First Book!

Alright, I have decided that we are NOT going to read Barefoot Heart because it is SO completely boring. I've tried, and I'm not willing to waste precious reading energy on something I don't love. By the way, I completely understand if one of you feels that way about another of our books. Anyway, our NEW first book will be Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I won't lie to you, there are some parts of this book not for the easily embarrassed. I'm hoping I can cut a deal with Borders so it won't be super expensive, but as far as I know, the library currently has 1 (yeah, one) copy and the Logan city library has 2 copies and one copy of Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited so, that gives you 4 choices. The copies at Borders range anywhere from about $15.00 to about $35.00. On Amazon you can get a copy used for about $6.00. Finally, Hastings seems to carry some used from about $7.00. At this point, I would say Hastings is the best, because you'll still pay shipping on Amazon. I really encourage you all to BUY the book. I want you to write in the margins and underline and highlight--make the book YOURS. Books aren't just stories, but also records of your thoughts. Finally, another reminder that the meeting is at Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 in the vending machine room in Old Main. If you've never been there, here are directions:

*Take the elevator down to level "B"
*When you get out of the elevator, turn right to leave the elevator hall
*Turn right and walk a few feet
*Take your first right
*Walk down that long hall towards the vending machines (feel free to get yourself a snack of drink, I'm not opposed to people snacking during the meeting.)

If you (for some reason) get lost, call me! Actually, if you have ANY questions call me. I'll leave my number below. Also, don't feel like you need to read the book before Thursday because we're not discussing it until our next meeting the first week of February. Just come and get some info about the club and Aldous Huxley and Brave New World.

Kasey
801-710-5052
k.vandyke@aggiemail.usu.edu

First Meeting!

Hello! I hope everyone had a great first week. Our first meeting is this Thursday, January 21, at 7:30 in the Old Main vending machine room. Our first book is Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Childhood by Elva Trevino Hart. You can buy it in the bookstore, under ENGL 1010 and one of the USU classes. Also, think about getting it from amazon. Don't worry, you shouldn't have it read by the first meeting. Thursday will be a day to introduce everyone, talk about the semester ahead of us and discuss immigration and the issues discussed with the book. I'm excited to see everyone and I hope we have a good turn out. Thursday I'll also get everyone's email and put together an email list so you guys can get the news immediately, without having to check the blog. Can't wait to see everyone!

Kasey

Calendar!

Ok, we are officially a club now and I've put together a schedule for the semester. I'll put reminders on here, but to see the run-down of the whole semester, send me your email address and I'll share the calendar with you. The first thing coming up will be the task of spreading the word about the club. The week before classes begin and the first week of classes, I'll will try to spend at least an hour going around putting up fliers, talking to professors and, in general, just getting the word out there. I would love any help I can get. Let me know if you're interested. Everyone else, I look forward to our first meeting on January 21 in Old Main, room 119 (the room with all the vending machines in the basement) @ 7:00 PM.

KV

WE'RE OFFICIAL!!!!

We are now an OFFICIAL club of Utah State University. Go to the ASUSU page of usu.edu and join on there. I'll be deciding on a first meeting time before the end of the semester. I'll keep ya posted!

K

First Book?

So I'm thinking we probably won't start regular meetings until next semester because it would be ridiculous to start during finals week. I'm thinking of potential books for our first endeavor. Here are the current possibilities:

The Bell Jar (a personal favorite)
Brideshead Revisited
Whatever the current book of the semester is for the university
The Atonement (it's not religious)
Vanity Fair


I'll update this as I collect ideas. Please tell me your opinion!!

K

The Constitution

USU Book Club

Constitution


Article I: Name of the Club Shall Be:

---Section 1: Utah State University (USU) Book Club


Article II: Purpose of the USU Book Club

---Section 1: Our purpose is to bring lovers of literature together to experience different cultures and a variety of literary genres, there by expanding our literary horizons.

---Section 2: We will also serve the community by bringing literature to those who may not have it through service activities. This will also teach us leadership skills and promote a habit of service in members.


Article III: Authority

---Section 1: The governing council of the USU Book Club will consist of a President, a Head Officer and Secretary, as well as a Faculty Adviser.

---Section 2: The council will determine who new officers should be when one officer plans to leave the club or forfeit their office. Members who are interested in becoming a presiding officer will submit a request explaining why they feel they would be a good candidate for the office based on their activity in the club and availability, as well as personal integrity.

---Section 3: The USU Book Club has privileges to change or amend this constitution as they see fit as long as those amendments uphold the mission of this organization and have been voted on as a club with a majority ruling.


Article IV: Membership

---Section 1: Membership in the USU Book Club is open to all students or faculty of Utah State University and may be offered to non-students as long as said non-student can participate and follow the guidelines of the club.

---Section 2: Executive Board

---a. President: The President of the club will organize meetings, write updates, prepare discussion questions and maintain the official USU Book Club website (http://usubookclub.blogspot.com).

---b. Head Officer: The Head Officer will inform members of bi-weekly meetings via text message, email or phone call. Head Officer will also prepare a short presentation on the book, consisting of a brief summary and visual aids.

---c. Secretary: The Secretary will take attendance, take minutes and bring refreshments for the meetings.

---d. All members of the Executive Board are required to read the designated book completely, to come prepared to lead discussion and answer questions about the book or the club.


Article V: Amendments

---Section 1: An amendment may be proposed by any member of the club. The proposed amendment must be written and submitted to a member of the Executive Board. It will then be presented to the club for voting at the next meeting. If there is a majority rule, without the advisor’s vote, the amendment will be passed. In the event that there is a tie, the advisor will have the deciding vote.


---Amendment I: Any member can refuse to read a designated book and may still attend discussions under the condition that they are not disruptive or contentious.

The Mission Statement

The Mission of the

USU Book Club

This mission of the Utah State University Book Club is to bring students with similar interests together, while involving students in rich literature. It acts as an outlet for those literary-minded students who are looking for a way to expand their literary tastes. The Book Club exposes students to cultural differences, history and a variety of genres and also gives students a chance to develop leadership and communication skills, as well as providing an opportunity to serve the community. This organization will give students a chance to refine their ability to analyze literature and to apply the tools they have learned in their studies at Utah State University.