Dec

19

Posted by : atcampbell | On : December 19, 2000

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

The discussion of J. K. Rowling’s second novel drew twelve participants. Unlike our discussion of the first book in the series, no one under fifteen was in attendance. This book follows the adventures of Harry and his friends during their second year at wizard school, in which they encounter a ghost who haunts a girls’ restroom.

We liked seeing Harry again and learning more about his supporting cast and the world they inhabit. It was impressive how Rowling told a story that works on multiple levels for readers of different ages. The book is filled with several striking

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Dec

05

Posted by : atcampbell | On : December 5, 2000

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Twelve people, 66.66% of whom were female, showed up to discuss The Parable of the Sower. This is a near-future novel set in Southern California after the USA has taken a turn for the worst. The main plot is the coming of age of a Lauren, a young woman who becomes a leader in this society.

We liked a lot about this book: the “brain-driven” female protagonist, the beautiful prose, and the realistic depiction of societal crumbling. We wondered how much of the story is autobiographical, because the author is also a tall black

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