Reading Groups Newsletter September 2015

Not all of us are headed back to the classroom this fall, but we have plenty of opportunities for continued learning and exploration nonetheless. New programs and old we have plenty that fill the bill; attend any or all -- you pick! We look forward to seeing you.

	NEW PROGRAM! MONDAYS AT MARION

	10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Introducing a new program that invites you to learn, share, and explore: Mondays at Marion starts tomorrow! Each meeting (except for Classic Movie Monday) will begin with a short program 10-20 minutes in length while the rest of the hour will be used as discussion time. Topics will vary week to week. No registration required. September 14 - TED Talk. Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer, founder of the Skeptics Society. September 21 - Classic Movie. Raging Bull (2h 29m) September 28 - Slideshow. When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning October 5 - 25 Positive World Statistics That Will Make You Glad to be Alive Today by YouTube channel list25. October 12 - The fight for Gustav's The Woman in Gold portrait. Slideshow and NPR stories. Gustav Klimt's 1907 portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer was stolen from her family by the Nazis at the beginning of World War II. More than half a century later her niece fights to get it back. Watch Woman in Gold starring Helen Mirren beforehand if you get the chance! October 19 - Classic Movie. Psycho (1h 49m) October 26 - Author Linda McCann will join us to talk about her new book! Prohibition in Eastern Iowa looks at the 13 year span of time known as "Prohibition" through the lens of Eastern Iowa townspeople and others. From farmers who grew corn used in making illegal liquor, to the bootleggers who trafficked it and the gangsters who sold it, Eastern Iowa saw its fair share! You will be surprised to read how this period in our national history transpired in, and impacted, Iowa.

	Masterpiece Book & Film Club

	Arthur & George: Dinner & Program Thursday, September 24 6:00 p.m. Granger House Museum & Cultural Center (970 10th St., Marion) We are delighted to announce the evening's speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Cox, University of Iowa Professor of British Social, Imperial, and Religious History. 6:00pm - A dinner of British and Indian cuisine 7:00pm - Victorian Culture's Xenophobia. A presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Cox. Arthur and George is an adaptation of the novel of the same title by Julian Barnes airing on PBS Masterpiece September 6, 13, and 20. The story is based on true events involving Arthur Conan Doyle and the tragic Great Wyrley Outrages. Our thanks to The Wright Touch Catering Company for providing the evening's menu: Chicken Tika Masala--A classic Indian dish of tender chicken chunks marinated in yogurt and spices served over hot basmati rice with chopped apricots, currents, almonds, and cilantro; cumin-crusted cauliflower; and a dessert of pumpkin pie bread pudding. Stout beer and Syrah wine will be available to those 21 and over so be sure to bring a photo ID if we won't be able to tell! Register Here Registration and payment of $15 per person due by Monday, September 21 at the library's Information Desk.

	Movie Mondays: Classics, Coffee & Donuts

	Do you love the old classic movies? Want to share your love with others over coffee and donuts? Join us for Movie Monday: Classics, Coffee & Donuts. On the 3rd Monday morning of each month, we'll show a classic film and provide coffee, water, and donuts. We provide a brief introduction and a small display of related books and movies to check out each month. September 21 - Raging Bull, with Robert DeNiro (an AFI Top 10 Sports movie) October 19 - Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock with Anthony Perkins (#14 of AFI's 100 Greatest Films)

	Reading Groups

	Coffeehouse Fiction Our fiction group meets at Wit's End Coffeehouse (630 10th Street) every third Tuesday (September through May) at 4:00 p.m. We are excited to begin another season of great books and great discussions. Plus, we're celebrating National Reading Groups Month by collecting your book recommendations for readers! Recommend a book and you'll be registered to win a special reading journal to keep track of books you want to read, favorite books and passages, and books you've borrowed or loaned. At our September discussion you'll receive a special bookmark that will direct you to the recommend-a-book webpage. The lucky winner will be announced at our October meeting. September 15 -The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin October 20 - The Telling by Jo Baker History Club The History Club, in collaboration with the Marion Historical Society, meets the second Thursday of every month (EXCEPT December) 3:30-5 p.m. at the Heritage Center (590 10th St). Upcoming Discussions: October 8 - Dark Invasion: 1915: Germany's Secret War and the Hunt for the First Terrorist Cell in America by Howard Blum November 12 - The Great Influenza : The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History by John M Barry New members welcome!

	RED OR WHITE: WHAT'S YOUR COLOR?

	Our NEW adult coloring club starts in October and will meet at 6:30 on the first Thursday of each month. Crayons, markers, colored pencils and coloring sheets will be provided; bring your own supplies as well if you'd like. Ramsey's has delightful wine selections, as well as food -- feel free to purchase a glass of wine (or another beverage) to get your creative juices flowing.

	ILLUMINATIONS HEALING ARTS

	Friday, October 16 7:00- 8:30 p.m. A Special evening with Illuminations Healing Arts Center Registration opening soon! Join us for an inspiring program of self-discovery. Experience an oracle card, tarot card, or crystal stone reading to gain insight about yourself and receive advice about your life path. You'll receive one-on-one time with a practitioner; register for one of the following: Tarot Card Reading This ancient form of divination helps us to connect with the messages and guidance Spirit is wanting to communicate. What comes through is always shared from the vibration of what is going to serve your highest and best good. If you are looking for a bit of direction on your path, Spirit can help provide some clarity through the cards. Oracle Card Reading Another ancient form of divination is oracle card readings. These focus on the positive and inspirational options open to you in your life, but which you might not be aware. The cards relay what you need to know about a situation or guidance in moving forward. Be awakened to the positive aspects in your life and learn how to move forward. Crystal/Stone Reading Another way of receiving guidance is through minerals. Each crystal has a different vibrational pattern and meaning behind it. The way stones resonate with you will help you learn about yourself and get clarity about what's going on in your life, along with energy to help deal with it.

	CELEBRATE WRITING CONFERENCE!

	Saturday, October 24 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Our annual writers' event is on the horizon! Here's a sneak peek at this year's session offerings: Engaging a Young Audience: Entertain without Patronizing Life Stories & Emotional Truths: Selecting Seminal Events Where Do You Get Your Gore?, or A Corpse in Every Pot Captivating Stories: Evaluating Your Non-Fiction Idea Plus, lunch with the authors and an afternoon workshop. Stay tuned!