After an extended break from blogging, I've come back to discuss books -- this one in particular-- with anyone who's interested in books, social causes, foreign policy, or sundry related topics. I confess to being more literary-minded than politically oriented, so I welcome any of you who are more politically savvy to chime in when I sound naive or uninformed.
I'm no longer employed by the Enterprise-Record, so I won't be covering "Book in Common" events for the paper. I plan to attend some of the events as a common citizen, though, and I can share thoughts on the events and speakers here. (FYI: the E-R and I parted on the best of terms and we miss each other, or at least I miss my old job and I hope the E-R misses me. I just have a better job now.)
When I got re-motivated to take up the blog again, I realized I'd lost my copy of "Three Cups of Tea." I wonder if I loaned it to someone, left it at a coffee shop, or perhaps it's gathering dust in my old E-R desk. Anyway, I'll be picking up a new one soon. Meanwhile, I have a couple of questions related to 3CT.
I just finished reading a novel by Barbara Kingsolver, "The Poisonwood Bible," an awesome book a coworker loaned me, about a missionary and his family in the Congo in the early 1960s. First, it made me realize how little I know about Africa and the United States' involvement in African countries and revolutions. Then, it provoked some thoughts I'd had in relation to Greg Mortenson and 3CT.
First question: What is our responsibility to someone who puts himself or herself in harm's way? When Mortenson goes where he might be in danger (first climbing K2, and later when he travels in Afghanistan) should he be rescued?
Second question: (This one's an old one from my freshman year in high school when I joined the debate team.) Should U.S. aid to foreign countries be limited to non-military assistance? Iif so, how can we be sure it's not used for military purposes anyway?
We had our first Barnes and Noble talk on 3CT on Saturday and we had a large crowd which was a mix of community and students; people who had read the book and some who had not; people interested in knowing more about the culture, and those interested in current political issues.
Maria Shahid and Ismah Jawed, members of the Speaker's Bureau, did an excellent job. Mahan Mizra came to the event and we included him as a speaker as well.
The hour was one that affirmed why we believe in the book in common idea: people talking about issues---some related to the book, some spin-offs that created a sense of community!
Thanks to all who helped get the word out.
The next one is March 7at 3:00. Angela Kraemer from Butte College, Aziza Calandrella, of Pakistan, and Nahid Chopan from Afghanistan will discuss the book and answer questions. I hope you will come and share thoughts, ideas, and energy for this book and for our community.