One of our class projects assigned to us for Readers Advisory is to present a book talk. First we’re supposed to choose a theme, five books to go with that theme and then present them to our class in the same fashion as we would a regular book talk at a book club. Jhumpa Lahiri’s Namesake and Monica Ali’s Brick Lane have been recieving a lot of attention this past year, not to mention awards. Although I have not read either of those books myself, I have read a few books by “East Indian” authors which I thoroughly enjoyed and believe others will too, so I’ve decided to title my book presentation “Notable East Indian Authors” (or something like that, I’m hopeless at naming things). The five books I’ve chosen are all, ironically, first time novels by female writers; Interpretation of Maladies, Born Confused, Where the Oceans Meet, Listening Now and Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard and all focus on “East Indian” social life and customs and in some cases their experiences as immigrants in the States and Britain. Anyway, the reason I’m putting “East Indian” in quotes is because I’m thoroughly perplexed by the inconsistancies I’ve come accross in researching this topic when it comes to naming this particular culture. I originally thought the appropriate phrase was South Asian. But our library catalog and other catalogs have these authors under the heading of “East Indian” or “East Indian American”. But the US Census refers instead to a “Asian Indian” or “Asian Indian American”. What is even more troubling is when some of my searches pick up “American Indian” (which should be more appropriately refered to as Native American) reminding us all of the gross error made by Columbus when he arrived on this continent.
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Cool!
Book Crossing
Spring is almost here! Normally I’m not usually this excited about Spring: with Spring there is Summer, and with Summer there is heat. but I’ve never been this involved with my bonsai before. I have at least one that will be ready to be potted when Spring finally gets here. From now till then I have to find out what kind of tree it is. I used to have that information, but I seem to have misplaced it. I also recently purchased an Eastern White Pine, which apparently isn’t very good for Bonsai, but I’m a rebel, so what the hell. It’s absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to start shaping it.
I also have been drumming for the past few days which has felt tremendous! I would really enjoy getting into a band right now, but I just don’t have the time or energy to divert into finding one. Oh well, it can wait. I’ve got plenty of other hobbies to keep me occupied. Like my photography. I’m eagerly anticipating the final check i have to write for my loan–$283. After that– I can finally get some new photo equipment. I almost hesitated and thought about saving up for a nice digital, but I just can’t do it. I’m almost sure I’ll regret it later though. But later there will be even nicer digital camera’s for me to buy at even cheaper prices, so it won’t bo too bad.
And Bonus: the redesigned, redesigned, put on the shelf, redesigned web site is almost completed. I can’t wait, it looks great, it’s simple clean and there’ll be lots more pics for everyones viewing pleasure. And once I can afford a scanner I will be able to put alot more on there as well.