Paperbacks and "Paradise" by Toni Morrison

"Paperback writers:" American Authors

This list, to me, puts in perspective the Beatles line: “paperback writer.” By perspective I mean, that the satire expressed in that line and that song about “paperbacks” can give way to the writing that American authors are noted for.

The thoughts these authors are able to express to us in the print are irreplaceable. In whatever manner the publishing and printing companies market and sale these author’s written works, it is worth it for both the economy and the artist. In any event, let’s do our part and read some more American novels.

Here is a partial list of the books for this proposed expedition into American literature. This begins with a new southern author and her first book and follows with three American authors (including both male and female) each from different perspectives.

I have now added a set of Short stories (that do what I intended) provide a perspective on various cultures in contemporary America by analyzing a collection of various short stories from different authors. Since it may be a push during the up coming months to read so much I am slowing the novels down to one per month. The second meeting per month will be based on a short story or two from the new book listed.

One meeting will be on Saturday or Sunday afternoon and the other on Thursday evening (as requested by some members).

If Toni Morrison's book is push - let me know by e-mail and I will reschedule and change the date to short stories.

Please keep in mind, this is to be a cross section and more books with different authors will be added later:
1) "Girls in Trucks" by Katie Crouch (May 16, 2009)
2) "Paradise" by Toni Morrison (May 30, 2009)
3) "The Fool's Progress: An Honest Novel” by Edward Abbey (June)
4) "Native Son" by Richard Wright (July)
5) "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros (August)
6) "Contemporary American Short Stories" by Sylvia Angus and Douglas Angus (throughout the dates)