Disappearing Earth

 This month, we read Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips.  Most everyone was glad to have been introduced to this author and the peninsula of Kamchatka.  The region lies in the far eastern part of Russia on the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.  The novel explores stories of different character's lives in different parts of the geographical area.  We learned about the land, the native people and the people who located to Petropavlosk, the capitol.  The one negative for our group was the abduction that starts off the novel.  In some ways it was a catalyst for learning about how unexpected tragic events affected different groups of people.  The second abduction, which actually occurred before the first chapter also pointed out the disparity between the native Even investigation and the city, Petropavlosk search for the missing children and youth.  Terry was able to tell us stories relating to his business dealings in Russia in the nineties and Ed had actually been to the area enroute to another area of Russia.  All in all, it was a great discussion.  

Next month, we are reading Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.  This novel won the Booker Prize.  We are meeting on February 15th at 7 PM via Zoom.

In addition, Tim is arranging for those who are interested, to read and have a discussion with the author of The Dissent Channel and he will let us know when he has a date.