Fall Book Club: A Graphic Novel

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi is a memoir in graphic novel format (illustrated like a comic book). Through words and pictures, Satrapi invites us to experience her life as a child during the revolution in Iran in the 1980s. With the political unrest in Iran right now, this book will give readers a history lesson with a human touch.

Nancy Pearl (author of Book Lust) likens Persepolis to The Kite Runner and The Namesake for its portrayal of international family life and the challenges faced by those from conflicted regions.

The book, along with its sequel Persepolis 2, was made into an animated film in 2007. The film is available for viewing at the Library ( St. Paul Media Desk PN1995.9.B55 P477 2008).

Join us October 1 for the St. Kate's Book Club to discuss Persepolis. Check out the novel and reserve your spot in the Book Club by stopping by the Library and/or contacting the Book Club moderator Anika (alfajardo@stkate.edu). Open to students, faculty, staff, and alumnae.

Book Club - February 2009

The St. Kate's Book Club met in early February to discuss Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees. Although attendance was small, the students, faculty, and staff present were able to engage in a lively discussion about this fascinating saga of mothers and daughters, belonging, and race relations.
If you've read the book but were unable to attend the book club meeting, consider some of these questions that were used for discussion:

1. Who is the "queen bee" in this story?
2. How do the women in this story (the "calendar sisters," the Daughters of Mary, Rosaleen, etc.) transform Lily?
3. How does May's life and death affect the characters?
4. How would you describe Lily and Zach's relationship? What do you foresee for them?

Secret Life of Bees

Did you know the Library has a book club? Winter semester 2009 we'll be reading The Secret Life of Bees. Written by Sue Monk Kidd, this touching novel is now a major motion picture.

Get started on the book over the holiday break and set aside an hour or so in February and join other Katies to discuss the book. If you want to get started discussing right now, check out the discussion board on facebook.