Prisoners of Geography - enlightening and interesting

 Thanks to Gabby for hosting our fun event at her beautiful country house, what a great time! Highlighted by a big pan of delicious Mac and Cheese, what could be wrong with that. We also had a great discussion of the book, Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. 

This book did a great job of describing how geography dictates the political and strategic interests of each country (or region). I was particularly taken with the China chapter, where the plight of the minority Uighur population came into focus but that was not the only time it seemed illuminating. And on top of it all, it was very well written and moved along like fiction in many places. 

That being said, we wondered what happens now in a time when technology rather than geography will define conflict. And are there ways to mitigate these interests that might be deeply-seated, regardless of whether they are still an active problem to solve. 

One of the best attributes of this book, in my opinion is that it is easy to dip in and out of - each chapter stands alone in its own way and could easily be read when any one of these countries or regions hits the news as great background. It was really good. 

Now on to next month, which will be on April 3. Jean has kindly offered to host at her house, so let her know what you are planning to bring. Our book is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. This was one of our Christmas books, historical fiction that tells the story of J.P. Morgan's personal librarian who as it turns out was a black woman passing as white. Sounds great! 

Fiona has also arranged for Anne Margaret Daniel, the editor of the newly reissued Great Gatsby and I'd Die for You, a collection of short stories by Fitzgerald unpublished in his lifetime to come to our September meeting which will be on the 11th. This should be really fun! 

I am also working on getting Rachel Beanland, a local author to come talk with us about her first book Florence Adler Swims Forever and her upcoming book The House Is On Fire, about the Richmond Theatre fire of 1811. I am going to see her give a talk about this book on April 4 if anyone wants to join in. 

And, one last activity, the Junior League Book and Author dinner is May 4. I have a conflict, but I think some are planning to go. It will be at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, a great venue. Speaking of that, the VMHC has some terrific book events. I just went to a talk by Stacy Shiff who wrote the new biography of Samuel Adams, it was great. April 19 is a talk by Charles Fishman, who wrote One Giant Leap, about the US space race that we read a couple of years ago. That is in conjunction with the Apollo exhibition there, which also looks great. 

See you all in April!