(Go to Book of the Month) �"�" (Go to Book Club)


You are Invited to Join
The Worldview Project International Book Club!
(Taking it Deeper!)

Each month The Worldview Project International Book Club features a book for discussion that aligns with The Worldview Project's mission to promote greater cross-cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Additionally, throughout the month we will e-mail announcements designed to 'take you deeper' into the highlighted culture�"such as local events, articles, interviews, art, music, movies, restaurants, recipes, current events, further readings, etc.�"all curated to enhance and deepen your experience. We invite you to join us on the first Tuesday of each month for a unique, informative and lively gathering to discuss and share what we have read, experienced, and learned.

For more information or to RSVP, please email Sharon at s.payne@thewvp.org.

December 31, 2014
Taking it Deeper - Phillipines - Part Two

December Book: Montress: Stories

By Lysley Tenorio

Meeting: Tuesday, January 6, 2015
7:00PM�"8:30PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


Happy New Year!!!

Our meeting date is fast approaching and I wanted to give you more links to enjoy before Tuesday evening. I found so many interesting cultural points within the book so I will make this post as concise as I can.

As I mentioned previously, all the stories in Monstress are based on actually events or cultural issues faced by Filipinos and their relations in and with the United States. While I've always known that the United States and the Philippines have had a long and respectful relationship, I had not realized the extent. Serving as a colony of the United States and a major naval seaport for decades, the Philippines continues to share a close relationship with the U.S.A. This 100+ year association serves as the touch point for each of the Monstress stories. For a more in-depth review, please read here: LINK

So yes, to sum up our book, Filipino's/the Philippines…
• do often follow elaborate burial traditions: LINK
• have many superstitions in spite of their Catholic religion dominance: LINK
• had the world's largest Leper Colony on one of their islands: LINK
• does have a fascination with and talent for animation: LINK and LINK
• really did have an Imelda Marcos/Beatle's kerfuffle in 1966: LINK (two parts...link to part two at bottom of part one)
• had a boarding hotel in San Francisco for Filipino men in an area called Manilatown: LINK
• did have a large amount of servicemen in the United States military branches, especially the Navy: LINK

And finally, I have to admit that I have a fascination with Imelda Marcos. Perhaps it comes from the shallowest place in my heart: a love of shoes. While I certainly have not collected as many as she was caught with during the fall of the Marcos regime in the 1980's (reported to be between 2,000-3,000 pairs (hers, not mine)), I do love shoes. As I researched her, I found her to be a fascinating¬-and a bit disturbing-woman for her audacious outlook, her views of power and privilege, and her convoluted avenues to help the poor. If I've piqued your interest about one of the most powerful woman in the world at one point in her life, you will undoubtedly enjoy these links:
• LINK - Wiki
• LINK - shoes ruined
• LINK - Quotes
• LINK - wealth

If you have time, check out one of San Diego's delicious Philippine restaurants: LINK and
LINK or, catch a Netflix movie: LINK

December 17, 2014
Taking it Deeper - Phillipines - Part One

December Book: Montress: Stories

By Lysley Tenorio

Meeting: Tuesday, January 6, 2015
7:00PM�"8:30PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

Seasons Greetings!

With the holidays fast approaching, I will keep this post brief and save some of the other links for after the holidays.

First, I have contacted the author, Lysley, about calling him during our book club meeting to ask questions and gain his insight. We are attempting to coordinate, however, he will be on the East Coast at a writing retreat at that time and is unsure of his schedule right now. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here is a link to his website: LINK

Each chapter of his book relates to an actual cultural or historical event or tidbit of Filipino life. His first story highlights cheesy horror films. Indeed, horror films are very popular in the Philippines and with Filipinos worldwide. I found a few articles that help explain this genre and it's entertaining quirks: LINK

For a bit of historical overview of the Philippines, you can refer to Wikipedia: LINK and our World of Cultures: LINK
The country was named after King Philip II of Spain in the 1500's after Magellan laid claim to this Southeast Asian island archipelago of over 7,000 islands. I was surprised to read that this reasonably small country is the 12th largest population in the world with 100 million inhabitants. Furthermore, Filipinos make up one of the largest overseas Diasporas. Over 3.5 million Filipinos reside in the United States (as of 2010 census), making it the second largest Asian population in our country. San Diego�"and all of Southern California�"is home to one of the largest contingency of Filipinos-Americans in the world.

Here is an interesting and informative history of Filipino's in San Diego:
LINK

And finally, for some easy-reading, often lighthearted facts, here is great little article on what makes The Philippines unique…like being first to patent karaoke machines, inventing yo-yo's, inspiration for the word boondocks, and the oft-published photos of gorgeous rice terraces: LINK

I'll leave it at that for now. However, don't fret that I haven't got to Imelda Marcos and her infamous shoe collection yet. It will happen!

Happy Holidays to all!

Purchase this book via Amazon: LINK

December 3, 2014

December Book: Montress: Stories

By Lysley Tenorio

Meeting: Tuesday, January 6, 2015
7:00PM�"8:30PM

======================================
January Book: Beer in the Snooker Club

By Waguih Ghali

Meeting: Tuesday, February 3, 2015
7:00PM�"8:30PM
=======================================

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


With the holidays just around the corner, I decided to announce the next two books. Dive into one or both!

The December book is the KPBS One Book One San Diego selection�"a collection of short stories written by a Filipino-American, San Diego native. I met the author at the One Book One San Diego launch and I'm hoping to arrange a conference call with him for our meeting!! More information on KPBS' program is here: LINK

Monstress introduces a bold new writer who explores the clash and meld of disparate cultures. In the National Magazine Award-nominated title story, a has-been movie director and his reluctant leading lady travel from Manila to Hollywood for one last chance at stardom, unaware of what they truly stand to lose. In "Felix Starro," a famous Filipino faith healer and his grandson conduct an illicit business in San Francisco, though each has his own plans for their earnings. And after the Beatles reject an invitation from Imelda Marcos for a Royal Command Performance, an aging bachelor attempts to defend her honor by recruiting his three nephews to attack the group at the Manila International Airport in "Help."

Purchase this book via Amazon: LINK

========================================

January's book will be Beer in the Snooker Club. We will be focusing on Egypt and the wonderful King Tut exhibit featured at the San Diego Natural History Museum. More information on the exhibit can be found here: LINK

Set amidst the turbulence of 1950s Cairo, Beer in the Snooker Club is the story of Ram Bey, an over-educated, under-ambitious young Egyptian struggling to find out where he fits in. Ram's favorite haunt is the fashionable Cairo Snooker Club, whose members strive to emulate English gentility; but his best friends are young intellectuals who devour the works of Sartre and engage in dangerous revolutionary activities to support Egyptian independence. By turns biting and comic, Beer in the Snooker Club �" the first and only book by Waguih Ghali �" became a cult classic when it was first published and remains a timeless portrait of a loveable rogue coming of age in turbulent times.

Purchase this book via Amazon:
LINK

Have a delightful holiday season!

November 5, 2014


November Book: A Thousand Moons on a Thousand Rivers
By Hsiao Li-Hung (Author), Michelle Wu (Translator)


Meeting: Tuesday, December 2, 2014
7:00PM—8:30PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

The 15th Annual Asian Film Festival is coming up this month, November
6-15, so let's head east and dive into the mysteries of Taiwan. Film
Festival information can be found here: LINK
I picked Taiwan because the lead movie of the festival is the screening of
a new TV pilot, Fresh Off The Boat. LINK
American-Taiwanese Eddie Huang, successful restaurateur of New York's
famous Baohaus restaurant, bases this new sitcom on his memoir of the same
name.  Further, many of the films in the festival have originated in
Taiwan, so there is a lot to experience and see of this country.

However, the book chosen for the club is A Thousand Moons on a Thousand
Rivers:

"Winner of the 1980 United Daily Literature Competition, this novel about
love, betrayal, family life, and the power of tradition in small-town
Taiwan was an instant bestseller when first published in Taiwan.

At once a bittersweet romance and a vividly detailed portrait of life in a
southern Taiwanese coastal town in the 1970s, A Thousand Moons on a
Thousand Rivers captures the intimacy of agricultural life in the midst of
an increasingly industrialized society. At the heart of the story is
Zhenguan, a sensitive young woman whose coming of age is influenced by new
experiences in the city, the wisdom of her elders, and her strong, unique
identity. In Zhenguan's journey of first love, suffering, disillusionment,
and -- ultimately -- zenlike triumph, Hsiao Li-hung celebrates the values
and traditions that have sustained and nurtured life in Taiwan through the
centuries."

Purchase this book via our Amazon link: Amazon Link

Book Club information
LINK

Taking it Deeper - Liberia - Part 2

October 29, 2014


October Book: This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President

By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Meeting: Tuesday, November 4th
7:00PM�"8:30PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

This week, I heard an inspiring interview of Liberian-born, New York Times Journalist, Helene Cooper, who talked about her experience covering the Ebola outbreak in her home country. What was so lovely and pertinent about the interview was her comments on the resiliency of the people of her native country. While the U.S.A. is freaking out about 3 cases of Ebola here, the people of Liberia are calmly following protocol to stop the disease from spreading, and going on with their lives as normally as they can, given the circumstances. Her most poignant comment was about how sad it was that she and her family members could not touch or hug each other given the transmutability of the disease. You can hear her interview via PRI's The World here: LINK

Also, this delightful journalist has written a book about her childhood in war-torn Liberia linked here: LINK

For a basic history and some facts about Liberia, check out here: LINK It is fascinating that this country was founded by freed slaves from the United States; hence the name Liberia! That explains the anglicized last names of many of their citizens, such as, Johnson, Cooper, Taylor, etc.

Also, The Worldview Projects' World of Cultures website has some basic facts about the country here: LINK

One of my favorite little facts about Liberia is that it is known as the Pepper Coast. This pepper, known as the "grain of paradise", is related to the ginger family and is said to have a slight citrusy tang. "Today, it is sometimes used in gourmet cuisine as a replacement for pepper, and to give unique flavors in some craft beers, gins and Norwegian aquavit. In America, grains of paradise are starting to enjoy a slight resurgence in popularity due to their use by some well-known chefs." You can learn more about it here: LINK

Did you know that Liberia is the only remaining indigenous home of the Pygmy Hippo? LINK These sneaky little creatures (O.K., not so little as they grow to be 6-feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds) are not only endangered, but also are very difficult to spot in the wild, as they are nocturnal and extremely elusive. However, in 2011, they were videoed via a nighttime camera here:LINK And if you want a real dose of cuteness, check out this video of a baby Pygmy Hippo: LINK You don't have to stake out the forests of Liberia in the middle of the night to see Pygmy Hippos; you can visit them at the San Diego Zoo! LINK

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

Taking it Deeper - Liberia - Part 1

October 22, 2014


October Book: This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President

By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Meeting: Tuesday, November 4th
7:00PM—8:30PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

What defines Liberia? While the link between Liberia and the Ebola virus may forever be engrained in our minds, I would like to make some positive links with this small West African country. Certainly, our author Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is one of those positive associations. Not only is she the first female president of an African country, she is also the co-winner Nobel Prize for Peace in 2011 for her tireless work in non-violent struggle for peace. Read more about it here: LINK Further, Ms. Sirleaf is considered one of the Iron Ladies of Liberia. Here is a link to a 47-minute documentary that that profiles her first year of her presidency: LINK

Another fascinating documentary on the strength of the peace movement run by women in Liberia is Pray the Devil Back to Hell. Perhaps, you have heard of Charles Taylor, the previous president of Liberia? Mr. Taylor is known worldwide for his brutality and war crimes in the decades-long struggle between Liberia and Sierra Leone. “Pray the Devil Back to Hell is the astonishing story of the Liberian women who took on the warlords and regime of dictator Charles Taylor in the midst of a brutal civil war, and won a once unimaginable peace for their shattered country in 2003. Featuring Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee.”  the video via PBS: LINK Ms. Gbowee is also the co-winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize for Peace: LINK  It is so very impressive that these women - all the women of Liberia - could change the face of their country.

And finally, here are some lovely images of Liberia: LINK Looks like a nice place to visit, someday!

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

October 15, 2014


October Book: This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President

By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


Meeting: Tuesday, November 4th
7:00PM�"8:30PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


In the news: Liberia The outbreak of the Ebola virus in western Africa brings Liberia into our thoughts on a daily basis right now. While much of the news is bad coming from this crisis, I can't help think of the marvel and delight of Liberia being the first country in Africa to elect a female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Let's see what she�"and this war-torn, in-crisis country are all about.

Sypnosis: In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by fourteen years of brutal civil conflict, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf�"Africa's "Iron Lady"�"was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of the West African nation.

In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice. She reveals her determination to succeed in multiple worlds, from her studies in the United States to her work as an international bank executive, to campaigning in some of Liberia's most desperate and war-torn villages and neighborhoods. It is the tale of an outspoken political and social reformer who fought the oppression of dictators and championed change. By telling her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power, and gives us all hope that we can change the world.

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

September 24, 2014


October Book: The Tricking of Freya
By Christina Sunley


Meeting: Tuesday, October 7th
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com
Map: LINK

Author of our book, Christina Sundley, was inspired to write The Tricking of Freya after reading a memoir by her Grandfather. According to her Amazon page:

"[A] single image that has haunted me all my life: a young boy wakes up one morning to a sky so black he cannot see his hand in front of his face. The boy was my grandfather, the morning was in April, 1875, and the volcano Askja had just erupted in a remote region of northeast Iceland, hurling ash so furiously it obliterated the sun for days. The ashfall covered a vast area -- killing off all vegetation and livestock -- a final blow for an already impoverished people struggling under colonial oppression. A year later, my grandfather and his family, along with thousands of others, left for Canada, to escape their lives of hardship and join a "New Iceland" settlement on the shores of Lake Winnipeg." LINK

I love her inspiration as it shows that all of us have interesting stories wedged deep into our family history. So far, Ms. Sundley has not yet published any more books, but with an interesting family history like hers and a clear talent for writing, I'm sure she will. (By the way, here are some interesting facts about "New Iceland" in Manitoba: LINK. It is a whole Icelandic world unto itself.)

The author's blog has a delightful travel narrative of her book tour to Iceland in 2010. She details and photographs some of the locales from scenes in the book. LINK. Check out her May-June, 2010 entries for more detail. It is especially fun for me to read these entries as many of the places mentioned were places my family and I visited on our trip in August. It is enchanting when books come alive!

In 2008, Iceland really made a name for itself (and not a good name) in the beginning of the recent global financial meltdown. Their banking, investing and real estate markets were the world's first to crash. The country's currency and economic devaluation descent was as dramatic as they come with their stock market alone dropping 90% in value at one point. Here is a great article on their meteoric downfall: LINK, and an equally interesting one on the remarkable recovery that followed: LINK

Purchase the book via Amazon: LINK

WVP Book Club information: LINK

September 3, 2014


October Book: The Tricking of Freya
By Christine Sunley


Meeting: Tuesday, October 7th
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com
Map: LINK

October's theme is Iceland. I traveled there in early August and have done so much delightful reading about this unique landscape and culture that I wanted to be able to share my books and experiences with the book club. I have read the book club selection twice already and loved it! I hope you will too.

Synopsis: A young woman obsessed with uncovering a family secret is drawn into the strange and magical history, language and landscape of Iceland.
 
Freya Morris grows up in a typical American suburb�"but every summer, she enters another realm entirely when she visits her relatives in Gimli, a tiny village in Canada settled by Icelandic immigrants. Here she falls under the spell of her troubled but charming aunt Birdie, who thrills her with stories of exotic Norse goddesses, moody Viking bards, and the life of her late grandfather, the most famous poet of "New Iceland."
 
But when Birdie tricks Freya into a terrifying scandal, Freya turns her back on everything Icelandic and anything that reminds her of the past. She is living an anonymous, bleak existence in Manhattan when she finally returns to Gimli for the first time in two decades�"and stumbles upon a long concealed family secret. As Freya becomes increasingly obsessed with unraveling her family's tangled story, she finds herself delving into the very memories she has worked so hard to forget. When the clues dry up in Gimli, Freya journeys to Iceland itself. On this rugged island of vast lava fields and immense glaciers, Freya's quest comes to its unsettling conclusion.
 
A beautifully written debut novel that deftly weaves together Iceland's distinctive history, ancient mythology, reverence for language, and passion for genealogy, The Tricking of Freya is a powerful exploration of kinship, loss and redemption.

Purchase the book via Amazon: LINK

WVP Book Club information: LINK

Taking it Deeper-Part 1

July 9, 2014

July Book: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
By Marjane Satrapi

Meeting: Thursday, July 24th
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Meeting Location: (CHANGE FOR JULY ONLY)
The Worldview Project
2445 Morena Boulevard, Suite 210
San Diego, CA 92110
Map LINK

I have never been to Comic-Con so I can only speculate that it is a sight to behold. If you have been I would love to hear your impressions. Regardless of my lack of attendance, it sounds like rest of the world will be in town July 24-27, 2014 when Comic-Con International visits San Diego. LINK

My only experiences with comics are with Archie comics in the 1960's and an occasional Sunday morning giggle with the newspaper's funny pages. So I'm very excited to read our July book as it clearly has profound and historical meaning to the women of Iran. I'm sure it will spark interesting and emotional dialog from our group.

Since our book this month is an autobiographical tale-turned-graphic-novel, I thought it would interesting to first learn more about the author, Marjane Satrapi. I found a bit about her on Wikipedia: LINK and a more personal interview on PBS: >a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/conversation-marjane-satrapi/">LINK I love her comment in the interview that all we Westerners see and hear of Iran these days is "veils, beards and nuclear weapons, [while] nobody talks about our great poets and our great philosophers and our thousands of years of history and culture." Touché!

If you read the above links you are going to find out a little secret shortcut—Persepolis has also been made into an animated film. Of course, I would love it if everyone could see the film after reading the book, but it might be reassuring to know that there is a shortcut available if you don't have time to read the book. The movie does not seem to be available on Netflix streaming videos, but I found a few versions on YouTube: LINK (in French) and
LINK (in English with Dutch subtitles.) You also might see if it is available at Kensington Video LINK. Further, San Diego Participant Observer has a link to a few other films set in Iran available streaming on Netflix: LINK

Author Satrapi has written a few other books: Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, and Chicken with Plums, respectively, found here: LINK and LINK I was hoping that if anyone has already read the original Persepolis, they might be willing to read the sequel and report to the group!!

Finally, I found out that Persepolis means "city of Persians"and has roots back to 500 BC. It was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its spectacular and historic ruins. WIKI LINK

There is still plenty of time to purchase the book via our Amazon link: LINK

(I will be out of the country late July through early August, so Tom Johnston-O'Neill will be conducting the July meeting at the Worldview Project's office.)

June 27, 2014

July and August Book Announcement

July Book: Persepolis: The Story of Childhood
By Marjane Satrapi

Meeting: Thursday, July 24th
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
The Worldview Project
2445 Morena Boulevard, Suite 210
San Diego, CA 92110
Map: LINK

July is Comic-Con in San Diego, so naturally our pick for the month is a literary graphic novel. It is short, poignant and engaging with its comic strip format&mash;a perfect summer read!

Synopsis: Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane's child's-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

Purchase via Amazon: LINK

(I will be out of the country late July through early August, so Tom Johnston-O'Neill will be conducting the July meeting at the Worldview Projects office. I will be sending out some Taking it Deeper updates prior to leaving town, but otherwise, expect an RSVP request from Tom the week of the meeting.)

---

August Book: The Tricking of Freya
By Christine Sunley

Meeting: Thursday, August 28th
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com
Map: LINK

August's theme is Iceland. I'm traveling there in early August and have done so much delightful reading about this unique landscape and culture that I wanted to be able to share my books and experiences with the book club when I return. I have read the book club selection twice already and loved it! I hope you will too.

Synopsis: A young woman obsessed with uncovering a family secret is drawn into the strange and magical history, language and landscape of Iceland.

Freya Morris grows up in a typical American suburb�"but every summer, she enters another realm entirely when she visits her relatives in Gimli, a tiny village in Canada settled by Icelandic immigrants. Here she falls under the spell of her troubled but charming aunt Birdie, who thrills her with stories of exotic Norse goddesses, moody Viking bards, and the life of her late grandfather, the most famous poet of "New Iceland."

But when Birdie tricks Freya into a terrifying scandal, Freya turns her back on everything Icelandic and anything that reminds her of the past. She is living an anonymous, bleak existence in Manhattan when she finally returns to Gimli for the first time in two decades�"and stumbles upon a long concealed family secret. As Freya becomes increasingly obsessed with unraveling her family's tangled story, she finds herself delving into the very memories she has worked so hard to forget. When the clues dry up in Gimli, Freya journeys to Iceland itself. On this rugged island of vast lava fields and immense glaciers, Freya's quest comes to its unsettling conclusion.

A beautifully written debut novel that deftly weaves together Iceland's distinctive history, ancient mythology, reverence for language, and passion for genealogy, The Tricking of Freya is a powerful exploration of kinship, loss and redemption.

Purchase the book via Amazon: LINK

(Since I will be out of the country until mid-August, I wanted to give advance notice of the August book. I will send out some Taking it Deeper posts, but may be sporadic. Bear with me!)

To purchase the books and WVP Book Club information: LINK

Taking it Deeper – Part 2

June 4, 2014

June Book: The War of the Saints
By Jorge Amado

Meeting: Thursday, June 26th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
MAP
www.openmindslearnbest.com

Have you started the book? I don't know about you, but I have no prior knowledge of this intriguing locale and culture—exotic country called Brazil. With its scintillating mix of Catholicism and African Spiritism, I immediately dove into research about Saint Barbara of the Thunder and Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Here are a few details I gleaned from Wikipedia: LINK
• Saint Barbara was an early Christian saint and martyr from the 3rd century from either the present—day areas of Turkey or Lebanon.

• Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen. She is also traditionally the patron saint of armorers of all types and anyone who works with explosives. In the Catholic religion, she is invoked against thunder and lightning and all accidents arising from explosions of gunpowder. Those who face the danger of sudden and violent death in their work revere her.

• Her saint day is December 4th, and she is also the patron saint of US Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Ordnancemen (although the day is not celebrated).

• The Santa Barbara mission is named for her.

• And, especially relevant to our book, in the Afro—Brazilian religion of Candomble she is often identified as Yansan, the orisha of wind and storms. An orisha is a spirit or deity manifested as God in the Yoruba (African) belief system. The Portuguese brought Nigerian slaves centuries ago to Brazil and, while the slaves were forced to convert to Catholicism, much of their Yoruban religious beliefs ultimately were fused into the Catholic traditions and practices of the region. Here is a link to expand your understanding of Candomble: LINK

The book takes place in Sao Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos (in English: "City of the Holy Savior of the Bay of all Saints"), which is the capital city of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Salvador claims to be the soul of Brazil as the city is best known for its world famous carnival celebration and gorgeous beaches. Set along the northeastern coast of the vast country of Brazil, Salvador is at the mouth of the Bay of All Saints and was the country's first capital, as well. Here are a few links to learn more: LINK and LINK

Our book's author, Jorge Amado, helped to bring Bahia alive for the world with his series of novels focusing mainly on feminine characters, devoted to a delightful celebration of the traditions and the beauties of Bahia. Read more about him here: LINK and here:
LINK and find two of his other popular books here: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands LINK and Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon LINK

Last, don't forget the June 29th concert of the Brazilian group, Choro das 3!! Tickets to this wonderful concert are $20 - $25 and are available here: LINK

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

Book Club information: LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, June 26th!

Taking it Deeper – Part 1

May 28, 2014

June Book: The War of the Saints
By Jorge Amado

Meeting: Thursday, June 26th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
MAP

Brazil will be in the world spotlight soon as World Cup soccer begins June 12th, running through July 13th. Matches will be held all over the country'12 locales in all'from Manaus in the north, to Porto Alegre in the south, and of course, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Even if you are not a soccer fan, tune into a few matches for a wonderful overview of this vast country. For a full schedule of games, please visit the FIFA website at: LINK

As an aside, Goldman Sachs has predicted that Brazil has a near 50% chance of winning the World Cup. They forecast that Brazil will beat Argentina 3-1 in the finals, though I know a few Argentines who might beg to differ! Sim or não? Sí or no? Read all about it here: LINK

San Diego is having its own World Cup event this week. The San Diego Museum of Man's Tower After Hours program is featuring Brazilian music, dance and delicious fare this Thursday, May 29th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more information, check the Participant Observer calendar here: LINK

We have a great comprehensive overview of Brazil at our World of Cultures website: LINK, as does the Culture Trip at: LINK

Last, book club member Zoraida, and her husband, Gary, are hosting a backyard concert in their home on June 29th. The Brazilian group, Choro das 3, will be performing!! Choro das 3 is a warm and extremely talented family group from Brazil who will delight us with traditional instrumental choro music of their country. Choro (pronounced SHOH-roh) is best described in American terms as "the New Orleans jazz of Brazil." It is a complex popular musical form based on improvisation, and like New Orleans jazz, blues, or ragtime, grew from a formalized musical structure and many worldly influences. But to the people of South America, choro is Brazil. It is life. Tickets to this wonderful concert are $20 - $25 and are available at: LINK. Check out the group’s website here: LINK and clip of them on YouTube: LINK

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

Book Club information: LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, June 26th.

May 3, 2014

May Book: Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean
By John Keahey

Meeting: Thursday, May 22nd
6:30 PM�"8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

I’ve started our book and am really enjoying the visions it ignites about Sicily. This is a delightful book and it is going to whet our appetite for travel (and delicious Sicilian food)!

Fortunately, Sunday May 18th, we can “Eat, Drink & Be Sicilian” at the 21st annual Sicilian Festival taking place in the heart of Little Italy, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. More information can be found here for this FREE festa: LINK

Sicilians (and Italians) have a long history in San Diego�"beginning in the late 1800’s�"as the similarity of climate and geography made our backyard an ideal relocation city for southern Europeans. Being predominately of rural and maritime background, the immigrants found the waters of San Diego an ideal setting for a budding fishing industry. Here is a wonderful article that details Sicilian and Italian fishermans’ contribution to San Diego: LINK

The first few chapters of Seeking Sicily reference two lovely images I wanted to research further�"Saint Rosalia and the regions famous painted carts. While the book does a lovely job describing the significance of each, I was eager to see some pictures. Here are two Google image montages to feast your eyes upon: the Procession of Saint Rosalia here: LINK
and, the intricate and gorgeous hand-painted carts here: LINK

Finally, all the reading and photos has left me craving movies set in Sicily. Cinema Paradiso is on the top of my list:LINK but here is a comprehensive list from Wiki: LINK
Of course, there is The Godfather trilogy and many other Mafia movies (since Sicily is considered the original home of the Mafia), but for now, I will focus on the beauty of Sicily and save the beast for another update.

There is still plenty of time to purchase the book via WVP's AMAZON LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, May 22nd.

April 24, 2014

May Book: Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean
By John Keahey

Meeting: Thursday, May 22nd
6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

This month we will focus on Sicily to coincide with the 21st Annual Sicilian Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. Interesting, fun and delicious, I'm sure!


Synopsis: Sicily is the Mediterranean's largest and most mysterious island. Its people, for three thousand years under the thumb of one invader after another, hold tightly onto a culture so unique that they remain emotionally and culturally distinct, viewing themselves first as Sicilians, not Italians. Many of these islanders, carrying considerable DNA from Arab and Muslim ancestors who ruled for 250 years and integrated vast numbers of settlers from the continent just ninety miles to the south, say proudly that Sicily is located north of Africa, not south of Italy.

Seeking Sicily explores what lies behind the soul of the island's inhabitants. It touches on history, archaeology, food, the Mafia, and politics and looks to nineteenth- and twentieth-century Sicilian authors to plumb the islanders' so-called Sicilitudine. Seeking Sicily also looks to contemporary Sicilians who have never shaken off the influences of their forbearers, who believed in the ancient gods and goddesses.

Purchase the book via WVP's AMAZON LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, May 22nd.

Taking it Deeper �" Part 2

April 13, 2014

April Book: Death of a Penguin
By Andrey Kurkov

Meeting: Thursday, April 24th
6:30PM to8:00PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

I hope you are enjoying the book!

The politics of Ukraine remain fluid and ever changing. Each day brings new developments and new articles to keep us up-to-date. Recheck the BBC's excellent timeline on how the Ukrainian crisis has unfolded at: LINK

There is still time to attend the lecture offered by The San Diego World Affairs Council on April 16th, titled The Dnieper Curtain: Ukraine, Russia and the West. Information and details at: LINK and visit The House of Ukraine, which is open every Sunday
from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. LINK

I learned an interesting news tidbit the other day: Ukraine is one the world's most prolific mail-order bride locations. Who knew? PRI's The World had an informative broadcast on this cultural phenomenon-rebranded 'international romance'-and the scams that have come to light as Ukraine has become a world hot spot. PRI LINK

The author of our book, Andrey Kurkov, is quite outspoken on the subject of the protests in Kiev, the crisis in Ukraine, and Russia's occupation of the Crimean Peninsula. In chronological order here are his three most recent opinion pieces: LINK, LINK, and LINK

One of the most interesting facts about Kurkov is that he used to work for the KGB and was a prison guard in Soviet times. Clearly, his dark humor and knowledge of the criminal underworld have some merit. Here's a short profile on him: LINK Further, one of his claims to great literary fame is his 2002 novel about the Ukrainian president being poisoned. If you recall, the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yushchenko, was actually poisoned a few years later and Kurkov and his novel were thought to have influenced the crime. Real life imitating art! ARTICLE LINK

I've posted some other popular books set in Ukraine on our Multicultural Books website HERE (linked under the "Fiction", then "Europe" tabs). The first 7 books that are listed are set in Ukraine, including a prequel to Death and The Penguin, titled Penguin Lost. One of the more recent popular books set in Ukraine is Everything is Illuminated, which was also made into a movie that you can find via our Netflix link. LINK Also, here is a link with a whole list of movies set in Ukraine LINK

Ukraine's Got Talent winner, Kseniya Simonova, and her beautiful, moving sand art performance about a young couple separated by World War II, has become a YouTube sensation. Watch her performance here: LINK and read about her on Wikipedia here: LINK

For a taste of Ukrainian food, The Kalina Village House in La Mesa appears to be the best of the bunch here in San Diego. LINK. Or try a few Ukrainian favorites at home with recipes from The House of Ukraine. LINK

Have you found any interesting information on Ukraine? Feel free to email it to me at s.payne@thewvp.org and I'll share it with the group.

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

Book Club information:
LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, April 24th.

Taking it Deeper �" Part 1

April 6, 2014

April Book: Death and the Penguin
By Andrey Kurkov

Meeting: Thursday, April 24th
6:30PM�"8:00PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

Greetings! Or should I say Здравствуйте!

Since our April book has a geopolitical overtone, I've found it helpful to read a concise summary of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The BBC has an excellent timeline that lends perspective and detail to how the crisis has unfolded. LINK

For an in-depth look at the issue, The San Diego World Affairs Council is offering a lecture on April 16th, titled The Dnieper Curtain: Ukraine, Russia and the West. Information and details at: LINK

Locally, we are fortunate to have The House of Ukraine, a museum dedicated to the culture of Ukraine located in Balboa Park's House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. They are open every Sunday from 12:00 PM�"4:00 PM. A wealth of resources about all cultural aspects of Ukraine can be found on their website. LINK

Our own Worldview Project also has a section dedicated to Ukraine on the World of Cultures website at: LINK

Finally, NPR has a fascinating article comparing Putin to characters in classic Russian literature. If you've read any Tolstoy, Dostoevsky or Gogol, do you recognize Putin's political moves as part of the "Russian soul"? LINK

Have you found any interesting information on Ukraine? Feel free to email it to me at s.payne@thewvp.org and I'll share it with the group.

Purchase the book via WVP's Amazon link

Book Club information:LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, April 24th.

March 27, 2014

April Book: Death and The Penguin
By Andrey Kurkov

Meeting: Thursday, April 24th
6:30PM-8:00PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


In the news: Ukraine. This month's pick is not a historical recounting of the tension between Russia and Ukraine. It is, however, a contemporary mystery written from a unique perspective by a Ukrainian author from Kiev.

Synopsis: A masterful tale set in post-Soviet Kiev that's both darkly funny and ominous...

In the widely hailed prequel to Penguin Lost, aspiring writer Viktor Zolotaryov leads a down-and-out life in poverty and violence-wracked Kiev�"he's out of work and his only friend is a penguin, Misha, that he rescued when the local zoo started getting rid of animals. Even more nerve-wracking: a local mobster has taken a shine to Misha and wants to keep borrowing him for events.

Purchase the book via WVP's AMAZON LINK

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, April 24th.

March 19, 2014

Taking it Deeper �" Part Three

March Book: Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans
By Daniel Reveles


Meeting: Thursday, March 27th
6:30 PM-8:00 PM


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com

Have you considered visiting Tecate? Tom and Shari Johnston-O'Neill, The Worldview Project's founders, are heading to Tecate on Saturday, March 29th, for a fun day of enjoying the old town, wondering around the plaza and stores, and enjoying some lunch. If you would like to join them, please email Tom at tjon@thewvp.org.

Tecate makes a perfect one day outing or quick weekend getaway. The town is on the border of east San Diego, California and Baja, Mexico in the mountains of East County only 55 minutes from downtown San Diego on old Highway 94. It is an easy, scenic drive to the border where you can inexpensively park your car on the U.S. side, walk across the border and head into the main zócalo (plaza) just a few blocks away. Don't forget your passport, as you will be visiting a foreign country. If you are not a US citizen, consult your consulate's website for documents needed to visit Mexico.

Famous for its brewery�"but also a glimpse of life in a non-tourist Mexican village�" visits to Tecate can include a tour of the Tecate Brewery, a large beer factory central to the city. Tecate also boasts a famous spa, the Rancho la Puerta, or head east to the resort campgrounds of Rancho Santa Veronica or Rancho los Chabacanos!

Here is a great article on Tecate LA Times

And more Tecate information: LINK
LINK
LINK

LINK

Tecate Brewery Tours:LINK
Hotels and Restaurants:LINK

One of my favorite things to do in Tecate is visiting Rancho La Puerta, the world famous wellness spa near the border. While visiting The Ranch for a week of health and fitness is expensive, a few Saturdays a month, guests from San Diego can experience the spa and its cooking school for a full day. The day is inclusive of round trip bus transportation from Old Town, use of spa activities and beautiful facilities, a one-hour massage, lunch and snacks, a tour of their organic garden, and last, your day is capped off with an interactive cooking class followed by dinner. It is a wonderfully rejuvenating full-day retreat.
Saturdays at the Ranch LINK and Rancho La Puerta LINK

A few general Mexico links for your enjoyment: The Culture Trip LINK and World of Cultures LINK

If you are enjoying Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans and its sprinklings of magical realism, you will enjoy this article from Oprah Magazine LINK. You may also enjoy many of the books on The San Diego Participant Observer's book shelf, especially the most infamous options, Like Water for Chocolate, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The House of the Spirits, and of course, Daniel Reveles' two subsequent books, Guacamole and Dip, and Tequila, Lime and Salt. Also, I listed in the same link some new and exciting Latin American literature, Loteria, Into the Beautiful North, and The Sandoval Sisters' Secret of Old Blood.

To find these books, follow this Parobs LINK and look under Book Category for Fiction, then Latin America.

Finally, if you don't have time for another book this month, you might try the movie Like Water For Chocolate, via our Netflix LINK

There is still time to attend The San Diego's Latino Film Festival which runs through March 23, 2014. Most films will be shown at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley and at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. More information here: More information here

Haven't bought the book yet? Please note that the book can only be bought as a Kindle version or a used book via Amazon. Either can be purchase by clicking the following link: AMAZON

Book Club information: see previous articles below

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, March 27th.

March 12, 2014

Taking it Deeper �" Part Two

March Book: Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans
By Daniel Reveles

Meeting: Thursday, March 27th
6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


We have some exciting news! Daniel Reveles, the author of our March book Enchiladas, Rice and Beans, is coming to our meeting to share stories, answer questions and participate in our discussion. Here is an excerpt from my email with him to pique your interest:

"I am also bringing along a number of curiosities from those little botanicas here in Tecate; love potions, eye of deer, magic amulets, etc. that they can take them home as a souvenir - or put them into use! I may have mentioned that I live a very isolated lifestyle on a ranch on the outskirts of Tecate and I rarely cross the border, but I really enjoyed the [Worldview Project Book club] links you sent."

We are in for a treat!!

More about Daniel Reveles:
Daniel Reveles was born in Los Angeles of Mexican�"born parents. He has been in some aspect of the entertainment industry since his youth as a songwriter, and late�"night disc jockey. He has written and directed a wide variety of foreign documentaries for American television featuring Ricardo Montalban, Vincent Price, Jose Ferrer, and others. He never lost his Mexican soul. One day while driving he accidentally stumbled on Tecate, fell in love with the pueblo, and stayed. He lives on a ranch "in the middle of nowhere" where he devotes his time to writing, listening to the coyotes in concert and talking to the owls.

He also has a wonderful, colorful blog of life in Tecate: LINK

The UT wrote a great article about Daniel a few years back: LINK

As well, as two follow up books in the same genre:
Guacamole Dip (AMAZON LINK) and. . .Tequila, Lemon, And Salt: From Baja...tales of love, faith - and magic (AMAZON LINK)


The San Diego's Latino Film Festivalopens tomorrow, March 13th and runs though March 23, 2014. Most films will be shown at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley and at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. More information here: LINK

Haven’t bought the book yet? Please note that the book can only be bought as a Kindle version or a used book via Amazon. Either can be purchase by clicking the following link: AMAZON

Book Club information: see previous articles

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, March 27th.

March 5, 2014


March Book: Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans
By Daniel Reveles


Meeting: Thursday, March 27th
6:30pm-8:00pm


Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
http://openmindslearnbest.com


March is Latino Film Festival month here in San Diego and we have found a delightful book featuring Tecate for our book club selection.


Synopsis: Written with an undercurrent of magical realism, and spiced with the flavors that linger long in the memory, these tales from Tecate�"along the dusty strip of the Baja California border�"evoke a wondrous place where roosters crow in Spanish, affection is spontaneous, and water, if it so chooses, can flow uphill . . . .
"These tales charm as they traverse a happy, well-observed life. The scenery is vigorous Californian-Mexican. The road signs crackle with whimsy, pride, and mystery."
-Kelvin Christopher James


Please note that the book can only be bought as a Kindle version or a used
book via Amazon. Either can be purchase by clicking the following link: AMAZON


San Diego's Latino Film Festival is not to be missed. The show runs from March 13 to March 23, 2014. San Diego's proximity to Mexico makes it a natural venue for this prestigious film festival, focusing on acclaimed movies by Latinos or about the Latino experience, held at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley and at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Also, includes parties, workshops, art exhibitions & opportunity to mingle with international movie/television stars. More information here


Last, for my fellow bookies, I encourage you to nominate a book that you feel all San Diego should read at KPBS One Book, One San Diego


I look forward to seeing you Thursday, March 27th.

Sharon

You are Invited to Join
The Worldview Project International Book Club!
(Taking it Deeper!)

The Worldview Project is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new book club. Each month we will select a book for discussion that aligns with The Worldview Project's mission to promote greater cross-cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Additionally, throughout the month we will e-mail announcements designed to 'take you deeper' into the highlighted culture�"such as local events, articles, interviews, art, music, movies, restaurants, recipes, current events, further readings, etc.�"all curated to enhance and deepen your experience. We invite you to join us on the fourth Thursday of each month for a unique, informative and lively gathering to discuss and share what we have read, experienced, and learned.

February Book: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, by Daniyal Mueenuddin

Date and Time:
Thursday, February 27 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
(4th Thursday of the month)

Meeting Location:
Open Minds Studio
4236 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116 (Kensington)
MAP
www.openmindslearnbest.com

Please RSVP to: Sharon Payne at s.payne@thewvp.org (seating is limited)

Admision/Cost: FREE

If you can't make it this month, but want to stay in touch, please email me at s.payne@thwvp.org to add your name to our email list.

More information about
In Other Rooms, Other Wonders
by Daniyal Mueenuddin

Finalist for the 2009 National Book Award in Fiction and the 2009
Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction.

Synopsis:
Passing from the mannered drawing rooms of Pakistan's cities to the harsh mud villages beyond, Daniyal Mueenuddin's linked stories describe the interwoven lives of an aging feudal landowner, his servants and managers, and his extended family, industrialists who have lost touch with the land. In the spirit of Joyce's Dubliners and Turgenev's A Sportsman's Sketches, these stories comprehensively illuminate a world, describing members of parliament and farm workers, Islamabad society girls and desperate servant women. A hard-driven politician at the height of his powers falls critically ill and seeks to perpetuate his legacy; a girl from a declining Lahori family becomes a wealthy relative's mistress, thinking there will be no cost; an electrician confronts a violent assailant in order to protect his most valuable possession; a maidservant who advances herself through sexual favors unexpectedly falls in love.


Together the stories in In Other Rooms, Other Wonders make up a vivid portrait of feudal Pakistan, describing the advantages and constraints of social station, the dissolution of old ways, and the shock of change. Refined, sensuous, by turn humorous, elegiac, and tragic, Mueenuddin evokes the complexities of the Pakistani feudal order as it is undermined and transformed.

The book can be purchase from Amazon by clicking the following link:
https://astore.amazon.com/theworldviewp-20/detail/0393337200

Hope to see you there! - Sharon (and please don't forget to RSVP!)

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