BRIDGING CULTURES BOOK GROUP

Thanks to support from Connecticut Humanities Council the Bridging Cultures reading group is going strong. The group is designed to foster cross-cultural communication and understanding and covers a variety of themes. We generally meet the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

For more information, email learning@hplct.org or call (860) 695-6334.

PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS

Strength in What Remains By by Tracy Kidder  

Kidder tells the inspiring story of a man's American journey from a civil war and genocide in Burundi to New York Cty where he meets ordinary people who help him. This story is a brilliant testament to the power of will and of second chances. (Discussed 7/9/13)
 

Little Princes by Conor Grennan

Grennan tells his story of working in an orphanage in war-torn Nepal. After he learns of brutal child trafficking there, he committs himself to reuniting the children with their families. (Discussed 6/4/13)

Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim by Eboo Patel 

Patel tells the remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America and coming to believe in religious pluralism, from one of the most prominent faith leaders in the United States. (Discussed 4/23/13)

From the End of the Earth by Steven V. Roberts  

Roberts follows the stories of thirteen immigrants from China and Afghanistan, Mexico and Sierra Leone, who have immigrated to America in pursuit of the same dream that propelled his own grandparents to leave Russia and Poland a century ago.(Discussed 3/26/13)

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi's powerful graphic novel autobiography tells the story of her life as a young girl living in Tehran. There she bears witness to the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. (Discussed 2/26/13)

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down explores the clash between small county hospital in California and a refugee family from Laos over the care of Lia Lee, a Hmong child diagnosed with severe epilespy. (Discussed 1/22/13)

Digging to America by Anne Tyler  

Tyler tells the story of two families whose lives become entangled after they adopt Korean infants. Both families clash over their different cultures and traditions, and question that it means to be a parent, a family, and a traditional American. (Discussed 11/2012)

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

When Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans, a prosperous Syrian-American and father of four, chooses to stay through the storm to protect his house and business. Eggers explores Zeitoun’s roots in Syria, his marriage and his children. (Discussed 10/2012)

Beyond the Cayenne Wall by Shaila Abdullah

This collection of short stories tells about Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities as they dare to go beyond the wall that divides their traditions and the world outside. (Discussed 3/12)

How Does It Feel to Be a Problem by Moustafa Bayoumi

This book is a provocative investigation exploring how young Arab-Americans are still struggling to define their identities in a hostile environment and coping with the government’s mistrust. (Discussed 7/12)

In the Name of Honor by Muhktar Mai

In June 2002, a Pakistani woman, was gang raped, arranged as punishment for indiscretions allegedly committed by the woman’s brother. Her determination to fight back single-handedly changed the feminist movement in Pakistan. (Discussed 4/12)

Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf

This historical memoir tells the story of the meeting of real-life Arab traveler, Leo Africanus and geographer Hassan al-Wazzan.  (Discussed 2/12)

Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Janmohamed

This memoir tells the story of what it is like to be a young British Muslim woman. (Discussed 1/12)

The Ornament of the World by Maria Rosa Menocal

A portrait of the vibrant civilization of medieval Spain where literature, science, and art flourished in a climate of cultural openness and tolerance was often the rule. (Discussed 11/11)

The Story of Layla and Majnun by Nizami

Both a touching love story and a profound spiritual allegory, the story of Layla and Majnun, two lovers of this classic tale are remembered to this day in the poems and songs from the Caucasus to the interior of Africa, and from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. (Discussed 11/11)