Nevermore: Like Catching Water in a Net, Good Lord Bird & Golden Buddha

The Nevermore Book Club is nothing if not eclectic.  Here are some books featured at a recent meeting:

Like Catching Water in A Net  by Val Webb examines the world’s religions for common signs, seeking to find the essence of what humans mean by “Divine.”  She doesn’t limit her examination to the major religions, but also seeks out lesser known belief systems, including some ancient ones. One online reviewer compared it to Karen Armstrong’s A History of God, but with a broader approach.  Others commented on the non-denominational aspect of the book, making it suitable for those of many religious persuasions and for those people interested more in the spiritual and less in specific religious doctrines. Nevermore described it as being spiritual, mystical, and ecumenical.

 

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride is a novel set during the pre-Civil War era, when John Brown is attempting his insurrection.  Henry, a young slave boy, is mistaken for a girl and dubbed “Onion” by Brown narrates the story, giving his view of events leading up to Harper’s Ferry.  Comparisons to Mark Twain pop up in several reviews, since there are some similarities to Huck Finn in the narrator’s voice.  A number of historical characters in addition to Brown show up, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

Just to add a popular touch, someone brought up Golden Buddha by Clive Cussler.  This is the third in his new Oregon Files series which features Juan Cabrillo and the seagoing marvel disguised as near derelict ship the Oregon.  Cabrillo and company are out to make money, but like to right some wrongs while they’re at it.  This time they’ve been hired to find an ancient statue stolen by the Chinese in an effort to restore the Dalai Lama as leader of Tibet.  As usual, Cussler keeps readers turning the pages, dazzling with technological wonders and derring do.

The Nevermore Book Club meets every Tuesday at 11:00 am in the Frances E. Kegley Meeting Room on the upper floor of the library.  Join us for coffee, Blackbird Bakery doughnuts and discussions about some great books!