One Book One New Paltz 2009

It has been decided that the 2009 read will be Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle, a mythic tale set in the Hudson Valley but known throughout the world. Here are but a few provocative questions inspired by a contemporary reading of Rip Van Winkle:
1. What if you were alive but "slept through" an event such as the American Revolution (or 9-11 or Vietnam or whatever) ? What are the consequences of being apathetic or passive about life? To what extent, are you a participant in your own life?

2. Is RVW a prototype for an American "hero?" What does RVW suggest about the American Dream? Does hard work lead to success? What are strengths and drawbacks of a commitment to the Work or Protestant Ethic?

3. How do a people develop a collective identity? What contributes to a sense of nationalism or national unity? How did Washington Irving contribute to the development of nationalism, beginning in the 1820's? How important is tradition for a people?

4. Aging in America. Is it true that people reach an age where they "can do nothing with impunity?" How do previous generations contribute to lasting societal change?

5. From today's perspective, is RVW politically correct?

6. In the portrayal of Dame Van Winkle as a "cultural villain," what is learned about the historical role and status of women? How are other women portrayed in the story? Learning about the Van Winkle husband-wife relationship reveals much about their culture. To what extent are we a product of our own culture? How much control do we exercise over the lives we live?

7. Was RVW a success in his life?

We are interested in your thoughts for discussion questions, thematic activities and events. Blog your ideas here!

One Book One New Paltz 2009

In anticipation of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's first contact in North America and his sailing up the Hudson River, the committee decided that the book selection for the 2009 One Book One New Paltz will focus on the region, its character, history, or cultural significance. Community members are welcome to suggest possibilities by writing to onebook@newpaltz.edu

Registration is still open for Memoir Writing Workshop

The registration for the Memoir Writing Workshop is still open. If you would like to participate, please e-mail np.wordplay@gmail.com

11/23/2008 Sunday
Memoir Writing Workshop
Time: Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Location: SUNY New Paltz, Honors Center (College Hall), New Paltz, NY
Wordplay, the SUNY New Paltz student creative writing organization, will conduct a memoir writing workshop related to themes in Sleeping Arrangements. Please email np.wordplay@gmail.com to register for the workshop and to receive writing prompts.

Food Event at Unison on Friday

Interactive Social Event
Community members are invited to share food ("Uncle Food"), stories and music relevant to Sleeping Arrangements. The author, Laura Shaine Cunningham will participate. Unison Arts Center, 68 Mountain Rest Road, 6:00pm
View this handout for a list of recipes..

Discussion Questions for Event at St. Andrews Episcopal Church

Community Book Discussion
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 163 Main Street, New Paltz.
Discussion will be led by Mary Ann Lis-Simmons, Library-Media Specialist, New Paltz Middle School, New Paltz Central School District.

Discussion to consider the question: "Where does your life meet Lily's?" Have a photo you've carried around because of what it represents? Know an eccentric older woman (grandmother or not) who's brought drama to everyday life? Had a special relationship with an uncle? Neighborhood antics from youth that you're willing to share? Let's let Lily's story connect to our own.

"Children Exist in a State of Grace"

“Children exist in a state of grace” recites a character in L’Argent de Poche (Small Change), Truffaut’s warm, bittersweet film about the vulnerability and resiliency of children. In Sleeping Arrangements, Laura Shaine Cunningham lifts the veil from her past to share the dangers, discoveries, losses, and affection as she experienced them in childhood. Sleeping Arrangements does not read like a retelling, rather Cunningham seems to re-inhabit her childhood and allow her young life to materialize before you as you read. Growing up largely unsupervised until her mother’s death at age 8, Lily wanders into perilous and potentially scarring situations; yet she emerges unscathed and wonder struck, knowing that she is loved and capable of loving. If you enjoy Sleeping Arrangements, I strongly recommend that you read Childhood and Other Neighborhoods by the great Stuart Dybek.
-Valerie Mittenberg

An Enjoyable Read

I knew I wouldn't get the chance to read this book during the One Book One New Paltz week, but a librarian had recommended it to me, so I've been reading it over the past couple weeks. I was sad to finish it a few days ago. Lily's life is presented with no censorship or awkwardness ... nothing is edited out. All of her memories are vivid and detailed; that the book is written in present tense makes it very real to the reader.
I also felt that I got to know the characters well. All aspects of their personalities were described and they grew throughout the book. Uncle Len and Uncle Gabe found a special place in my heart for caring for their little niece even though it caused a dramatic lifestyle shift for them.
I really enjoyed this book, and I know my housemate did too. She finished it in two days!

-Erin R., New Paltz student