Timeless Pages Book Club discussion

Last year, we marked the UN's International Year of Camelids by exploring books that showcased these fascinating animals. This year brings four diverse themes from the United Nations, each highlighting global challenges and opportunities. To align with these themes, we’ve selected four books that not only delve into the topics but also offer practical insights and perspectives.

Q1 (Jan-Mar): International Year of Glaciers' Preservation
For the theme of glacier preservation, we chose While Glaciers Slept: Being Human in a Time of Climate Change by M. Jackson.
The book draws parallels between personal loss and the environmental crises facing our planet. It highlights how communities can adapt and take action to mitigate the effects of climate change, while emphasizing the urgency of protecting our natural world.

Q2 (Apr-Jun): International Year of Peace and Trust
To explore peace and trust, we turned to The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba.
This book combines the philosophy of Aikido with principles of harmony and non-violence, offering practical approaches to resolving conflicts and fostering trust in relationships. Ueshiba’s ideas remind us that peace starts with individual actions and attitudes.

Q3 (Jul-Sep): International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Quantum science and technology are the focus of The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen by Brian Cox.
This accessible yet profound book explains how quantum mechanics shapes our understanding of the universe. It also touches on emerging technologies like quantum computing, showing how they have the potential to revolutionize fields like communication and security.

Q4 (Oct-Dec): International Year of Cooperatives
For the theme of cooperatives, we selected The Co-Operative Commonwealth: An Exposition of Modern Socialism by Laurence Gronlund.
The book explores how cooperative models can address social and economic inequalities, advocating for collective ownership and decision-making. It provides a thought-provoking vision of how cooperation could reshape economies and communities for the better.

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Each of these books offers not just knowledge, but also practical takeaways—from environmental stewardship and personal harmony to technological innovation and cooperative economics. By engaging with these works, we hope to better understand and contribute to the global conversation around these critical issues.