeth Branwell:  Maria’s older sister, came to take care of Maria and stayed for rest of life
Timeline
1820	Moved to Haworth Rev. Bronte became Perpetual Curate
1824	Maria, Elizabeth and Charlotte went to Clergy Daughter School at Cowan Bridge in Lancashire Carus Wilson - Director
1826	Branwell and Charlotte invented imaginary world of Glass Town (also called Angaria) Emily and Anne invented imaginary kingdom of Gondals
1831	Charlotte went to Roe Head School to prepare for occupation of governess Margaret Wooler – headmistress Mary Taylor – friend Ellen Nussey – friend
1835	Charlotte (age 19) asked to teach at Roe Head School with full tuition for Emily included Emily did not stay, went home and Anne came as student Branwell applied to Royal Academy of Arts in London – not accepted
1839	Henry Nussey proposed  to Charlotte– rejected (Charlotte was second choice in one day) Mr. Bryce – Irish clergyman – also proposed to Charlotte and rejected Charlotte took temporary governess post with Sidgwich family (children 6 ½ and 4) Willie Weightman hired as clerical assistant to Rev. Bronte
1841	Charlotte became governess to White family
1842	Charlotte and Emily to Brussels to the Pensionnat de Demoiselles Anne – return to governess post (will be governess for 5 ½ years total) Madame Heger Monsieur Heger – Charlotte’s feelings toward him are questionable but nothing confirmed, wrote him numerous letters over the years Deaths: Willie Weightman Martha Taylor Miss Branwell
1843	Anne – governess post Emily – stayed at home with father Charlotte – back to Brussels
1844	Rev. Bronte’s health poor - Charlotte and Emily back to Haworth Tried to start school at Haworth but no students enrolled
1845	Charlotte decided to stay at home to nurse father Arthur Bell Nicholls hired – curate from Ireland Anne and Branwell returned home mid June Branwell fired from tutoring position with Robinsons
1846	Poems by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell published in May Branwell declined – receiving money from anonymous source – suspected romance with Mrs. Robinson The Professor (rejected), Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey (both published) sent to publishers Charlotte started to write Jane Eyre Rev. Bronte cataract surgery successful, able to resume pastoral duties
1847	Jane Eyre published October 16 William Smith William – first reader at publishing house George Smith – publisher
1848	Third edition Jane Eyre published Anne’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall published September 24 -  Branwell died December 19 - Emily died
1849	January 5 – confirmed that Anne had TB May 28 – Anne died October 26 Shirley published
1850	Identity of Currer Bell became known Charlotte met Elizabeth Glaskell
1851	Charlotte in poor health, traveled
1852	December 13 – Mr. Nicholls proposed
1853	Villette published
1854	Married Arthur Bell Nicholls
1855	March 31 – Charlotte died
1857	Mrs. Gaskell’s biography of Charlotte Bronte,  Life, published Charlotte’s The Professor published
1861	Patrick Bronte died Nicholls left ministry and moved to Ireland, became a farmer
1864	Nicholls married cousin
1906	Nicholls died