Lani Yoshimura – Head Librarian, Gilroy Public Library
Favorite Book:
”
In Patagonia
”
by Bruce Chatwin and
”
Old Patagonian Express
”
by Paul Theroux
Lani Yoshimura – Head Librarian, Gilroy Public Library
Favorite Book: “In Patagonia” by Bruce Chatwin and “Old Patagonian Express” by Paul Theroux
Book synopsis: Fascinated by Patagonia ever since early childhood, Bruce Chatwin travels from Rio Negro to the southernmost town of Ushuaia, depicting it all in his book “In Patagonia.” Source: www.amazon.com.
“Old Patagonia Express” is about author Paul Theroux’s train ride from Boston to Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia is the stark, plains region of South America in Chile and Argentina.
Why is it your favorite book?: “Their travel writing is so unique. It blends reality and fiction. The books expand my horizons.”
How did it change your life?: “The books influenced me to take trains in Latin America. I rode on the highest train in the world. It goes from Lima to Huancayo and is as high as 15,000 feet. You can look down at airplanes. I’m a painter and when I got home it changed the way I painted. I had a new perspective.”
Why did you read the book?: “I love travel books. I just stumbled across them. I guess I noticed the word ‘Patagonia’ and it sparked my interest.”
In concert with the Gilroy Unified School District’s “Love of Literacy Week,” The Dispatch will ask high-profile folks around town to discuss their favorite books. Interviews will run through the end of “Literacy Week,” Nov. 18 to 22. For more information on the first-of-its-kind program here, call the district at 847-2700. The GUSD Web site (www.gusd.k12.ca.us) has a special home page listing literacy activities around the district.
