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Books on Spiritual Destiny, What Life is About, Plus Appearances by Two Local Authors
Highlight Morro Bay Library Programs in April
One book described as a homespun epic that delves into what life is all about and another that prompts each of us to discover our own spiritual destiny will be the centerpieces of discussions hosted by the Morro Bay Friends of the Library to start off their April programs in the Program Room of the Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor Street--to be followed by special appearances of two local authors who will talk about their books later in the month.
All programs are free to the public and are from 10 to noon. Residents are invited to attend, listen or interact in the book discussions whether they have read the books or not.
First up on April 7 will be a discussion of "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg, which is about an elderly woman in Missouri who falls while trying to climb into her fig tree, is taken to the hospital and everyone thinks she has become comatose. But that turns into a puzzle. It combines southern warmth with unabashed emotion and side-splitting hilarity. One reviewer said the 2006 book's opening begs to be read again and again.
Next on April 14 will be "The Celestine Prophecy – An Adventure" by James Redfield, which will be the Friends' Inspirational Wednesdays program and will focus on the book's key points, which offer nine insights into life itself that can be grasped sequentially toward finding a spiritual culture on Earth.
It tells a gripping story of adventure and discovery of an ancient manuscript in the rain forests of Peru. The novel spent more than three years on the New York Times bestsellers list and appeared on lists around the world. It is also one of the most successful self-published books of all time.
Howard Eduardo Burt, a Los Osos resident, will be the first author of the month to appear on April 21. His debut novel, "The Castillo Legacy," is filled with action, romance, adventure and buried treasure. For those who would like to read the book before the discussion, it will be available to check out at the Library.
The story begins with two students falling in love at Stanford University and then myriad developments follow, all taking place on the San Francisco penninsula in the wealthy community of Woodside and the rugged mountain area of La Honda, sloping down to the blue Pacific.
Sue McKee, who lives in San Luis Obispo, will appear on April 28 to discuss her novel, "Days Like Floating Water, A Story of Modern China," a unique adventure of living in a gray, rural village in China and what it was like to navigate the maze of a Communist bureaucracy. It centers around a couple in their sixties who accepts a humanitarian assignment to teach English to college students in a Chinese village near a city struggling to enter the 21st century.
Their experiences allow the readers to immerse themselves in China's real heart and soul through the day-to-day life of its everyday people.
Friends of the Library regularly host book discussion groups on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, discussions on inspirational topics on the second Wednesday and readings by local authors and special presentations toward a celebration and appreciation of literature on most fourth Wednesdays. Friends also hold regular book sales to raise funds for the library. The next one is on Saturday, May 8. (Friends members are allowed access to the sales one hour prior to regular openings). Friends also provide volunteers to support library services and operations, publish a newsletter distributed throughout the community four times a year and build and maintain awareness of library needs and services throughout the community. For more information contact Karen Robert.
Want to Share or Learn About a Special Book?
Friends of the Library Have Just the Order for You
Ever read a wonderful book and wish you could talk about it with someone and share the joy that only a book holds? Or ever have someone tell you about a good book and after falling in love with it, you shudder that otherwise you would might never have discovered it?
If either of those situations clicks with you, then the Morro Bay Friends of the Library have just the right book discussions coming up. Participants can either tell about books that have impressed them or just listen and find out about books that may impress you.
Normally, there are assigned books that the regular discussion groups review and discuss on those Wednesdays. But no books were assigned this month, so anyone can come and share their own individual choices this time.
The Friends have a range of offerings for anyone who likes the idea of discussing books they just read, who just wants to learn more about a book before reading it or who wants to meet and hear local authors describe their books and experiences behind them. The regular Friends schedule calls for:
Discussion groups to meet regularly each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon.
--On the first and third Wednesdays, the basic readers discussion group meets to discuss certain assigned books that participants have planned to read and then discuss.
--The second Wednesdays are "Inspirational Wednesdays," which are devoted to reviewing and discussing thought-provoking books from leading authors who are guides to change, growth and self-acceptance. It presents an opportunity for readers to reflect and enjoy the opportunity of discussing books that can help change our world for the better.
--On the fourth and fifth Wednesdays, the Friends host local authors or artists who share their talents through readings, conversations, special presentations, demonstrations, and/or workshops.
The programs are all free and open to everyone. More information on book lists, discussion dates, and/or the events schedule is available at Friends of the Library.org.
