CLU's "Books and Brew" program returns
Professors will lead discussions on five noteworthy books
Communication professor Russell Stockard will kick off "Books and Brew" by discussing "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho on March 13.
(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – March 7, 2008) California Lutheran University professors are bringing back a book review program for the second year.
The community can join CLU students, faculty and staff for “Books and Brew” sessions on select Thursdays. At each gathering, a professor will review a noteworthy book, answer questions and lead an open discussion. Coffee and refreshments will be served. People can come to any or all of following sessions from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Roth Nelson Room:
March 13 - “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho will be reviewed by communication professor Russell Stockard, Ph.D. This bestselling novel tells of a shepherd boy who desires to venture forth and see the world. According to Publishers Weekly, the narrative “has the comic charm, dramatic tension, and psychological intensity of a fairy tale.”
March 27 – “The New Brain” by Richard Restak will be reviewed by business professor Paul Witman, Ph.D. Restak offers an intriguing look at how new technology assists in understanding the brain’s physiology. According to Publishers Weekly, the book argues that this “allows us to monitor and control a far wider range of activities.”
April 10 - “The Collected Stories” by Amy Hempel will be reviewed by English professor James Bland, Ph.D. Critics have singled out Hempel as especially adept at characterization. According to Publishers Weekly, “her terse descriptions become elegantly telegraphic … with not one word wasted and not a single fact embellished.”
April 24 – “The Piano Teacher” by Elfriede Jelinek will be reviewed by Christopher Christian, Ph.D., a psychology professor and director of CLU’s Community Counseling Services. Although a spinster appears to be a dutiful daughter, she possesses a perversely sexual nature. This compelling novel earned Jelinek the 1986 Heinrich Boll Prize.
May 1 – “Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn’t” by Stephen Prothero will be reviewed by religion lecturer Paul Egertson, Ph.D. Prothero explores the prevalence of “religious illiteracy.” He outlines origins and offers solutions that address religious education while preserving the First Amendment.
CLU’s English Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Academic Affairs are sponsoring the free program. For more information, contact Jim Bond at jabond@callutheran.edu or (805) 493-3244.