For October’s Book Club meeting we will be discussing Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Jonathan Strange is handsome, charming, and talkative - the very opposite of Mr. Norrell. Astonished to find another practicing magician in early 1800s England, Mr. Norrell accepts Strange as a pupil. But it soon becomes clear that their ideas of what English magic ought to be are very different. For Norrell, their power is something to be controlled, while Jonathan Strange will always be attracted to the wildest forms of magic. He becomes fascinated by the shadowy, ancient figure of the Raven King, the most legendary magician of all. Eventually, Strange’s heedless pursuit of long-forgotten magic threatens to destroy not only his partnership with Norrell, but everything he holds dear.

What we discussed at the last Book Club meeting:

For September’s Book Club meeting we read The Burn Zone by James K. Decker. Plagued by overpopulation, disease, and starvation, humanity was headed for extinction—until an alien race called the Haan arrived. And then the real trouble began.

The Burn Zone starts out strong with a vibrant and gritty setting that draws natural comparisons with Blade Runner/Neuromancer. Interesting ideas with a lot of action, but kind of ran out of steam toward the end of the book.

When: Monday, October 14th, 2013 — 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Filter 1373-75 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL

Cost: Free