Book group brings Canada to Westlake

The Case Western Reserve University Off-Campus Studies program is offering “O Canada, Glorious and Free” with Joseph Jacoby on Thursdays, March 26-May 14, 10-11:30 a.m., at Westlake United Methodist Church, 27650 Center Ridge Road.

We are less than 30 miles from the American-Canadian border, but most of us know virtually nothing about Canada. The awarding of the 2013 Nobel Prize to Canadian author Alice Munro renewed interest in the richness of Canadian literature.

This discussion will examine "No Great Mischief," Alistair MacLeod's elegiac, poetic account of life on Cape Breton Island in the last century; explore "The Cat's Table," the most recent novel by the magical Michael Ondaatje (of "The English Patient" fame); and revel in "Dear Life," the newest collection of stories by the inimitable Alice Munro, still at the peak of her powers.

Joseph Jacoby is a retired English teacher from Lakewood Schools. He adores classical music, especially for piano, orchestra or opera. In addition to the CWRU program, Jacoby teaches private piano lessons, tutors Hispanic children at Joseph Gallagher Public School in Cleveland, and loves Hispanic culture, language and literature.

These book-discussion courses are 8 weeks long and meet for 1.5 hours per class in locations throughout greater Cleveland. They provide an open environment for lively discussion based on meaningful examination of shared texts. Leader-Teachers facilitate discussion and provide academic background and context. The fee for each course is $75.

For questions, please call one of the coordinators, Sandra Berendt, 440-892-4931, or Joan Grace, 440-777-9381. Register online at siegallifelonglearning.org/spring-offerings.html, or by phone at 216-368-2090.