The Yiddish Policemen's Union

Michael Chabon certainly has a vivid imagination. I must say that I pause more often than usual while reading The Yiddish Policemen's Union.  Some passages, usually descriptions of characters or settings, simply demand re-reading. The first paragraph of Chapter 16 is a pause-able moment.  Take a look!

My imagination is too limited to think up ideas such as Chabon's setting.  It is good to stretch.  Chabon stretches my imagination.  Unfortunately, I have to form my thoughts into questions to lead a discussion, and that keeps intruding on the imaginative setting.  Okay, let's rely on some discussion questions from the publisher and others:

http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?isbn13=9780007149827&displayType=readingGuide

http://bestsellers.about.com/od/bookclubquestions/a/yiddish_q.htm

I have not studied Jewish culture for over 20 years.  This book makes me think of days gone by and ideas that used to consume my days of graduate studies.  Thank you, Michael Chabon. 

Oracle Bones, by Peter Hessler

Think about how you travel on vacation.  Do you stick to a schedule and like to plan everything out ahead of time?  Or, do you like to wander?  If you like to wander, then you'll like Oracle Bones.

The title comes from the earlierst form of Chinese writing uncovered so far by archeologists.  Peter Hessler uses this as a thread from which to hang his collection of characters and stories.  It is non-fiction, but it reads like fiction. I am glad that I read the 400+ pages.  The last few pages present the wisdom gained by the author from his writing, teaching, and traveling in China. I feel wiser for having read this book.

It isn't one of our book forum selections, but I recommend it for anyone with an interest in China.