Clovis Readers Met the Pulitzer Challenge!

Congratulations to all the Clovis readers who participated in our Pulitzer Challenge and many thanks to the amazing librarians at the Clovis-Carver Public Library for hosting the dialogues!

Beloved by Toni Morrison-September 08, 2016

Let's complete our Pulitzer Prize Challenge with a Bang.  Join us at Clovis-Carver Public Library on September 08, 2016 at 6:30 to discuss Beloved.

The Brief Wondrous life of Oscar Wao Discussion Highlights

1. Questions arose about usage of foul language and how language added authenticity to the voice of the narrator.

2. Participants discussed what the criteria for a title to win a Pulitzer Prize.

3. The Fuku is mentioned throughout the novel and participants discussed the ramifications in Oscar's and his family's lives.

4. Many of the participants enjoyed learning of some of the history of Santo Domingo.

5. Participant also discussed the references to literature and what some classified as "nerd" culture.

6. Oscar's personality is multi-layered and causes him to become an outcast among his fellow Dominicans, but in the end Junior describes his death in a way that seems heroic.

The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao Sample Discussion Questions

latinonovel.qwriting.qc.cuny.edu/diaz-study-questions/

Clovis-Carver Public Library Discusses Lovely, Dark, Deep by Joyce Carol Oates

Lovely Dark Deep Discussion Questions:


Have you had any experiences similar to any characters in the stories

2. Did any of the stories change the way you think?

3. How do the main characters demonstrate significant character growth or decline?

4. How is the setting used to enhance the stories?

5. Which passage did you find particularly profound or interesting?

The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich Discussion

Our discussion focused on piecing together the diverse narration and the details that intertwine the narrator's stories. Other topics included the power of music, conflicting religious beliefs, secrets, racial tension and the inability to move beyond generational curses.

"Oates’ short stories are captivating, sad, compassionate, and haunting. They continue to capture the uncertainty, hurt, and darkness in all of us. Her fertile mind is our gain."

Libraries in Deming, Clovis, and Las Cruces are currently reading Lovely Dark, Deep, by Joyce Carol Oates.  Read along with us, join the conversation.  To help get you started, read the Washington Independent's Review of Lovely, Dark, Deep.

review/lovely-dark-deep-stories by the Washington Independent

Clovis-Carver Public Library Plague of Doves Discussion Date Change

The Plague of Doves discussion date  is Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Clovis-Carver Public Library in the Ingram Room. Now you have an extra week to explore the book further (or procrastinate longer). Please share your thoughts and questions about the book in the comments. Happy Reading!

Cheever Discussion May 19, 2016

Top Five Favorites?

     Reading discussion groups in Las Cruces and Clovis have been talking about John Cheever. With over 60 stories in the book and limited time for discussion, facilitators have had to pick and choose. Las Cruces readers chose to discuss on "The Enormous Radio", "The Swimmer", "Goodbye, My Brother" "The Death of Justina," "The Day the Pig Fell into the Well," and "Artemis, the Honest Well Digger."

In Clovis,  readers focused on "Torch Song," "The Wrysons," and "The Children." NMHC staff favorites so far (we're still reading!!) include "The City of Broken Dreams," "The Death of Justina," and "A Miscellany of Characters That Will Not Appear." 

What are your favorites? Can you pick five?

Are You Ready for Tomorrow's Cheever Discussion?

Just a little humor...

"When the ship sinks, when the plane ditches I will try to reach the life raft with an overhand and drown stylishly, whereas if I had used a Lower-Class sidestroke I would have lived forever."

-"The Jewels of the Cabots"



Nathan Englander reads John Cheever's "The Enormous Radio"

http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/fiction-podcast-nathan-englander-reads-john-cheever

Discussion Questions: The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever

We are just two weeks away from our first Pulitzer discussion!  A few sample questions are listed below.  If you would like more discussion questions, click on the Thomas Branigan Memorial tab. If you have questions or thoughts about any of the stories in the book post them in the comment section or bring them to our meeting.

“Torch Song”

1. Why is the title “Torch Song”?
2. How does the narrator describe Joan?
3. Why does the narrator omit the names of women that Jack dates or marries?
4. What is the significance of the last paragraph in the story?

“The Wrysons”

1. Why is Irene always dreaming about the hydrogen bomb?
2. Why does Donald secretly bake cakes?
3. The Wrysons are described as incapable of grasping life’s complexities. Is this description accurate?

“The Children”

1. Does your opinion of Victor and Theresa change as the story progresses?
2. Does Violet’s perception of her parents influence your perception of them?
3. How does Mr. Matherly shape Victor’s character?

We have a little more than 3 weeks until our first Discussion.  How are you coming along in our first Pulitzer title, The Short Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever?  Let us know in the comments below.



How to Read a Short Story

Short Story reading strategies:
http://www.englishcompanion.com/pdfDocs/howtoreadastory.pdf

From the Poetry Center Archive: John Cheever reads "The Swimmer" | Dece...

Join Our Discussion

Book One of the Clovis Reading Challenge

Read 5 Pulitzer Titles in 5 Months!

To commemorate the centennial of the Pulitzer Prizes, six libraries from across New Mexico are partnering with the New Mexico Humanities Council to present a five month reading and discussion series centered on five works of fiction deemed among the best of the best by Prize judges over the years.Each library will host a program designed to challenge and engage members of its respective community to read and discuss one Pulitzer Prize novel each month-novels that represent different historical periods,regions, and culture but that all reveal meaningful perspectives on ourselves, our own culture, and the world we live in.

"The New Mexico Humanities Council supports the Pulitzer Campfire Initiative because everybody should have the opportunity to read and enjoy good novels," said Dr. Craig Newbill, executive director of the New Mexico Humanities Council.

"Reading fosters emotional intelligence and enhances social and personal interactions,"Newbill said."The best literature provides for valuable experiences and personal growth. It is enjoyable and personally rewarding to read really good books and share details about life. It is pleasing and not just a theoretical activity."

Visit a participating library for details and to take part in activities and discussions.

Thomas C. Donnelly Library at New Mexico Highlands University 900 University Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701; 505-454-3322 Reading discussions begin August 2016

The Public Library ABQ-BernCo | South Broadway Library 1025 Broadway SE Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 764-1742; Reading discussion begins in August 2016

Clovis-Carver Public Library 701 N. Main St Clovis, NM  88101 575-763-9687; Reading discussions begin May 2016

Marshall Memorial Library in 110 S. Diamond Ave, Deming, NM 88030 575/546-9202; Reading discussions begin May 2016

Octavia Fellin Public Library; 115 W. Hill Ave, Gallup, NM  87301; 505-863-1291 Reading Discussions begin May, 2016

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library; 200 E Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, 575-528-4000; Reading discussions begin April, 2016

Let us know how you did, or how you’re doing, by using the hashtag #pulitzer100 on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!  We look forward to reading and discussing these novels with you!