For our August Book Club meeting we all read books of our own choice by
author Tony Hillerman.
Hillerman, who was raised in the Southwest, is well known for his
mysteries set in the vast "four corners' region , in which the mailn
characters are Navajo Tribal Police. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and
Sergeant Jim Chee are college educated Navajos, part of the modern
American world , but also part of their traditional culture. And the
stories and their outcomes weave the two together.
Most of our members enjoyed these mysteries. One person found the plot
of "Listening Woman" (1994) very convoluted and preferred "The Wailing
Wind" (2002), whic seemed better focussed. One member, reading
Hillerman for the first time, was unfamiliar with the histories of
characters from previous books, which could become confusing. Another
was enthusiastic about "A Thief of Time", in which the mystery centers
on the theft of ancient pottery. Another expressed interest in learning
more about the Indian culture.
A completly different book, entitled "Hillerman Country" is a collection
of extraordinary photographs of the four corners region of the
Southwest, taken by Barney Hillerman,. The collection is organized by
regions of special meaning to the Navajo people, with text by Tony H. A
wonderful book for browsing.
For our next meeting , September 6, we will be reading The Brain that
Changes Itself, byNorman Doidge M.D.
New members always welcome!!
