Melikian Center Book Club - Tempe Public Library
This book group will read fiction by a range of award-winning authors based at the edges of the European Union, who draw from experience to imagine border-crossing, and the encounter with an alien world, from a range of perspectives. Tackling themes of mobility, curiosity and identity, these authors invite us to empathize with characters determined to make meaning out of fractured and divided lives. Across East Europe, a majority of citizens live less than a two-hour drive from the edge of their country. The challenge, excitement and risk of crossing into a different culture, history, language and worldview have captured the attention of writers, including those in countries that have joined the European Union, and those where international travel requires enormous sacrifices.
The club meets the 2nd Monday of the month (unless otherwise noted).
The book club is hosted at the Tempe Public Library, convened by Keith Brown. Keith_brown@asu.edu. To check our book club schedule visit tempepubliclibrary.org and click Event Calendar
Most recent book April 28, 2024
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
Part breathless thriller, part story of innocence lost, part story of romantic love, The Orphan Master's Son is also a riveting portrait of a world heretofore hidden from view: a North Korea rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty but also camaraderie, stolen moments of beauty, and love. A towering literary achievement, The Orphan Master's Son ushers Adam Johnson into the small group of today's greatest writers.
Click here for the discussion guide and more.
Fall 2023-Spring 2024: Theme - In Big Brother's Shadow
March 2024
Feb 2024
Jan 2024
Dec 2023
Nov 2023
Oct 2023
Sept 2023
The book club is co-convened by Keith Brown and Shelley Stephenson.
Keith is the Director of the Melikian Center and Professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University. He is an anthropologist who writes about the Western Balkans, and would always rather be reading. He was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in England.
Shelley works as an independent consultant in the field of international higher education. She has a PhD in Chinese, and has spent a good portion of her life abroad. She’s an avid reader, especially of fiction, and typically reads more than 100 books a year.
