November Book Notes
The following is a compilation of the UMRA Book Club members’ reactions to their November read: Hillbilly Elegy.
Most of the group found this book thought-provoking, although one member found it disappointing. The book is an insider’s view of the people of Appalachian country and is helpful in understanding recent political events and the great divide that has become evident in our nation.
Vance says the culture he grew up in “had no heroes.” He states the culture has a deep distrust of the media, politicians, and all institutions; yet is very vulnerable to conspiracy theories. He says they are caught in a “group belief” that if you try to get ahead you never do, so why try at all?
He emphasizes that his success resulted from having had some stable people in his life to counter the often chaotic, crazy behaviors around him. He had to detach himself in order to survive, yet he continued loving his mother in spite of all her failed relationships, her drug use, and her ultimate use of heroin, which Vance calls “the Kentucky Derby of drugs.” Vance acknowledges that he was saved by his grandparents.
The author credits the Marines for giving him an expanding sense of self-worth so that he was able to graduate from Ohio State University and from Yale Law School. A student of Vance’s background attending such schools is almost unheard of, said one of our members. Over all, our book club was impressed by the author’s grit and foresight, which helped him outgrow the culture he grew up in. Members admired the culture’s devotion to family and the fact that a seed of optimism seemed to always be there, even in the worst of times.
Near the end of the book Vance describes how he thought he was able to shake off his background and become a productive member of society, while still carrying the weight of “his people.”
Hillbilly Elegy is a must-read for anyone wanting a better understanding of the dissatisfaction of the poorer, white working class and their struggles to move ahead.
–UMRA Book Club
Book Club to discuss Hillbilly Elegy in November
Fri, Nov 17 2017, 2pm
At the November 17 Book Club meeting Bright Dornblaser will lead the discussion of Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance.
Also at that meeting we will select our books for the coming year. The meetings begin at 2 p.m. at the 1666 Coffman Residence, located on Larpenteur Avenue north of the U of M campus in St. Paul. Newcomers are welcome.
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.