Scarsdale Adult School Catalog Fall/Winter 2024-25
BookTalk with Harriet Sobol BookTalk introduces readers to a carefully chosen, provocative selection of novels for reading and informal discussion, considering the author’s writing techniques and the character’s personal journeys. Readings include translations of books from other countries and cultures in the search for fictions that illuminate the lives and understanding of those from all across the globe. HARRIET LANGSAM SOBOL is a teacher and author of books for children and young adults. She has written essays for the New York Times and other publications, and directs writing workshops. She has led this popular book discussion class for many years.
James (2024) by Percival Everett This class focuses on Percival Everett's acclaimed novel James , an action-packed reimagining of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , indelibly narrated from the point of view of the enslaved Jim and brimming with the lacerating humor and keen observations that define Everett's distinctive style. Upon learning that he is about to be sold and forever separated from his wife and daughter, James hides to formulate an escape plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father. Thus begins their dangerous and life-changing journey by raft down the Mississippi River, where encounters with an evolving cast of characters continually expose the absurdities and injustice of racism on the eve of the Civil War. Throughout, James's intelligence and compassion shine in a radically new light. Wednesday, September 18 • 1:00pm-2:30pm • Zoom • Course 12782 • $30
The Gift of Rain (2007) by Tan Twan Eng This class focuses on The Gift of Rain (2007) by Tan Twan Eng. Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Malaysian writer Eng's debut novel is set in Penang in 1939. The story recounts a developing friendship between the sixteen-year old protagonist of mixed Chinese-English heritage and a Japanese diplomat who teaches the young man about Japanese culture and the discipline of aikido. The savage Japanese invasion of Malaya at the inception of World War II and the revelation that his Japanese mentor is a spy tests the young man's loyalties to family, friendship, and country. Wednesday, October 16 • 1:00pm-2:30pm • Zoom • Course 12783 • $30
www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org • (914) 723-2325
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