University of Minnesota Bookstore

Friends of Eastcliff

Friends of Eastcliff Book Club

The Friends of Eastcliff Book Club provides an opportunity for members of the University of Minnesota faculty, staff, alumni and community to participate in the sharing of literature and ideas at Eastcliff, the historic home of the University's President and family.

Karen Kaler , along with the Friends of Eastcliff hosts this book club to showcase University of Minnesota authors who are faculty, staff, alumni or others who have a strong connection to the University. They welcome your involvement in the Book Club discussions, and activities throughout the year.

Joining the Friends of Eastcliff

You can participate in the Friends of Eastcliff Book Club and and other activities throughout the year, by joining the Friends of Eastcliff for an annual membership fee of $100 for individuals or $150 per couple.

The Friends of Eastcliff work to raise funds to maintain, enhance and preserve the historical residence and meeting place of the University of Minnesota.

You may Join the Friends of Eastcliff and the book club online here. You can charge your membership to your Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or AmericanExpress card. If you prefer to mail your membership, please send a check made payable to:

Friends of Eastcliff Book Club
University of Minnesota Bookstore
Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Donations to the Friends of Eastcliff can also be made securely online at www.giving.umn.edu. Inquiries
about the Friends of Eastcliff can be directed to the University of Minnesota Foundation at 612-624-3333 or Eastcliff at 612-627-6800.

Already a Friend of Eastcliff?
Order the Book Club Selection from the U of M Bookstore and save 20%. You have the option of purchasing the book at the U of M Bookstore at Coffman Union, or ordering it from them online.

Book Discussions

The Friends of Eastcliff Book Club hosts book discussions at Eastcliff throughout the year. Book Club gatherings include a discussion lead by the Friends of Eastcliff and the opportunity to discuss the book with the author and University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler's wife Karen Kaler.

Upcoming Discussions

Wednesday, November 9
*Professor James Kakalios, The Physics of Superheros*
U of M professor James Kakalios delivers an entertaining look at the physics behind the most beloved and influential comic book heroes of the past seventy years while showing that comics contain an abundance of useful, accurate knowledge. Illustrated with artwork from the original tales, The Physics of Superheroes uses unforgettable examples to show how physical laws work in the real world--and provides examples where comic creators have incorrect scientific facts.
Eastcliff Book Club Members Save 20%. Books will be also be available for purchase the evening of the discussion.

Thursday, February 23
*Minnesota author Erin Hart*
A death from the past. A mystery for the present. A murder for the future. Erin Hart is an award-winning Minnesota author of the Nora Gavin/Corma Maguire crime novels. Her debut novel, Haunted Ground, was nominated for mystery's prestigious Anthony and Agatha awards, and won Romantic Times best First Mystery, and the Friends of American Writers award. The second novel in the series, Lake of Sorrows, was short listed for a Minnesota Book Award. The third novel in the series, False Mermaid is now available in paperback.

Eastcliff Book Club Members Save 20%. Books will also be available for purchase the evening of the discussion.



Wednesday, March 28
*Minnesota physician and author Therese Zink*
This collection of essays, poems and short stories written by rural health care professionals reflects on the experiences of doctors and nurses practicing medicine in rural environments, such as farms, reservations, and migrant camps. These writings explore the benefits and burdens of new technology, the dilemmas in making ethically sound decisions, and the trials of caring for patients in a broken system. The Country Doctor Revisited delivers a glimpse into the challenges of an increasingly diverse clientele in the new global age.


Tuesday, May 8
*Minnesota author Lynne Rossetto Kasper*
In this enticing follow-up to their first book, Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift, host and producer of The Splendid Table public radio show, celebrate Saturday and Sunday—those two days of the week when the pressure is off, time becomes your ally, and you get to slow down and dig into cooking in a different way. In The Splendid Table's How to Eat Weekends, Lynne and Sally take you on escapades for a deeply pleasurable experience. Here are 100 recipes for weekends, when you can enjoy the journey of cooking rather than just the destination. The recipes are accessible and their directions easy to follow whether you're a rookie or more experienced in the kitchen.

Directions to Eastcliff

Eastcliff, the official residence of University presidents, is located on the corner of Mississippi River Boulevard and Dayton Avenue near the St. Paul end of the Lake Street Bridge. Parking is available on Dayton and Otis Avenues and on nearby streets.

From I-94
Take the Cretin-Vandalia exit south to Marshall Avenue. Turn right on Marshall and left on Otis Avenue to Dayton Avenue.

From Lake Street
Travel east over the Lake Street Bridge to Otis Avenue. Take a right on Otis to Dayton Avenue.