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PUSHING THE LIMITS OF NATURE

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We humans are constantly seeing how far we can push the limits of the natural world around us. And we bump against the boundaries of our own human nature as well. Here you’ll delve into the theme of NATURE. What exactly does natural mean? Can we push nature too far?

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Read the featured book below

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Watch the video interview with the author

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Watch the nature-themed featured video

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Jumpstart your group conversation with our discussion questions

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Pick a new themed topic, and repeat!

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FEATURED AUTHOR
T.C. Boyle

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FEATURED BOOK
When the Killing’s Done

Available In English

This novel fictionalizes the story around the National Park Service’s efforts to destroy a population of black rats. The rodents landed on the Channel Islands when an 18th century shipwreck sent them spilling into the sea. The NPS labeled the black rats an invasive species

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Discussion Questions

AUTHOR INTERVIEW
T.C. Boyle

Share T.C. Boyle’s wonder and curiosity about the natural world. You’ll sense his concern that maybe humans push the limits of nature too far. We go to the outermost reaches of the Earth, manipulating the environment for our own desires. And often, the wellbeing of other

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Watch in English

w/Spanish Subtitles

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Take a look at the other offerings curated for this theme. How do people push the limits of nature in each book or video? The joy is in the discovery! Making those connections as you read will enrich your follow-up conversations.

FEATURED VIDEO
Pushing the Limits of Nature

Cameron is a natural

risk-taker, boldly rushing into situations where  others might think twice. He’s pushed the limits of nature his whole life.  It could be argued that this  aspect of his nature

led to his tragic accident..

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Watch in English

w/ Spanish Subtitles

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Featured Video & Theme

These discussion questions will help make connections between the featured video and the theme of nature. They can be a great jumping-off point for book clubs and other events.

Discussion Questions

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CAMERON
Athlete & Motivator

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Just Life

Available In English

Veterinarian Samantha Lewis pushes her own limits on the natural order of things, ignoring the humans in her life and devoting her whole heart to helping homeless dogs. When the city threatens to shut down Sam’s no-kill shelter, leaving her pups with nowhere to go, panic sets in.

Sam is already at her...

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Discussion Questions

I Listen to Color

Artist Neil Harbisson was born completely color blind. But sometimes, technology trumps nature. These days, Neil wears a device on his head that turns color into audible frequencies. Instead of seeing his world in grayscale, Harbisson hears a symphony of color — and yes, even listens to faces

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Watch In English

Flight Behavior

Available In English & Spanish

An unhappy, rural woman discovers a "miracle" in the woods near her home. Thousands of monarch butterflies hang from the trees. She tries desperately to protect these lovely insects — in part, because their presence in her life will change it forever. Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farm

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Discussion Questions

Estrella Distante

Available In Spanish & English

Detective Arturo Belaro makes his first appearance in this novella where he tracks down a villain — seemingly, the embodiment of evil cruelty behind Pinochet’s regime. Belaro’s character (considered by most to be the alter-ego of author Bolaño) narrates with a subtle, dark mocking of the unfolding...

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Amazonia

Available In English & Spanish

A man stumbles out of the Amazon rainforest, hours from death. He was part of

a research expedition that disappeared four years ago. Researcher Nathan Rand

will brave the jungle to

retrace the dead man’s steps,

trying to solve the mounting mysteries — both natural

and supernatural...

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Discussion Questions

Heavy Weather

Available In English & Spanish

It’s 40 years from now. The planet reels under heavy weather — with rampant tornadoes caused by a runaway greenhouse effect. These massive storms are devouring the landscape, leaving human and ecological wreckage in their wake.

And on their trail are the Storm Troupers: a ragtag...

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Discussion Questions

Lord of the Flies 

Available In English & Spanish

At the dawn of the next world war a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. With no adult supervision, their freedom is something they celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want - anything. But as order...

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Discussion Questions

The Power of Herd Immunity

How do vaccines prevent disease -- even among people too young to get vaccinated? It's a concept called "herd immunity," and it relies on a critical mass of people getting their shots to break the chain of infection..

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Watch in Spanish w/ English Subtitles

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