Oral storytelling is an art that predates civilization. Long before there was written language, there was the spoken word. When stories are read to an audience, the listeners are usually children, but there is no reason that only young people should get to hear stories. Everyone likes to hear a well told tale, and for that reason several public libraries have begun a kind of storytime for adults. This week, our library will have its own live storytelling session. ‘Tales of Suspense’ will be presented this Thursday evening at 7 pm. Mike McKinnon will be reading short crime fiction by Ian Rankin and Pasha Malla. Come and enjoy the live entertainment.
There are many great non-fiction books available. Joseph Heath’s Filthy Lucre: Economics for People Who Hate Capitalismis a look at some the myths surrounding current economics. The author takes aim at both right and left wing opinions. He criticizes the view that capitalism is the natural order of things and argues that not all tax cuts are good. He also shows that the pursuit of profit is not inherently evil, and that no matter what we do to wages, some jobs will always suck.
Who says a discussion of religious fundamentalism has to be serious? Kyria Abrahams has written an amusing account of her life growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. I’m Perfect, You’re Doomed is the true story of a girl brought up to believe that her neighbours and schoolmates were doomed to die in an immanent apocalypse, and that Smurfs and Ouija boards were evil.
Columbine by Dave Cullen is a detailed study of America’s most disturbing act of school violence. Drawing on hundreds of interviews, thousands of pages of police files, FBI psychologists, and the boy’s tapes and diaries, Cullen gives an in depth portrait of true events.
Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox is the famous actor’s account of how his personal philosophy of optimism carried him through his struggles with Parkinson’s Disease. He speaks with others who have emerged from difficult periods with optimism to spare. With the humour and wit that dazzled fans and reviewers alike in his bestselling memoir, Lucky Man, Fox shows how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.
Carbon Shiftby Thomas Homer-Dixon looks at how climate change and the depletion of oil are going to be the two major issues that define our society in the coming years. He argues that both problems are really part of a single carbon problem. This book contains the writing of six Canadian experts who try to suggest solutions.
