Hi Elaine, et al.
Our state (all of Oregon!) just read Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler -
biographical story of 3 generations of the Yasui (?) -Japanese - family
from turn of the century to late 20th century. Descendents are still
here - one spoke at our library. An incredible story that reads like
fiction (after the first 50? pages). The story is the same in California
history I'm sure. It's one nonfiction book I've recommended with
confidence over the years. Another is Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor,
similar format - 3 generations of a Mexican family, from late 19th century
silver mines to L.A. barrios. Villasenor is a descendent of that family.
Oh, to have time to read all the good books. (Stayed up last night 'til
2:30am totally engrossed in The Lost Mother. If you like "domestic
fiction" you might try it. I was glued for a few hours. Yawning tonight.)

Submitted by Amy Kinard
amykinard@mind.net

Hello PPL Pals,

Thanks to Jan for the update on Greg Mortenson. What a relief that his
schools have not been destroyed. He is an inspiration.

I have a book to recommend --"Out Stealing Horses" written by a Norwegian
Per Petterson is a stunning, absorbing story of boy's maturation (from his
perspective as an aging man)-- loss of innocence, loss of the father that
he loved. It takes place after WWII in the forested countryside of Norway.
The clarity and simplicity of the writing is reminiscent of Hemingway but
with a real emotional punch.

I need your recommendations for a good memoir or autobiography (are they
the same?)-- my book discussion group wants a non-fiction choice.
We are now reading "The Hummingbird's Daughter" recommended by MaryAnn.

Submitted by Elaine Zorbas
ezorbas@att.net

Hi PPL Pals,
The Malibu One Book One City selection this year is Greg Mortenson's
"Three Cups of Tea"--which most of us read and loved. He spoke last week
at Pepperdine about the book, followup about some of the schools &
students, his Pennies for Peace program, education in Pakistan and
Afghanistan, etc. The most disturbing thing he said was that in the last
2 years the Taliban has destroyed 500 schools in Afghanistan & 300 in
Pakistan. (The local villagers have been very protective of the schools
they built through Mortenson's Central Asia Institute, and so far only one
has been destroyed.) The most heartening thing he said was that in 2000
there were 800,000 children in school in Pakistan & Afghanistan--mostly
boys. Now there are 7.4 million kids in school, of which 2.4 million are
girls. He is currently focusing on building schools in Pakistan, where
the female literacy rate is about 38% and the population is expected to
double in the next 27 years--it's one of the world's fastest growing
countries--and it doesn't have a national education initiative. He
frequently emphasized the importance of educating girls for the stability
of family and community.

Mortenson is one of the candidates for this year's Nobel Peace Prize---a
good choice! One person can make a difference!

Submitted by Jan Burns