Last night we hosted our Stammtisch (a discussion group -- you can read more about the group by visiting my website: www.lesjohnsonauthor.com/stammtisch). There was no formal program; it was our one of our "book report nights" in which each member brought whatever books they happen to be reading and provided an overview of each to the group.
The book that generated the most interest was "Life at the Bottom: The Worldview That Makes the Underclass" by Theodore Dalrymple. Theodore Dalrymple argues that long-term poverty is caused not by economics but by a dysfunctional set of values, one that is continually reinforced by an elite culture searching for victims. Given the political mix of the group, there was, of course, fireworks -- expressed politely, of course.
Other books that generated interest were "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coeloho, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, and "1632" by Eric Flint. Not that the other books weren't interesting, but, hey, it's my blog...
And since this is a "space and science" blog, I must mention that one of the group members brought a book that attempts to explain the "meaning" of quantum physics. The person who brought the book is a Ph.D. physicist and if anyone can figure it out, it should be him!
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