PG: Pens and Pages: Winter/Spring 2024

Date: Thursdays, January 25-June 06

Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Where: In-person at Mercy Connections

Instructor: Melissa Lang & Peter Burns

Description: Participants will read the book entitled “The Book Thief,” by Markus Zusak. Set in Germany during World War II, this story is about a young girl whose family protects a young Jewish man, and how she finds comfort in books. Participants will explore the themes of love and hate in human culture, acts of genuine kindness to Jews amidst the war, and how antisemitism or hate against any group of people impacts everyone, especially given recent antisemitic and anti-Muslim events. The class will also consider the power of literacy as a way to gain a sense of control when the world seems chaotic and uncertain. Students will read about 30 pages weekly for homework and discussion, and will have weekly writing assignments, which may be shared. Participants will provide feedback to peers with the goal of helping one another become stronger writers. This class is designed for native English readers, writers and speakers. English Language Learners are welcome but need to possess an advanced level of spoken and written English. Books are provided free by Vermont Humanities.

Registration Deadline: January 18