Laila Lalami: Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits - Groups

Overview: Groups

Books by African Authors or on Africa 140 books / 162 members / 196 posts
There is a growing interest in the west to read stories about Africa, as told by indigenous authors or authors who understand Africa's rich historic past as well as its current challenges.
This is a group to promote books by African Authors as well as books on Africa.

SHORT Stories 326 books / 396 members / 193 posts I love short stories! While a great novel can move me into different worlds, times, places, I find that I can have these same compelling and entrancing experiences with short stories. And short stories cover all the genres of literature - what a tasty buffet from which to sample!

I have found that sometimes it is difficult to discover or even find short stories however. Sometimes disdained and so often misunderstood... Rarely cataloged as such, often not shelved in their own neighborhood, what's a person to do to find them! I am generally left with that old pal serendipity to lead to me new authors.

Some of my favorite authors: Edward P. Jones, Carol Shields, Alice Munro, Charles Baxter, Dan Chaon, Antonya Nelson, Tim Gatreaux, James Lee Burke, Jhumpa Lahiri, Richard Russo, Ellen Gilchrist, Robert Boswell, Ursala Hegi, Margaret Atwood, and many others.
And as you probably already noticed, many of these names, along with a wealth of other authors, are often perceived as "novelists" and we don't ever think to see if they too, are writers of short stories! Look at the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Orange Prize, Giller Prize, Booker Prize (and other) winners and you will notice that many of them are wonderful tellers of tales of a shorter nature:-)

So if you are a short story kindred spirit please join us and share your favorites, what makes it a favorite, and anything else you want to say about these gems.

BYOB - Defo Staff Book Group 40 books / 9 members / 5 posts This group was started by teachers in the DeForest, WI school district and has expanded. We get together every so often to discuss books, and are using this group to keep track of the books we have recommended in the past.

NEXT BOOK MEETING - No date yet - sometime in the beginning quarter of the school year. This time there are no books to choose - but a theme instead. Everyone is to bring their favorite MYSTERY book or author to the meeting. Also, don't forget to check out the new books recommended at the last meeting!

Shelfari: The Site for Books & Readers

Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits

by Laila Lalami

Overview: Groups