Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Modern and Contemporary Literature
Speaker
Candace Gietzen
Modern and Contemporary Literature We will read The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck. The book is structured like a “hook-and-chain” song format popular in 18th century New England where the interconnected stories are set. It is a “stunning collection exploring how the past is often misunderstood and how history, family, heartache, and desire can echo over centuries.” It tells “how love and loss are entwined and transformed over generations. Each story has a companion story, which contains a revelation about the previous, paired story. Mysteries and murders are revealed, history is refracted, and deep emotional connections are woven through characters and families.” By the time we read the book, the film will be in theaters. Shattuck is a winner of the Story Prize and the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature.
Look for The History of Sound from Penguin, ISBN 978-0-593-49040-2.
SCHEDULE:
March 31: The History of Sound, pages 1–26; Origin Stories, pages 269–306
April 14: Edwin Chase of Nantucket, pages 27–52; The Silver Clip, pages 53–70
April 28: Graft, pages 71–98; Tundra Swan, pages 99–116
May 12: August in the Forest, pages 117–155; The Journal of Thomas Thurber, pages 157–185
May 26: Radiolab: Singularities, pages 187–205; The Auk, pages 205–219; The Children of New Eden, pages 221–252; Introduction to the Dietzens, pages 255–268
Look for The History of Sound from Penguin, ISBN 978-0-593-49040-2.
SCHEDULE:
March 31: The History of Sound, pages 1–26; Origin Stories, pages 269–306
April 14: Edwin Chase of Nantucket, pages 27–52; The Silver Clip, pages 53–70
April 28: Graft, pages 71–98; Tundra Swan, pages 99–116
May 12: August in the Forest, pages 117–155; The Journal of Thomas Thurber, pages 157–185
May 26: Radiolab: Singularities, pages 187–205; The Auk, pages 205–219; The Children of New Eden, pages 221–252; Introduction to the Dietzens, pages 255–268
Speaker Bio
Candace Gietzen has degrees from Pomona College and Stanford University. She taught history and AP Comparative Government and Politics at The Bishop’s School and often used novels to enrich the curriculum.
31
14
28
12
26