Barbara McConnell Asilomar Great Books Weekend 2020

One of the major events of the year for the Great Books Council of San Francisco is the spring weekend at the Asilomar Conference Center in Monterey, California, named in honor of beloved Great Books leader Barbara McConnell. During the weekend there are discussions of poetry, a work of nonfiction, a work of theatre and a work of fiction. The beauty of the area is conducive to stimulating discussions and convivial parties.

Reading Selections

Selected Poetry:  We’ll kick off the Asilomar weekend with an evening of poetry discussion featuring works by John Donne, Louise Glück, Charles Simic, Yannis Ritsos, and Derek Walcott.

Non-Fiction: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli                                                               This slender volume has been called one of the first works of modern political philosophy, in which the effective truth is considered more important than any abstract ideal.

Fiction: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro                                                                 Booker Prize-winning Ishiguro has created “a gripping mystery, a beautiful love story, a scathing critique of human arrogance and a moral examination of how we treat the vulnerable and different in our society.”

Play: Wit by Margaret Edson
  Edson drew upon her hospital work experience as inspiration for this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a scholar of the metaphysical poet John Donne who learns that she has late-stage ovarian cancer. The play takes a poignant and humorous look at life, death, poetry, and compassion.

 Our weekend plans also include a Saturday-evening party with entertainment and refreshments.

Asilomar Dining Hall

Arrival and Departure: Registration at the conference is between 3:00 and 5:30 on Friday, April 17 in the main lodge. Your departure will be after lunch on Sunday, April 19.
Cost: The costs shown include lodging, six meals and books, which will be mailed soon after you register.  Costs vary based on single or double occupancy and are shown on the registration form.   All rooms have private baths.  There is a reduced rate available for those living or staying offsite which does not include room or meals.  Please contact Sheri Kindsvater at kindsvater@aol.com or 916-761-7349 for more information.
Refunds: Cancellation notices postmarked before February 1 will receive refunds less $50 for book and postage/handling costs. Cancellations after that date will receive no refunds.
Added Attractions: There will be an orientation for newcomers late Friday afternoon. A party will be held on Saturday with entertainment, refreshments and a good time for all.
Box Lunches: Box lunches are available instead of lunch at the Dining Hall on Saturday and Sunday, but must be ordered when you register.
Asilomar is for Families and Friends! Should you need a triple or quad room, please contact Sheri Kindsvater at kindsvater@aol.com or 916-761-7349 for more information and for availability.  Phone messages take up to 24 hours to be returned.  Email is generally answered more quickly.

Take a deep breath and settle in for a time of serene relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. Celebrated as Monterey Peninsula's "Refuge by the Sea" - Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is a breathtakingly gorgeous 107 acres of ecologically diverse beachfront land. Asilomar is situated within the quaint and scenic town of Pacific Grove.

 For more information, contact Rob Calvert at rob@rob-calvert.com or Sheri Kindsvater at  kindsvater@aol.com or call 916-761-7349.

To obtain a printable registration form to register by postal mail click here or go to our website at https://www.greatbooksncal.org/asilomar

To register online and pay by PayPal or credit card or via postal mail click on the Register Now! button below.