March 2008: Education Series - Nonfiction

When:
March 25, 2008
5:30pm - Drinks, 6:00pm - Dinner & Discussion

Where:
Cafe Lulu in Bayview
2261 S. Howell Avenue

What:
This month we're rolling out our new Quarterly series on Education with our Nonfiction book, "The Overachievers," by Alexandra Robbins.

Book Description:

In The Overachievers, journalist Alexandra Robbins delivers a poignant, funny, riveting narrative that explores how our high-stakes educational culture has spiraled out of control.

With first-hand observations and visits to schools across the country, Robbins tackles hard-hitting issues such as the student and teacher cheating epidemic, overtesting, sports rage, the black market for study drugs, and a college admissions process so cutthroat that some students are driven to depression or suicide because of a B. Even the earliest years of schooling have become insanely competitive, as Robbins learned when she gained unprecedented access into the inner workings of a prestigious Manhattan kindergarten admissions office.

A fascinating page-turner that combines fast-paced storytelling and spectacular investigative journalism, The Overachievers aims both to calm the admissions frenzy and to expose its escalating dangers.

Learn More Here!

Book Reviews:
Amazon.com
New York Times

February 2008: The Assault on Reason

When:
February 26, 2008

Where:
Cubanita's
728 N Milwaukee Street

What:

Attendance = 4, two read the book, two did not

Book Discussion = We found the book infuriating (but highly interesting!), and delved into a deeper discussion on America's political history, current politics, and how Mr. Gore suggests we got from one to the other. The book also describes the effect different forms of media have on public debate, and how this affects America's current public forum - especially in regards to politics. Overall, everyone found the book intriguing, the two who did not read it beforehand expressed more desire to read it after our conversation.

Book Club Guidelines = During a short brainstorming session, those in attendance decided to add variety to our book selection by creating a rotating schedule of Nonfiction, Fiction, and Biography. After further discussion, we decided to create a Quarterly Series Topic (4 series topics per calendar year), in which we will choose one Nonfiction, Fiction, and Biography for each 3-month cycle.

Our first Quarterly Series is Education, and will continue for the months of March, April, and May. Our first book, the Education Nonfiction, will be "The Overachievers," by Alexandra Robbins.

***We are currently taking suggestions for a Fiction book for our Education Series to be read in April. Click the link on the right to email me with your ideas.

Do I have to attend every meeting?

No. The Book Club prides itself on its flexibility and open door policy. Whether it's a book you don't want to read, or another engagement on the scheduled date - feel free to take a break and join us again when you are ready. Just remember to RSVP!

How can I RSVP to the next meeting?

I'm glad you asked! Simply email Mandi, Book Club Moderator Extraordinaire, at the link on the right and tell her you are planning to join us.

What if I haven't read the book? Can I still attend?

Yes. We here at Book Club are very low-key, and we welcome anyone who has a love of books and a desire for great conversation. Even though some of the discussion will be geared toward the book, a lot of our conversation will also focus on the Series topic as a whole. Feel free to come and share your thoughts and experiences, as well as any current news relating to our topic.