David Barlew wanted to learn more about Hispanic culture and literature while practicing his Spanish.
He found the perfect way to do both by joining La Paz Chattanooga’s book club.
“I thought reading Spanish-language novels would be an ideal way to learn new vocabulary and improve my reading comprehension,” said Mr. Barlew, project manager at David Barlew Architects, Inc.
The club focuses on Hispanic-related political, historical, social and cultural issues and is hosted by La Paz Chattanooga, a local outreach and advocacy organization that works with the Hispanic community.
University of Tennessee Spanish lecturer Lucia Montas, who moved to Chattanooga nine months ago from Florida, leads the club and she said it has gone beyond her expectations.
“(When I first moved here) one of the biggest differences between here and Florida was that a lot of the students really didn’t comprehend the complexity and diversity within Latin American culture,” she said. “We decided to pick books that were very diverse and very different and opened it to everyone.”
For La Paz, the book club is another way to reach out.
“The book club allows people the opportunity to get together in a small group setting to learn more and discuss a wide variety of cultural aspects of various Hispanic authors,” said Laurie Cook, development and communications coordinator for La Paz.
IF YOU GO* What: Book Club focused on Hispanic-related issues* When: 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month.* Where: La Paz Chattanooga, 1918 Union Ave.* Information: Laurie Cook at lcook@lapazchattanooga.org or 423-624-8414.ON THE WEBwww.lapazchattanooga.org
About a dozen members — Hispanics and non-Hispanics — from diverse professional backgrounds ranging from architecture to psychology meet twice a month to discuss their reading.
Abbie Tilley joined the book club because she loves reading and culture and now she’s doing both.
“I really feel like a lot of the book clubs I’ve been in before stay on the surface, but this one is more interested in delving in some of the darker, heavier issues literature explores,” she said.
Besides discussing the book, members often share traditional dishes from their home countries.
Recently they had a flan, a sweet Latin American dessert, and popcorn to enjoy the movie “Blindness,” based on the novel “Ciego,” by Portuguese author José Saramago.
“(The book club) provides that open atmosphere where people are willing to share,” said Ms. Tilley. “Plus it gives us a chance to eat different foods, add to the cultural flavor.”