Book Notes: Timeless classic highly recommended
In simple, almost poetic prose, Margaret Craven’s novel, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, tells the story of Mark Brian, a young Anglican vicar who is sent by his bishop to serve a First Nation parish in an isolated village in British Columbia. The bishop knows Mark is dying but Mark does not. In many ways, the book is about the natural acceptance of change and death.
As Mark settles in and builds relationships with his parishioners, he realizes that the traditions the elders hold dear are dying, and along with them possibly the village, too. Many young people are restless and feel alienated from their native culture. As they venture into the wider world, they forget about or are embarrassed by their heritage. They become so changed by the modern world that when they return to their village, there is friction between young and old.
The young vicar works hard to be respectful of the culture, integrate his work into the ways of the village, and help bridge the gap between the traditional and modern worlds. After a year with the villagers, Mark is well integrated into their community. When it becomes evident that Mark’s life is coming to an end the bishop calls him back to Vancouver. But the people of the village ask Mark to stay with them and be buried there.
Overall, the members of UMRA’s book club enjoyed the book and loved the flowing style of the simple sentences. One member commented, “The book went right to my heart, grabbed my soul, and gave me peace.” We highly recommend this timeless classic.
—Beth Bedell, Book Club member
Book Club to discuss I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Fri, Oct 12 2018, 2pm
The UMRA Book Club will meet on Friday, October 19, at 2 p.m. at 1666 Coffman. Beth Bedell will lead the discussion of I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. For more information, contact Pat Tollefson at [email protected].
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.