An Ordinary Man-Final Comments

Following up, Rusesabagina warns Rwanda's current state fosters the same corruption that will bring Rwanda back on the verge of genocide. The author was forced to leave his own nation because of threats to his life. From what Rusesabagina has stated on the current situation in Rwanda (using tribal mediators to resolve the issue of murder, many avoiding punishment) a simple discussion cannot remedy the emotional destruction the genocide caused.

As we end this discussion we hope and pray that events like this never occur again. It just seems so difficult to diagnose genocide or any other injustice to humanity in this world. As the conflict in Darfur still prevails and tensions rise in Zimbabwe we must simply hope the international community does their part to effectively prevent such devastation.

Rusesabagina says he did what was only good, what came natural. Psychological theorists have said mankind truly serves to be "good” Sometimes it’s so hard to see the good in this world, especially after events like the Rwandan genocide. Paul Rusesabagina did the amazing which shows that an ounce of good can save thousands.

Thanks for the discussion,
Jordan

Clemente

Well, unfortunately I missed all but the last few minutes of the Clemente American Experience program. I plan to watch it on the PBS website later. Did anyone see it?

As our Heroes theme winds down, I've been thinking about the heroism of Roberto Clemente. I think it was Charles Barkley, the basketball player, who proclaimed a few years ago, "I am not a role model". And frequently our talented athletes are not very heroic off the field. Clemente was different. He showed courage and persistence in making it to the big leagues at a time when there were very few Spanish speakers in the majors. He perservered through some lonely times to become one of the greatest players of all time. But his most heroic acts took place off the field. He was intensely proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and very concerned about the poor of his native land. His mantra in public speaking engagements was "If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don't do that, you are wasting your time on this earth."

Heads up, Clemente fans! I just heard that WILL Channel 12 will be showing a program in the American Experience series about Roberto Clemente. It will be on next Monday evening. These shows are usually very well-done so let's watch it and compare with the book.

Ordinary Man-Are we learning?

Rusesabagina quotes his father "Whoever does not talk to his father never knows what his grandfather said". The importance of not only knowing history, but ensuring that destructive behavior will not repeat is vital. Genocides seem to take place efficiently and are not recognized as genocide by the int. community until the blood has been shed. As we cringe from the brutal realities of the Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, the Bosnian Genocide, Rwanda, and now Darfur can we really admit that we are learning from the mistakes of non-involvement and avoidance?

Jordan

Pay It Forward

Trevor and Mr. St. Clair had a very special relationship. Trevor was able to look past his teacher's facial scars and see a knowledgeable and wise person. Please tell me about a great teacher who has touched your life.

Clemente

David Maraniss, the author of Clemente, employs a technique that I think has become more popular with authors of biography--that is, he frequently digresses to discuss what else is going on in the world (of baseball in this case) besides just the events of his subject's life. One of Maraniss' eye-opening digressions is his coverage of the discrimination suffered by the Latino and African-American players during spring training in Florida in the fifties and sixties. Spring training sounds like such an idyllic scene--warm sun, the players gradually returning to play, the hopeful feeling of a new season. But at that time period, players of color were forced to stay in separate and inferior accomodations, away from the rest of the team. They were banned from many of the spring events, such as dinners or golf tournaments, that local towns hosted for the players. I was interested to find that one of my favorite players of my youth, Bill White of the Cardinals, was one of the outspoken opponents of this system.

What digressions have you enjoyed in this book? Or do you prefer for the author to stick to the main subject?

Pay It Forward

Hi, I'm Kathie and I would like to invite you to take part in one of the April book discussions about the heroes in Catherine Ryan Hyde's novel, Pay It Forward. Twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney reminds me of my own teen age daughter, who like Trevor wants to make the world a better place. He works hard in school and tries to respect the adults in his life. When his social studies teacher, Mr. St. Clair, assigned an extra-credit assignment: come up with a plan to change the world for the better and then implement the plan, Trevor took the challenge seriously. Math and good deeds were at the heart of his plan. He calculated that if he used his assets and skills to help three people in need and then each one of them in turn did a good deed for three more people, the world would soon be a better place. His plan sounded simple, but he soon realized people are not always easy to predict.

It would be great to hear about real life moments when someone took the time to pay it forward.

An Ordinary Man-history? prevention?

Rusesabagina deems the actions, of lack thereof, of the United Nations and the church Rwanda reproachable. He however also credits the people of Rwanda's knowledge of their history. Hutus and Tutsis were both aware of Belgian divide that took place in their nation (divide and rule!) and the flip flopping of power ever since. Was there a chance the 1994 genocide could have been avoided if they simply put their differences to rest?
Jordan

An Ordinary Man-Introduction

Hi my name is Jordan and I will be leading a discussion on An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina. Rusesabagina's heroic actions saved almost 1300 Rwandan's from execution during the 1994 "civil war." I love reading books like this, especially from ordinary people forced to do the extraordinary. This hit close to come as my parents were refugees within their own nation. They experienced and witnessed nearly the same events and circumstances as Rusesabagina, simply because they were of a certain heritage.

No need to say Rusesabagina was able to use very effective communication to save nearly 1300 from being massacred by machetes. How do you think one can be diplomatic and calm amidst such danger, facing the uncertain and unstable atmosphere that was his nation? His own background, from the hills of his village Nkomero to the hotel industry of Kigali, made him a somewhat well rounded, culture-rich individual in his nation. Do you think this helped him?

Artemisia - Would you recommend?

So, now that our discussion of this book winds to a close, would you recommend this book to others?

Kristina

Clemente: The passion and grace...

Hello, I'm Linda and I'll be leading the discussion of one of April's selected books, Clemente, by David Maraniss. A long drive last week prompted me to check out the audiobook of this title about baseball great Roberto Clemente and it was terrific driving entertainment. The spouse, a huge baseball fan, totally enjoyed listening. Since serious baseball fans often are radio listeners, the audio version worked well for him. He also remembered fondly some of the action recounted.

I was particularly interested in the accounts of what it was like to be one of the very first latino players in the big leagues--and actually Clemente's early career in the fifties was not that far behind Jackie Robinson's breaking of baseball's color line.

Any other big fans out there? Others who remember this era of pre-steroid baseball?

Zorro - Any final comments?

Hope you enjoyed reading "Zorro," and keep reading for the April blogs.
Thanks, Chris

Zorro - favorite quotes

I love the line "A man with good hair has a head start in this life." Seems quite true, especially in an election year. I also like the line in the epilogue referring to an aged Nuria - "She does not plan to die; she says that we will have to kill her with a stick." What dedication to living!
Anyone else have a favorite line or passage?
Chris

Artemisia - Controlling own fate

To what extent do you think Artemisia or Graziela were in charge of their own fates?

Zorro - Do you have a favorite Zorro character?

I have to favor Zorro/Diego, myself. He fights for justice, has a sense of humor and is loyal to family and friends. Most of Allende's characters are likable in spite of their faults - with the exception of Rafael Moncada. Anyone you disliked? Does Bernardo's "loss of voice" diminish or augment his influence?
Chris

"Once Upon a Town" by Bob Greene

Hello, everyone! After reading this book I was struck by the balance Bob Greene was able to strike between nostalgia for the "good old days" and a commentary on the current state of America. What point do think Greene is trying to make by telling the story of the North Platte Canteen? Is this more than mere nostalgia?

Bryan

Artemisia - Relationship between parent and child

The theme of the relationship between parent and child is one I found interesting in this book. Artemisia was angry at her father for allowing her to go through the horrible experience of being raped by his colleague and then forced to endure the humiliation of a public trial. What do you feel Artemisia learned from this experience? Why wasn't she able to apply any of this knowledge to raising her own daughter? Was Artemisia guilty of treating her daughter in some of the same ways she was angry about her father treating her?

Kristina

Zorro - Swashbucklers unite!

Hello!
I am here to lead the March discussion on "Zorro" by Isabel Allende. This book had a little bit of everything - love, hate, justice, evil-doers, dashing men, swooning women, California, New Orleans, Spain, the high seas, clergy, gypsies, pirates, and sword play. Did you like it? Did you find the narrator annoying?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Chris

March Book - Passion of Artemisia

Hi. My name is Kristina and I am going to lead the discussion of "The Passion of Artemisia" by Susan Vreeland. We have the entire month of March to talk about this book. Do you have any general impressions so far? What do you think of her writing style? Had you heard of the real Artemisia Gentileschi before this book?

Kristina

Tues w/ Morrie - Any last comments?

February is almost gone... and so is our "Tuesdays with Morrie" blog. I think this is a book that will need to be read every few years. We know Morrie and his aphorisms, but we need to be reminded from time to time. Thanks for adding to my blog.

Look for NEW titles and NEW blogs in March!

Chris

In the time of the butterflies--unknown heroines

I read this book several years ago and found it very moving. I understand that the Mirabal sisters are revered in Latin America but I had never heard of them until I read this book--always good to have my horizons expanded.

Did you know Julia Alvarez lived in C-U for a while several years ago?

Linda

Tues w/ Morrie - Lessons on living

Hello!
I just watched "Morrie Schwartz Lessons on Living" (DVD 616.83 Morrie) which features Morrie with Ted Koppel. There are excerpts from the "Nightline" interviews plus bonus materials. After reading the book and then hearing the same words, it feels like Morrie is an old friend. I recommend it.
Chris

Tues w/ Morrie - Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live

Hello,
Is it true? Is it absolutely necessary to know how to die in order to live fully? I have to agree with Morrie's theory on the tension of opposites. Life needs comparisons....maybe that's why I like living in the Midwest - lots of opposites in the weather!
Chris

The Pact - Education and Obstacles

One thing that impressed me about this book was how quickly I was drawn into the story - into the lives of the 3 boys. The writing seemed very human, I genuinely cared about the boys and what was going on in their lives. This was one non-fiction book that I couldn't put down.

Judi

Tues w/ Morrie - Hello

Hello "Tuesdays with Morrie" readers! I'm Chris, and I will be leading this February "Heroes Books" discussion.

I read "Tuesdays with Morrie" ten years ago and enjoyed it more this reading with 10 more years of life experience to my credit. Why did you choose this book to read?

Talk to me!
Chris

"In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the online book discussion for Julia Alvarez's "In the Time of the Butterflies." First question to get things started is, what is your reaction to the book?

Online Book Discussions Coming Soon

Join staffers from the Champaign Public Library as we discuss the nine books we're encouraging people to read for the community-wide reading program "Get Inspired! Meet a Hero @ Your Library," February through April of 2008. Look for details on the library's website.

Three online discussions will take place simultaneously each month. Drop in or out of them as you please. The hope is that you will let us know what you think of these books and how they influenced you.

In February, we will read and discuss "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez, "The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream" by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt with Lisa Frazier Page, and "Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson" by Mitch Albom.

Titles for March are "Zorro: A Novel" by Isabella Allende, "Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen" by Bob Greene, and "The Passion of Artemisia" by Susan Vreeland.

In April, our books will be "Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero by David Maraniss, "An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography" by Paul Rusesabagina with Tom Zoellner, and "Pay It Forward: A Novel" by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

All of these books can be found in abundance at the Champaign Public Library in our new building at 200 W. Green Street or at our Douglass Branch Library at 504 E. Grove Street.

— Kristina

Funding for the Meet a Hero @ Your Library grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Partners in the project are the Champaign Public Library, The Urbana Free Library, Parkland College Library, University of Illinois Library, Champaign Unit #4 School District, Urbana School District #116, and The News-Gazette.