Gold Country Mini Retreat

Presented by the Great Books Council of

San Francisco

Come to Auburn Great Books to discuss Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer.

         Read about life in the Forbidden City of      Lhasa during and after World War II.  Author Heinrich Harrer escaped from a British war camp in India to climb the Himalayas to Lhasa, Tibet.  He reached the isolated and forbidden city during the governance of the Dalai Lama before the communist Chinese invasion.  Harrer describes his life with Lhasa residents and their customs, beliefs, and interactions with the young Dalai Lama.

       Please read and bring the 2009 edition ISBN 1585427438, available from Amazon (new $15.35 to very good used condition $7.79).

       After lunch, we will watch the 1997 movie Seven Years in Tibet starring Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.  The film presents the beauty, color, and culture of Tibet with John Williams' musical score.

         We will meet at the Pioneer United Methodist Church, 1338 Lincoln Way, Auburn.  Check-in for coffee between 9 and 9:30 on Saturday to meet fellow readers.  Our discussion begins at 10.  Lunch is included in the $30 registration fee and will be on location.  We will meet indoors with safe distancing, or weather permitting, perhaps outdoors.

          Donna Reynolds, Auburn registrar can provide driving directions if you need them.  She also has recommendations for lodging and restaurants nearby.