The best of week continues

As part of this week's "Best of Literary Lunches," former Grand Forks Central teacher and coach Serge Gambucci read yesterday from America's Coach: Life Lesson & Wisdom for Gold Medal Success; A Biographical Journey of the Late Hockey Icon Herb Brooks by Ross Bernstein.

Check out a bit about the book below:
The inspirational story of legendary coach Herb Brooks comes to life in the pages of “America’s Coach,” a heart-warming motivational biography that celebrates the legacy of a true American hero. As the architect of the fabled 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey “Miracle on Ice,” Brooks showed the world that through hard work, commitment and dedication, dreams really can come true. It doesn’t matter if you know the difference between a blue line and a clothes line, Brooks’ unorthodox ideologies and philosophies on team-building, leadership and motivation can be applied to the real world just as easily as they can to the business world. Follow along as Brooks’ amazing life is chronicled from the frozen ponds of St. Paul’s east side, to the bright lights of New York City, and everywhere in between. Woven throughout this colorful tapestry are anecdotes, quotes, funny stories, and nuggets of wisdom from Brooks himself, which provide a unique insight into the secrets of his success. Best-selling sports author Ross Bernstein, who had actually been working with Brooks on writing a series of motivational books at the time of his tragic passing in 2003, honors the legacy of his late friend and mentor by challenging you to achieve heights you never dreamed possible. And maybe, just maybe, even inspire you to create your own miracles.

Gambucci also read a column by 90-year-old Regina Brett that chronicles lessons she's learned about living. To read the column, click here.

As usual, Gambucci was quick-witted and entertaining....definitely a right choice for the "Best of Literary Lunches" week.

Reading on a special day

Special visitors came to yesterday's session of Literacy Lunches to share their take on Valentine's Day. Aphrodite (Grand Forks Central senior Jacy Thibert) and Cupid (GFC senior Hailey Adams) read from texts about hugs and kisses and secret admirers.

In Secret Valentine, read by Aphrodite, Molly the Mouse gets a Valentine from a secret admirer/friend and sets out to find who it is. From Hugs and Kisses, read by Cupid, we learn that hugs and kisses can come in all kinds of forms and that, "kisses, like gifts, are for when you feel like giving and receiving." And in Froggy's First Kiss, read by both Aphrodite and Cupid, Froggy gets his first kiss from a girl.

Thibert and Adams said that they chose the books they did  "to show that Valentine's Day isn't just for romantic couples, but rather is a day to express true love and affection for any special people in our lives."

If you want to check out the selections from yesterday, here is more detailed information about each book. Secret Valentine is by Laura Damon. Hugs and Kisses is by Bruce Davis and Genny Wright. Froggy's First Kiss is by Jonathon London and Frank Remkiewicz.

Scientific Santa celebrates reading

Yesterday's session of Literary Lunches featured Kris Kringle. Take a look at one of the many highlights.