Bittersweet Fruit: The Orchardist
Posted on Monday, May 13, 2013 by GLorraine
Courage and compassion can redeem damaged souls and transform lives. In The Orchardist, Amanda Coplin demonstrates this truth in a superb novel, set in the Pacific Northwest in the early 20th century, about a reclusive, middle-aged fruit grower, whose insular and regimented life is disrupted by the inexplicable arrival of two pregnant girls in their early teens. The girls have been exploited and abused, and . . . more »
What would you like to change in your life? New Years is traditionally the time to stop, take inventory and set positive goals for the months ahead. While it’s useful to take stock of your personal achievements and set a course for self-improvement, don’t forget to be gentle with yourself as you strive to meet your goals. It’s normal to encounter occasional setbacks . . . 
For children and their caregivers to read together SCCLD proudly presents Read With Me Kits, designed to encourage children (babies through preschool-age) and their caregivers to read together and to provide early literacy skills. The kits, housed in clear tote bags, contain a fun and engaging assortment of books, a CD or DVD, a puppet, and activity suggestions. Each kit is created around a single . . . 
NEW BOOKS INGNITE JOY! Sometimes, however, new books can be hard to come by, so a local nonprofit, Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT), sponsors an annual holiday book drive to collect new and like-new children’s books, bringing the magic of books to Santa Clara County children who need it most. Several of SCCLD libraries are drop off locations where book donations can . . . 
We celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 to recognize and thank the courageous men and women who have served in the armed forces, defending the freedoms and rights of our nation. For those of us who haven’t served, it’s also a day when we reflect on what it means to serve in the armed forces and the burdens that members of the military and their . . . 
Whenever I’m feeling a little blue, I know that I can always count on an Elinor Lipman novel to lift me out of the doldrums. This was confirmed when I read her most recent novel, The Family Man. This book is classic Lipman: likable— albeit flawed—characters, an airy, lighthearted plot, smart social satire, and dialog crisp and sparkling as a fine champagne. The Family Man . . . 
For many people, October marks the start of fall. The trees slip into their beautiful array of colored foliage, and while temperatures slowly dip, even here in Santa Clara County, we contemplate the task of packing away our summer apparel. During this month we begin the transition from summer into winter, shifting from outdoor activities to indoors. For book group members, October is also a . . . 
During National Yoga Month, yoga practitioners are touting the many health benefits of the ancient practice. Yoga can lead to lower blood pressure, greater flexibility, and strengthened bones, as well as decreased stress, greater mental focus, and peace of mind. Not just a physical exercise program, yoga is a system designed to generate greater clarity and harmony in life. The roots of yoga are in . . . 
Why do we have this day called Labor Day? In modern times, we sometimes come to equate it with the end of summer, the last day to wear white, Labor Day sales, or just another Monday off. But Labor Day has a long and rich history. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, the first Monday of September has been set apart to celebrate and . . . 
The Women's National Book Association has announced Ann Patchett as the winner of the 2012-2013 WNBA Award. WNBA exists to promote reading and to support the role of women in the community of the book. The award is presented by WNBA to a living American woman who has done meritorious work in the world of books. When Nashville, Tennessee was left without a bookstore, Patchett . . .