Sunday, March 8, 2015

Bright Shards of Someplace Else by Monica McFawn



The Locale: Susan S.'

Bright Shards of Someplace Else & Monica McFawn

The Book: In these eleven kaleidoscopic stories, Monica McFawn traces the combustive, hilarious, and profound effects that occur when people misread the minds of others. The characters—an array of artists, scientists, songwriters, nannies, horse trainers, and poets—often try to pin down another’s point of view, only to find that their own worldview is far from fixed. A young boy reduces his nanny’s phone bill with a call, then convinces her he can solve her other problems. A poetry professor becomes entangled in the investigation of murdered student. In the final story, an aging lyricist reconnects with a renowned singer to write an album in the Appalachian Mountains, only to be interrupted by his drug-addicted son and a mythical story of recovery. By turns exuberant and philosophical adroit, Bright Shards of Someplace Else reminds us of both the limits of empathy and its absolute necessity. (http://www.monicamcfawn.com)

The Vote: Gina presented...

  • Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
  • The Princess Bride by William Goldman 
  • Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim     WINS!
Up Next: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown at Brenda's on April 12th.

Next to Present: Lori

Then: Gina