Harvard Club of Sacramento

December Book Club Meeting

"Out of darkness, light," as reflected in two very different books, will be the discussion theme.

In our human experience, what is the darkness and what is the light? From where does the light shine and what does it illumine?

The spotlight will focus on these questions at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Harvard Club of Sacramento's book club. Two books that will serve as inspiration for the discussion are Spiritual Evolution, by Harvard Medical School professor emeritus George E. Vaillant, and The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir, by Afghan refugee Farah Ahmedi.

Vaillant directed the world's longest running longitudinal study of human development, and is one of the leading authorities on human development through the entire life span, and especially as older adults. This book does not report his scientific work but is rather something of a meditation on its broader implications.

Ahmedi's memoir is an emotionally searing true tale of intertwined tragedy and victory that several years ago won a national contest for the most compelling personal story. This book presents a mix of maturity, innocence and wisdom by a young woman in her late teens.

The book club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Bill and Nancy Myers in Elk Grove. A potluck dinner is planned, so bring whatever food you associate with the holiday season.

Let Bill Myers know as soon as possible if you will be coming and what food you will be bringing. His email address is wemyers@cal.net. He will send directions.

Looking ahead, Dan Blatt has offered to plan the January meeting. He has selected the book Bailout by Neil Barofsky.
The club is looking for a volunteer to conduct the Nov. 15, 2013, meeting. Contact Alice Schilla, amschilla1@yahoo.com.