Book List – November
This time of year, we focus on giving thanks and preparing for the holidays. The season of giving can cause both great happiness and great anxiety as we deal with all the joys and all the stresses. As the year ends, we can observe all the wonderful virtues of humanity, and all of our favorite vices. Join us this month in exploring books that represent the best and the worst of us.
Nonfiction
Good and Evil
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
A whimsical parable about the divorce of good and evil where a bus ride from hell to heaven becomes a round trip for some passengers but not for others.
Sloth and Diligence
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Details the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and World War II bombardier, who survived a plane crash and forty-seven days adrift at sea only to become a POW in Japan and discusses his soul searching later in life. Some violence.
Envy and Kindness
Strangers Drowning by Larissa MacFarquhar
A journalist’s take on those who go beyond the normal urge to help others, to the point of extreme selflessness. Using examples from around the globe it analyzes what motivates these do-gooders and examines the consequences of their commitment to help. Some strong language and some violence.
Pride and Humility
Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
In an era that glorifies social media, reality TV, and other forms of shameless self-promotion, the author discusses man’s ongoing battle with ego using stories and examples from literature to philosophy to history. Some strong language.
Lust and Love
All About Love New Visions by bell hooks
Writing from her own experience, the outspoken feminist critic and educator reexamines the meaning of interpersonal relations and offers insight into society’s flawed visions of love. Contesting the conventional notion that the ideal love is infused with desire, hooks develops another model based on affection, respect, trust, and care.
Fiction
Gluttony and Temperance
Charley and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie Bucket’s tour of Mr. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory sends him on adventures beyond his wildest dreams. For grades 4-7 but loved by those of all ages.
Greed and Charity
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
A folktale is the basis for this narrative about Kino, a simple fisherman, who finds an enormous pearl that promises to provide for all his family’s needs. When it brings nothing but misfortune, Kino throws it back to the sea and resumes his difficult way of life.
Wrath and Patience
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (Envy/Patience)
This witty satirical novel, the first of Jane Austen’s to be published, is a study in contrasts between two sisters. Their unfortunate love affairs evoke very different responses from Elinor, who has sense, and Marianne, who has sensibility.
Image Description: A cartoon woman in a green shirt stands in the center of the image. On her right side the image is purple and a miniature devil that looks just like her sits on her shoulder, whispering in her ear. On her left the image is blue and the doppelganger angel with open arms sits on her left shoulder.