Reading Gals

August's Pick-- for real this time

2010-07-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks, ladies, for bearing with me. :) I originally chose "Left To Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagiza, which came highly recommended by a good friend. But as I read it (in two days), I realized it was too similar to what I'd chosen last time. Last time I picked a book about faith, love, courage and forgiveness during the Jewish Holocaust. "Left To Tell" is a book about faith, love, courage and forgiveness during the Rawandan Holocaust of 1994. I swear my literary interests do extend beyond holocausts. :) It was a great book, don't get me wrong; I give it 4 of 5 stars and highly recommend it. Although I will warn you that it is gruesome in parts. How could a first-hand account of the Rawandan Holocaust in which the author lost 2/3 of her family not be gruesome? But it's gruesome in an "innocent people were cruelly murdered" kind of way, not a "the author is delighting in crude, gory details to get a rise out of the desensitized audience" kind of way. Anyway, because I do have other interests, I decided to pick a new book and encourage you to read "Left To Tell" on your own. It truly is a remarkable story and you may want a tissue or two. :)

On to my real pick for the month----- "A Room With A View".

"This Edwardian social comedy explores love and prim propriety among an eccentric cast of characters assembled in an Italian pensione and in a corner of Surrey, England. A charming young English woman, Lucy Honeychurch, faints into the arms of a fellow Britisher when she witnesses a murder in a Florentine piazza. Attracted to this man, George Emerson—who is entirely unsuitable and whose father just may be a Socialist—Lucy is soon at war with the snobbery of her class and her own conflicting desires. Back in England she is courted by a more acceptable, if stifling, suitor, and soon realizes she must make a startling decision that will decide the course of her future: she is forced to choose between convention and passion." (Goodreads.com)

I've never read it before but I keep hearing lots of great things about it. I hope you all enjoy!

Confession:

2010-07-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was like 90 billionth on the waiting list at the library for this book, so I "borrowed" it from Barnes and Noble. Is that kind of, criminal? I really want you to tell me what you think. I returned it in pristine condition ... but my mom thinks I'm going to you know where for it. Yikes! I told her, "But people buy sweaters and things all the time, go home, put them on, and decide they don't like them, so they return them. What's the difference? I decided I don't want to own the book after all." Justification glorification. I'd be interested to know what you think about this.

Moving on to my thoughts for the book I went to such lengths to read. :) I don't know what the fuss about the book was all about. Yes it was a cute little story, but there are lots of cute stories out there. It wasn't particularly well-written, the weird glowing people idea was a little out there in crazy field - next to the people who can see sparkling cake particles in the air - and it was too short to give me any kind of satisfaction. I didn't hate it or anything, other than the fact that my husband looked at my book right when I was ambushed by that yucky part in the middle somewhere and I blushed for shame as I turned the page as fast as I could. :) But it kept me entertained for a few hours of a road trip, and that's a good thing.

Although, it made me cry at one point, and do you know what part did it? Not the grief over a dead mother, not the loneliness and persecution of a new town, not the giant dryer-checking grandfather ... but the father whose daughter didn't know his love for her was quiet. My heck, I bawled over that.

And the author's jumping viewpoints from character to character actually was a fun ride. I enjoyed the overlapping stories and the simple understated style.

Okay, I guess I liked it more than I'd thought. Three stars from me

And don't forget to tell me if you think I'm a criminal. :)

August's Pick-- Revised

2010-07-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

I've changed my mind. Still on the hunt for August's book... I'll post it when I find it..... :)

July Book-The Girl Who Chased The Moon

2010-06-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

The book I chose for July is The girl who chased the moon by Sarah Addison Allen. It is about "a girl named Emily Benedict who hopes to solve some riddles surrounding her mother's life.

But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realizes that mysteries aren't solved in Mullaby, North Carolina, they're a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit the mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, offering them to satisfy the town's sweet tooth-but also in the hope of rekindling a love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily's backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in."

I really enjoyed this book and I hope you all do as well.

LOVED it!

2010-06-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, I loved the Maze Runner. It was admittedly a little on the violent side for me - but Hunger Games I loved too, so whatever - but I thought the premise was really original and thought provoking. What would I be willing to pay to recreate peace in a world torn apart by disease and strife? I don't know. I'm not sure which side I'm on right now, which is great because it makes me make my decision based on my own principles before the author "reveals" which side is which in the next book. I like that.

I'm excited for October (right?) when we read the sequel. :)

2010 Reading List

2010-06-08T14:42:00.001-07:00

Here is the 2010 Reading List. Mandy, if you could give me administrative access to this blog, then I'll post the list on the left hand side. Thanks!

June-The Maze Runner/James Dashner-Shelli
July-The Girl who chased the moon/Sarah Addison Allen-Emilee
August-Joclyn
September-Shelli
October-The Scorch Trials/James Dashner-Emilee
November-Joclyn
December-Shelli

I think it would be awesome if we could each post something about our recommended book by the 1st of the month. If you have any suggestions, please give your input. Also, if you are still in the book club and would like to participate, let us know as well. Thanks!

2010 Reading list

2010-06-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

I think we should make a reading list for the rest of 2010 and post it on the left hand side. What do you think? For example:

June-The Maze Runner
July-The Five Love Languages

If we each take a month or make a suggestion, I'm sure we will have one awesome book list. I think we should read The Scorch Trials in October since that is the second book of the Maze Runner.

Let me know your wonderful thoughts.

Thanks.

Emilee

The Maze Runner

2010-06-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I finished this book over Memorial weekend and loved it! I won't tell you my whole opinion since I may be the first one done. There is a second book so I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the recommendation. I absolutely loved it!

The Maze Runner

2010-05-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Someone I know and admire and LOVE is reading this book and his stamp of approval means it will be a great read. I think the book is pretty accessible. I saw it a few weeks ago at Costco for like $8, so I think it would be in libraries and stuff.

Anyway, I really hope we all like it. My friend says he hasn't been this captivated by a storyline since Harry Potter. :) Take that for what it's worth to you, but I'm excited.

Have fun reading!

Who's up?

2010-04-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

So who's up next? We survived our big move to Georgia and most everything is unpacked. I've got two months till our baby boy arrives and I'm ready for a new book! Gotta get my reading in now while I can! :)

Suggestion...

2010-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

So I was wondering if we could make up a picking order and post it on the sidebar? I never know when it is my turn. I can do it if you want. What are you gals thoughts?? suggestions???

Loved It

2010-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I love this book. My mother-in-law gave it to me for Christmas a couple years ago and I remember reading it on the couch, pregnant three feet out in front of me, while everyone else was still in bed ... I figured if I was too uncomfortable to sleep at least I could read. :)

What moved me most was the selfless compassion of these women. My goodness. I always forget the protagonist's name, but she saw other people more than she saw herself - which is a talent and an attribute I wish I had too. Others' distress meant more to her than her own, and suffering bothered her more for what it kept her from doing than for her own discomfort.

There are so many Christlike people in this world. I admire them. The light of Christ is real, and the things people can bring themselves to offer - even to strangers - is truly remarkable to me. It reminds me that I'm always in a position to serve. If I choose to. I can certainly hide behind excuses and justifications, but that's all they are. I don't say it in a self-depreciating way but in a grateful way. Service is a great healer, and I'm grateful it's always available for the choosing. And I'm grateful for the people who make that choice so consistently.

hmmmm

2010-03-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month and a half that "The Hiding Place" has been our reading pick... Just thought I'd check in and see if anyone is making progress or if this pick was a flop and we need to move on?

The Hiding Place

2010-02-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Oh hooray! "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom it is!

This is one of my all-time favorite books. It's actually a biography, not fiction, but it's a superb read that I guarantee will keep you turning pages. I read it often, I think of it often, I refer to it often. A true five-star, life-changer in my opinion. And if you're anything like me, read with a tissue. :) It's that powerful.

Here's one review:
Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was a Dutch woman admired the world over for her courage, her forgiveness, and her memorable faith. In World War II, she and her family risked their lives to help Jews escape the Nazis by hiding them in their home in Haarlem, and their reward was a trip to Hitler's concentration camps. Corrie's father, sister, brother, and nephew died as a result of their imprisonment. But she survived and was released--as a result of a clerical error--and now shares the story of how faith triumphs over evil.

For thirty-five years Corrie's dramatic life story, full of timeless virtues, has prepared readers to face their own futures with faith, relying on God's love to overcome, heal, and restore. The Hiding Place tells the riveting story of how a middle-aged Dutch watchmaker became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's death camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century.

heads up

2010-02-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not trying to rush the discussion of "The Namesake" one single bit. Just thought I'd throw out my pick (I believe I'm up next!) so everyone can try getting their hands on it. I know sometimes it takes a while if you end up on a hold list at the library...

I choose Corrie Ten Boom's "The Hiding Place". Unless everyone has already read it, in which case I have a back up..... what do you think?

Spoiler alert! - updated

2010-02-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Don't keep reading if you're not done; I just wanted to respond while the book was still fresh in my mind.

First: LOVED IT.

Lahiri's descriptions were so rich, especially--I'm noticing this now as I think back through the book--when it comes to the aspects of Bengali & American life that she juxtaposes. Here are the ones that I could think of:

Food: At first I thought she was describing the Indian dishes for the benefit of those of us who don't know the cuisine, but then the descriptions of the restaurants Gogol ate at & the food at his first dinners with Maxine & Moushumi were just as minute, & so hunger-inducing.
Family: His repressed relationship with his parents vs. Ruth's hippie parents & Maxine's laid-back parents. Even the things they talked about at the dinner table were so different: I remember something about him thinking that his parents would never argue about movies or music.
Parties: the loud, crazy Bengali parties vs. the dinner parties he went to in NY, especially with Maxine's family
Clothes: She goes to such great lengths to describe Gogol's mother's saris, his jeans, his girlfriends' sweaters, shoes, everything. I was particularly struck at the beginning with his mother's reaction to the hospital gown she had to trade her sari in for when she was giving birth, because it only reached to the knee.
Homes: The Gangulis' fastidiousness (I loved the remark about some Bengali families laying newspaper on the carpet in the room the kids were in!) was quickly rejected by him as soon as college, & he loved the quiet disorder in Maxine's family's house.
Death: Forgot this one initially, but it stuck out to me more than most. Gogol seems to always notice graveyards, perhaps because they're so different from the Indian funeral customs. But in the end, the photo of his father in their house on Pemberton Road is "the closest thing" he has to a grave.

Also, I thought it was really interesting that death is what spelled the end of Gogol/Nikhil's two committed relationships. First, his father's death yanked him back into his Bengali world, causing things to end between him & Maxine. Then, the death of that secretary at Moushumi's department was what caused her to find Dmitri's resume & contact him, beginning the affair that ended her marriage with Nikhil. Both times, it seemed like the past came crashing into the new world he was living in: his Bengali past intruding on his firmly established American life, then this American man from Moushumi's past intruding on their somewhat Bengali (if only because they were both Bengali) life.

Did anyone else find it ironic that the man who ruined Gogol's marriage, the one whose "name upset Gogol more than his own" for the first time, also had a Russian name? It's a good thing Gogol is my husband's favorite author (he served his mission in St. Petersburg & majored in Russian at BYU), because now I can read "The Overcoat!"

Lastly (I know this is long), I find it interesting that after all of their rejection of the lifestyle their parents created for them, Gogol & Sonia wind up appreciating it, even embracing it. It reminds me of that little rebellion period that I think most of us go through, where our parents are uncool & not smart in the least, & then we mature, get married, have kids, & end up doing a lot of the same things our parents did.

The Namesake

2010-02-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have finished reading this book and have two sleeping kids so thought I would post a few comments.

I knew nothing about this book going in so I did not know what to expect. As I started reading I fell in love. It was a real page turner for me. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching there lives. I enjoyed how every now and than it would switch to a different characters perspective but still fall all the characters.

I was kind of sad when the book ended. I wanted it to keep going so I could find out what happens to "Googles".

I am excited to see what others say and to post more. I did not want to spoil it for anyone who has not finished!

Apologies & Resolutions

2010-01-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

I owe all of you an apology. I'm a flake. For various reasons - not the least of which being a difficult period of nursing - I've become a stereotypical TV-watching, magazine-reading housewife. I've neglected not only this blog group but my once-beloved books in general. So one of my New Year's resolutions is to return to reading, & Mandy just let me know it was my turn to pick the next book, which is:

Jhumpa Lahiri is an Indian-American author whose books deal a lot with the cultural & generational clashes that Indian-American families deal with. I read her newest book, a collection of short stories called Unaccustomed Earth, about those same themes, & I found that I learned a lot about the Bengali culture. This one is unique, though, in that the person whose namesake is the main character is the Russian author Gogol. I'm interested in seeing how the three cultures will affect each other.

Lastly, in an act of shameless self-promotion, I thought I would introduce you to my dear Abigail, who is thankfully long over her difficulty nursing. She's six & a half months old & growing like the cutest weed I've ever seen:

I look forward to getting back into books with all of you & Jhumpa Lahiri!

moving on?

2009-12-18T10:18:00.001-08:00

Are we ready to pick our next book? Or do we have ladies who are reading our current one still? If I just finished way before anyone else, I'll remain patient until everyone else is ready for a new read. :)

I LOVED it!

2009-11-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

I have a special place in my heart for great mystery and great fantasy. Thank you Shelli for giving me yet another amazing fantasy adventure to indulge in! I absolutely loved this novel and totally lost myself in Sorcha's adventure.

First off, I appreciated that the story line stoically continued through time. In so many fairy tales, the evil sorceress casts her spell upon our hero and we fast forward through seven years of living as a frog prince or oak tree until the spell can finally be broken-- like in the bible when Jacob agrees to work 7 years for his Rachel and is tricked into marrying Leah, afterwards giving another 7 years of service for his beloved. 14 years of toil for the one he loves and we get it in a matter of verses! I loved that we didn't skip a single moment of Sorcha's long journey to free her brothers.

I appreciated the questions Shelli put to us to aid us with our reading. One I thought about most particularly was in regards to the dependable characters and what makes them such. Sorcha was definitely dependable. Not only did she keep absolute silence for YEARS, she did so while being raped, one of the vilest and cruelest things that could possibly be done to a woman. And even after feeling abandoned by her brothers at this terrible time, she still kept her vow of silence to save their lives. THEN (as if all that wasn't enough to warrant a breach of silence), Sorcha's remains silent despite the rumors and unkindness that are spread in response to her mysterious actions. I would be dying to tell just one person "Hey look! This is why I'm weaving these crazy shirts out of thorns, okay? So back off!" But Sorcha takes it all. What a strong woman! Red was another dependable character. He was always there for Sorcha when she needed him, protecting her, providing for her, and loving her. At the very instant the fire beings to lick at Sorcha's feet, Red arrives home from his long journey, takes an arrow for her, and saves her from death. What a man!

I definitely think that dependable characters such as Red and Sorcha are possible today, but they are much harder to come by. Society tells us constantly that life is all about self-service-- it's hard to find dependability in a world that only looks out for number one. However, I am grateful to have one such dependable person in my life. My husband is always there when I need him- never once has he been absent during difficult circumstances. When I gave birth to my daughter, he was there holding my hand during every contraction. And when my father passed away just 3 months ago, all I had to do was send my husband a text message at work telling him that I needed him. He was already out the door, in the car, and on the way home before he even called to ask me what was wrong. I want to have that kind of never-failing character.

I appreciated so many other aspects of this book that provided deep thought as well as entertainment:
- the insight into the Atonement
-the bonds within families
-the danger of our prejudices
-forgiveness of others
-letting go of our fathers' opinions and creating our own
-gifts of the spirit (every sibling had a special and unique gift- it made me wonder what mine is!)

Bravo, Shelli! A fabulous novel and one that I MUST own!

Questions I ponder while reading this book:

2009-11-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Conor is capable of seeing the true motives and reasonings behind others' actions. What does Conor's character teach us about judgments?
How are Christianity and the kind of spirituality Sorcha's family practices similar?
Sorcha's people are so close to the forest ... the trees, plants, and animals. What does respecting nature mean to you? Does nature bring you closer to God?
Why are the traditions of the fathers so capable of fostering resentment and hatred? Who - if any of them - are right? Are they all wrong?
Would you allow your sibling to make Sorcha's sacrifice for you? Does it change the way you view the Atonement?
Marillier paints her characters' personalities exceptionally well, I think. Which character do you relate with most in the story and why?
Doesn't it just kill you that Sorcha can't talk?? What would you most yearn to say if you were unable to speak? Do you think it would change the way you thought or listened when you knew you couldn't respond?
What makes the dependable characters dependable? Is that kind of character possible now? Do you know others who are so trustworthy?
What are the dangers in judging an entire race (or gender) solely by our experiences? Do we miss out on opportunities that way?
What does this book make you think about?

Just a heads up ...

2009-10-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

I've chosen my book for November, so I'll let you know so you can snag a copy. Don't worry, it's not non-fiction again. :) It could very well be my favorite fictional book I've ever read. A friend lent me her copy a few years back telling me it was her favorite book of all time, and I skeptically snuggled into a reading chair and opened to the first page. Oh my heart-throbbing, magical, take-me-to-another-world experience. I loved it. Love it. Will always love it. I hope you do too.

Here's the review:

As the only daughter and youngest child of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, Sorcha grows up protected and pampered by her six older brothers. When a sorceress's evil magic ensorcels Colum's sons, transforming them into swans, only Sorcha's efforts can break the curse. Marillier's first novel uses a familiar Celtic legend to tell the story of a young woman's sacrifice for the sake of those she loves and her own discovery of unexpected joy in the midst of sorrow. The author's keen understanding of Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity adds texture to a rich and vibrant novel that belongs in most fantasy collections.

Also, what do you say to being a little more structured with this club thing? Can we agree to start discussing the book starting the Monday of the last full week of the month? Or is part of the appeal of this book club the laid back, do it whenever we get around to it vibe? I'm totally fine with either, I'm just throwing this idea out there. :)

my take

2009-10-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Mystery is one of my favorite genres and I consider myself a mystery buff. So I have to admit that when I began reading "Lemon Tart", I quickly rolled my eyes a few times because it seemed so predictable. I had it all figured out. I knew who the bad guy was and why Anne had been murdered, blah blah blah.... And then I got thrown for a major loop and had to eat all my words. :) I didn't see the end twists and turns coming at all, and that's what a fantastic mystery is all about!

Along with Shelli, I also appreciated that Sadie wasn't MORMON and that half the book wasn't spent talking about the Holy Ghost or last week's Relief Society lesson. I read fiction to experience an out-of-body adventure, and keeping the LDS currents minor undertones allowed me to really throw myself into an alternate character with Sadie.

However, it absolutely drove me nuts that Sadie couldn't just let the police do their job. In the real world, she would have been thrown in jail in a heartbeat for breaking into a crime scene. Not to mention removing evidence. I guess in the context of the plot, the bad guy was only caught with the help of Sadie's interference, but I still would like to believe that had Sadie just minded her own business the bad guy would still have received his just rewards.

Speaking of minding one's business, that's the other thing about Sadie that drove me nuts. She's one of those busy-bodies that makes me want to draw my blinds and lock my doors. I felt like she spent more time trying to glean gossip-worthy information from her neighbors' personal lives than actually caring about her neighbors. And, I'm sorry, a pan of brownies (no matter how delicious) does not take the place of a heartfelt and honest apology. I once had my car egged in high school by one of the girls in my Laurel's class and when she got caught she tried to bake me lemon bars to smooth things over. :)

That being said, I think Sadie's character flaws (although extremely irritating) were also endearing and helped to make the mystery as charming as it was. I enjoyed it! And I know I'm not the only one who found my mouth watering every other chapter. By the time the book was over, I had an overwhelming urge to bake something... Anyone else bake a lemon tart? :)It was delicious! And I totally want to track down the other books, both for the mysteries and the recipes. :)

P.S. Sorry Shelli, I only wrote down the Lemon Tart recipe... Anyone else have the other ones?
Oh, and I know exactly what part you're talking about with the romance novel and I laughed out loud because it's so true! Wish I'd written it down....

Why I loved it:

2009-10-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Kilpack is a riot. I loved Sadie more than some women I know in real life. I want her to be my neighbor, so I can catch her spying on me and then hope she'll bring me some kind of goodie as recompence. Usually I'm a do-whatever-the-boss-tells-me-to-do type of person, so initially it was hard for me not to get frustrated with her for breaking the rules and interfering too much. I about had a heart attack every time she and I would break into the house together or "steal" papers from the library or weasel information out of a former co-worker. But by the end I was right there. She didn't have to drag me along anymore. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would have driven off with Detective Madsen's hand still stuck in the door. What have I become?

On a lighter note, I loved how Sadie wasn't MORMON. I mean, she could have been, but I so appreciated the fact that Sadie didn't talk about Relief Society or Enrichment Night or something. That's where LDS fiction gets lame really fast for me. Sadie was just a good, wholesome woman with lofty principles and a giant heart. Can I just say, though, that when she noticed that Detective Cunningham filled the kitchen "the way a man should" (or something like that) I knew they would get together. So okay, there was a little predictibility. But I was floored that her brother was the one whose mistake had caused this whole fiasco. I definitely didn't see that coming.

Did anyone copy down the recipes from the book? I dropped my copy through the slot at the library just as I remembered that I'd forgotten to do that. Oh, and there was a quote somewhere toward the latter half of the book where Sadie describes the romance book she read. I laughed out loud. It was something about the liberal use of adverbs and I loved how she said it. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about? I'd love to have that direct quote as well. I should have kept the book longer ... The wait list was just so long, I was racked with guilt for keeping it long enough to get around to copying those recipes.

What did you ladies think??

I'm ready!

2009-10-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hey, are any of you girls ready to talk about the book yet? I didn't think I'd even like it because I'm not much of a mystery buff, but I LOVED it! Kilpack has a fun style. I'm anxious to hear what you ladies think!

goodreads

2009-09-14T16:06:00.001-07:00

If you're wondering who that strange person is that requested to connect with you on goodreads, it's me. :) No worries.

I'd love to see what you all are reading!

Lemon Tart: A Culinary Mystery

2009-09-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

So I don't know if it my turn or not but thought I would get the ball rolling. So I choose an "easy, light" read. I read this book earlier this summer for a different book club and was not able to attend the discussion night on it. So thought maybe this would be a good book to get us back in the swing of things.

Introducing...

Lemon Tart: A Culinary Mystery
By: Josi S. Kilpack

(I tried to post a picture but my computer is being dumb so sorry no picture
but click HERE for picture)

Here is the amazing description:

Award- winning author Josi S. Kilpack introduces a new series of culinary cozies that is sure to tantalize mystery lovers. In this debut volume, cooking aficionado turned amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller tries to solve the murder of her beautiful young neighbor a single mother who was mysteriously lured from her home while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie s search is the woman s missing two year-old child. Whoever took the child must be the murderer, but Sadie is certain that the police are looking at all the wrong suspects including her! For an added treat, original mouth- watering recipes for Sadie s Lemon Tart, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, Carrot Cookies, Brownies, and Granny s Gingerbread Bundt Cake are sprinkled throughout the book

Let's get a new book!

2009-09-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

I looked up the order again in the archives. For the record, it is:
Mandy
Heather
Emilee
Mary
Catherine
Shelli
Catherine
(and now)
Jaclyn.
So that means it is one of the Catherine's turn...(sorry ladies, I can't remember which one of you was first...)
Pick something for us! :)

I agree

2009-08-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

I just finished "Angels and Demons" this past weekend and I agree with Mary's analysis. It was captivating in parts, but often I felt like I was on a merry-go-round, reliving the same scene/plot over and over. Brown's ideas were interesting, but I felt a bit too fantastic in parts (Langdon jumping out of a helicopter without a parachute and actually surviving? Not to mention being able to get right back up and run back to the Vatican...). And certain aspects were just overwhelmingly gruesome or sexual.

An interesting read, but definitely not stellar literature.

P.S. My husband and I just watched the movie. This was one of the rare times that I felt the movie was actually better than the book. They deleted ALL the sex (thank heavens!) and it was actually very entertaining. I might even go see it again. :)

Let's Move On . . .

2009-08-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

It appears my suggestion went over like a lead balloon. Oh well, no worries. I read it, and while it was a captivating book, it wasn't great literature and there were some very gruesome, unsavory parts in it.

So let's move on. I have no idea who is next. Shelli?

Angels and Demons

2009-08-03T21:25:00.001-07:00

So ... I read a few dozen pages in and couldn't finish. It creeped me out too much. I don't know what it is with me in the last year but I'm easily scared and prone to nightmares. As hard as it is sometimes to just resist my curiosity and read or watch things I know will frighten me I've adopted that as my policy. When the scaries come, run away. :) But I'm anxious for your reviews and anxious for the new book. What did you all think?

P.S. Are we in choosing order on the left widget? Am I two book choosings away? I need to plan for that. :)

a little introduction

2009-07-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Reading Gals! I am so excited to be a part of your group, and I can't thank you enough for opening yourselves up to a lady you don't even know! So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to give you a little introduction to me, my life, and my family so you can get to know me and actually have a face to go with my posts. :) So without further ado, I present--- my life in pictures!

I grew up here:

(Portland, Oregon)

Went to college here:

And received a Bachelor's degree in this:

Married him:
(August 12, 2006)

Here:
(Portland Oregon LDS temple)

Moved here:
(Mesa, AZ)

So he could build these:

Had her:
(March 10, 2008)

And time flew like this:

Now our family looks like this:

And who could forget her?:

And we LOVE LOVE LOVE to do lots of this!!:

So that's our family! We just celebrated my husband's 26th and my 24th birthdays. I LOVE being my baby's stay-at-home mom and in my free time when she naps I sew, play piano, and of course devour every good book I can get my hands on. By the way, my husband is Eldon's (Shelli's husband) older brother. It was through Shelli's blog that I found Reading Gals, and I admitted to her that I've been secretly reading along with you for several months now. Thanks for letting me come clean. :) If anyone wants access to my private family blog, just leave me your email address in the comments. It's so wonderful to make new friends and I look forward to getting to know you all while we share our love of literature!

read the draft

2009-07-06T03:02:00.001-07:00

I left a draft for everyone to read. Let me know what you think. Thanks, ladies!!

Don't Hate Me . . .

2009-06-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

So here is my choice:
Here is the synopsis from the editor:

An ancient secret brotherhood.

A devastating new weapon of destruction.

An unthinkable target.

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.

Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.

Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.

* * * * * * *

This is actually the prequel to The Da Vinci Code. If you haven't read The Da Vinci Code, don't worry, besides having the same main character, there is no real connection to it, or so I hear.

If you read and hated The Da Vinci Code, I'll ask you to keep an open mind, There were some parts of The Da Vinci Code that I didn't care for, but one thing I really enjoyed was the fast-paced action set in museums and cathedrals throughout Paris and London. I've always wanted to read Angels and Demons because it supposedly takes us through a similar journey through Rome.

Enjoy!

New Book?

2009-06-21T21:16:00.001-07:00

I don't know whose turn it is next, but are we ready to move on? I'm excited to read the next one.

Also, I think we should consider choosing some kind of topic, or country, or something one month and everyone can choose their own book relating to the posed question and we can share what we read and learned. What do you think?

so this is love...

2009-06-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

Thank you Emilee for having us read this book, I absoutely loved it. I laughed out loud about Isola, cried over Elizabeth, and fell in love a little with Dawsey. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I really enjoyed the unique perspective about WWII, I had no idea about the occupation of the channel islands.

My mom actually went to hear the author speak at a book store in CA and sent me an autographed copy. She told me how there was a lot of research that went into this book and how many of the stories are based on ones the original author had heard in Guernsey. I was touched by how the niece took over the final editing and rewriting for her aunt...how I wish the aunt would have lived to see the remarkable success of her only novel.

Truly, this book was a joy to read.

Ok, some food for thought...

Was anyone else shocked to learn about Sidney? I kinda thought he would end up with Juliet. Personally I am a big fan of the Dawsey romance, but I wish there was a sequel so we could see how they grow together.

What was the purpose of Remy as a character?
- At first I thought it was to embody the tragedy of the war and the camps, but I am beginning to think it is more about moving forward without forgetting. I sensed the theme that moving on doesn't mean forgetting the past, and Remy is a good example of that. Her story was tragic, and yet inspiring. I'm glad that she gave us a better glimpse of Elizabeth and also that she was able to eventually return to France and pursue her goals.

Did anyone have a favorite character? (besides Elizabeth and Juliet)
I really loved Isola. Her letters and observations and her "unique" talents/ideas were such a fun addition to the book. I also have a soft spot in my heart for Sidney. What a great friend he is to Juliet and to the people he meets in Guernsey.

Ok enough questions. If anyone has not bought this book, go and do it now. Seriously. It really is that good. I will read it multiple times over my life and continue to be inspired each and every time I'm sure.

p.s. did you guys see the contest in the back of the book? a book club can win a free trip (all expenses paid) to guernsey :)

LOVED IT!

2009-05-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about this darling book. Usually epistolary novels aren't my thing, but I thought it was the perfect form to use to teach so much about WWII while maintaining her entertaining style. Are you all just in LOVE with Juliet? I adore her ... And Elizabeth's character was inspirational to me. I'm amazed that Shaffer could lead us to love a character so much that we never actually meet, and whose voice we never hear. I'm so impressed.

My favorite element of the book, though, was the compassion of some of the German soldiers. I'd never stopped to think that some of the soldiers would not like what they were doing and would find little (and big) ways to help the citizens whose communities they were occupying. I loved Christian, and admired Elizabeth even more for her willingness to see behind the uniform and help others love him too. I cried when whoever it was told about the soldiers who would intentionally push potatoes off the cart without a glance to the children who chased behind. I've thought about it a lot since.

I was surprised by the Dawsey part of the plot. I guess I should have seen it, but I'd always thought Juliet would realize she was actually in love with Sidney. Well, until we found out he was gay. :) And Isola ... what a doll! I picture her a lot like the big hairy guy from Harry Potter. And I mean that in a nice way, even if the features are less than flattering.

Why don't we have communities like that these days? Is it just necessity and trial that make people bind together like that? I don't know. But I wish I had the courage to develop those kinds of friendships. Thanks for picking this book!!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2009-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

"Celebrating literature, love, and the power of the human spirit, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is the story of an English author living in the shadow of World War II—and embarking on a writing project that will dramatically change her life. Unfolding in a series of letters, this enchanting novel introduces readers to the indomitable Juliet Ashton. Through Juliet’s correspondence with her publisher, best friend, and an absorbing cast of characters, readers discover that despite the personal losses she suffered in the Blitz, and author tours sometimes marked by mishaps, nothing can quell her enthusiasm for the written word. One day, she begins a different sort of correspondence, responding to a man who found her name on the flyleaf of a cherished secondhand book. He tells her that his name is Dawsey Adams, a native resident of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands recently liberated from Nazi occupation. Soon Juliet is drawn into Dawsey’s remarkable circle of friends, courageous men and women who formed the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as a cover to protect them from the Germans. With their appetite for good books, and their determination to honor the island’s haunting recent history, this is a community that opens Juliet’s heart and mind in ways she could never have imagined."

I personally loved this book and highly recommend it. It is the perfect book for a book club. Have fun reading!

Great Book

2009-05-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed The Only Alien on the Planet. I was a little concerned at first, because the description made it seem a lot like Twilight (teenage girl moves to new school, becomes fascinated by a beautiful, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone she has ever met). But the book is actually a bit deeper than that. There is kind of a sweet a romantic aspect to the story, but main message I took from it was the importance of true friendship. I really felt for Smitty, or the "alien" in the story. The way he evolved as a character was very cool- from being completely blank and unresponsive to being able to find his voice even in the face of his abuser made him a very intriguing character. I also found it interesting that Smitty's condition was not the result of parental abuse (like I would have suspected). Rather it is the result of emotional abuse from an older sibling, which is rarely encountered, at least in the literature I've read. This book is a good example of how even adolescent lit can be a source of wisdom. There were a couple of poignant passages that I would go back and highlight if I were to ever read it again, which I probably will. It was definitely worth the 75 cents plus shipping.

Anyone else have anything to add?

I think it's Em's turn to choose the next book . . .

The Only Alien on the Planet

2009-04-23T07:55:00.001-07:00

So I finished this book like a week ago but forgot to post. So here are a few of my comments:

I actually enjoyed this book. I was a little worried at the beginning. I like the idea of how it illustrated the importance of friends. Without his friends, he might never have talked.

I enjoyed how it told a story but had a moral and I was connected on an emotional level. I felt for the girl who's family moved. I felt for the boy he didn't talk.

So is anyone else done??

NEW Book!!!

2009-04-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, guys.....just one of the many things that has slipped my mind these days....

Okay, so for my pick, I'm going with some young adult fiction. This is an old favorite of mine. I first read it MANY years ago...like junior high, I think, and I even went to a discussion group attended by the author. It was cool. Moving on, the book is:

The Only Alien on the Planet

By Kristin D. Randle

If you can't find it at the library, half.com has a bunch for $0.75 plus $3.49 in shipping if you feel that is worth your while. Oh, and it's also being re-released this year with new cover art - which, incidently, I'm not so crazy about....

Anyway, go at it!

Waiting...

2009-04-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, Heath, we're ready for your book choice. And may I say that now that my baby and I are both healthy and home - but on house arrest until JUNE (when RSV season is over) - Mommy could use a book with some adult conversation attached when she's done. :) Hurry!! Quit making spaghetti squash and pick a bloody book! :)

P.S. Also I love you.

oops

2009-03-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my neglect of our group :)

hopefully the causes have passed for now. My review of the book...

I loved this book. There was so much I didn't remember from the first time reading, and so much more that I caught on to the second time around. I think the first time I was just trying to get all the stories and characters straight, so I missed a lot of the intricate details and character development. This book is very "spanish" and reminds of works by older spanish authors like Lorca who I read in college. So much symbolism! So much depth! I got more out of the book the second time around. However, there were parts I really didn't like. some of the more violent scenes I had glossed over and didn't remember, sorry about those. This time around I was also more aware of the similarities and differences between Daniel and Carax, which made the book more interesting.

But moving on... the lovely Heather is up next to pick our book of the month...and I personally can't wait.

Let's review, baby!

2009-03-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I thought I'd get the ball rolling.
WOW, what a book. Intriguing, mysterious and heart-wrenching all rolled into one. Believable complex characters, twisting unpredictable storylin.........a wild ride.
Overall, I liked it (obviously there were some things I could have done without), I liked it alot. I'd probably recommend it to others. But I won't be buying it (that's the ultimate test for me...I LOVE books and I have alot of them, but I only buy a book if I have read it, loved it and want it to join my group of treasured friends).
Daniel was so interesting to me...how he could become so engrossed in another person's story...their mystery. Someone he did not know, and most likely would never know. But then I realized that I myself have done the same thing. Not exactly to the extent that he did, but I've been drawn in before by another's life, and wanted to know more.
I'm still not sure how the Daniel/Bea relationship happened. Out of thin air, it seemed. But, of course, I was so glad that their story ended happily, with Julian's help. Speaking of Julian and his story NOT ending happily....what would a happy ending have been, seeing as he and Penelope were half-siblings?
Anyway, no really deep thoughts here, it's been too long since I finished. :) Anyone else?

shadow review

2009-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to post my review and ask some questions...I just finished the book for the second time last week. Where is everyone in their reading? I don't want to post a review that gives away a few of the surprises. I was shocked how much more I caught on reading the book a second time and how quickly I got sucked into reading even though I remembered a good portion of the plot. So, let me know where you ladies are at so I can post my review and we can move on to someone else choosing March's book.

The Shadow of the Wind

2009-01-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a remarkable book! I do have to confess that this was a little more difficult to get sucked into. However, once I understood Carlos Ruiz Zafron's type of writing and the characters, I was involved. There were parts that I loved and parts that I was totally confused about. It could be due to the fact that I didn't read it in one or two sittings. I also get distracted easily. However, I found myself engrossed in its pages halfway through. At that point, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoy a book when the author gets to the point. I feel that Zafron's ending summarized everything and I loved that. He is a very intelligent author.

I enjoyed the beginning when Daniel went to the cemetery of forgotten books with his father to choose a special book. It made me realize that books are a gem and we must not take them for granted. I really liked Daniel's character. He seemed like a good kid trying to do what was right. I enjoyed most of the characters. I also enjoyed this book because it was a mystery and a passionate love story.

I don't want to give away too much on my review in case others haven't had a chance to finish the book. Overall, I enjoyed Mandy's choice and will need to read it again and again to capture all of the details. Has anyone else finished?

Bonds the Make us Free

2009-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

I am once again going to be brave and post. I have been waiting for the book that Mandy suggested at the beginning of the year from the library so i had a couple of spare moments to play catch up.

I finished this book finally. It was a hard read. Lots of things to think about and ponder. Very deep. As I began reading this book I became very defensive and was not sure if I was going to make it through it. I was feeling like a terrible person and I had way too much to change but I kept reading and realized I am doing alright. As I was reading I was constantly looking for step by step of how to change. I am a list girl. Give me a list and I will accomplish it! I realized that this was more of here are some ideas and concepts to ponder and apply to your life instead of a step by step.

I enjoy greatly how this book eneded. Love is a power that makes anything possible. The more I love my husband the more I am willing to over look faults and work to be a better person. The more I love my daughter the more fun and enjoyment I have each day I spend with her.

This was a good book to read hard but good! Thanks!

God Wants A Powerful People by Sheri Dew

2009-01-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

I choose to read this book for the my choice church book. I am going to be brave and be the first to post hoping others will follow so I will get a list of church books to read :)

I really enjoyed this book. I like Sheri Dew's writing style. It is very practical and for me it grabs me and I want to keep reading. This book discussed how we can be a more powerful people (the title fits perfectly). She basically goes back to the basics of being a member and describes how they make us powerful. For example studying our scriptures daily provides us with knowledge which is turn provides us power.

I enjoyed this book because it reconfirmed how the basics are important. It was nice to read as the new year began so I could rededicate myself one more time to be just a little bit better everyday!

NEW YEAR NEW BOOK

2009-01-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings my dear friends and happy holidays and happy 2009. Although we all have yet to post on our last book club assignment (I'll do it today or tomorrow....) it is now January and time for a new book. After looking over our previous reads, I am choosing something that goes in a very different direction...

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This is one of my favorite books. It is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, danger, suspense and great writing. This book caused me to miss my stop on a train, take extremely long lunch breaks, stay up way past my bed time, and sneak into the bathroom at work to read just one more chapter. My problem with most page turners is a thin plot or poor writing style, but Zafon is a master author and weaves an intense plot with well developed characters and a complex storyline beautifully. I'm getting excited to read it again.

Here is the description from the author's website:

"Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'cemetery of lost books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'La Sombra del Viento' by Julian Carax. But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from La Sombra del Viento, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead."

Still not convinced? Here are some reviews...

"A potent mix: a coming-of-age story set in Barcelona's post-war years, an edge of fantasy, a tragic love story, and a labyrinth of mystery."
- Ben Page THE BOOKSELLER.

"Zafón makes sure there's a robust serving of amor, and enough magic, murder and madness to keep even the most reluctant reader engrossed. Diabolically good."
- ELLE MAGAZINE

"...There is no question that Wind is wondrous.... [M]asterful, meticulous plotting and extraordinary control over language.... The Shadow of the Wind is ultimately a love letter to literature, intended for readers as passionate about storytelling as its young hero."
- Entertainment Weekly

"The Shadow of the Wind will keep you up nights---and it'll be time well spent. Absolutely marvelous."
- Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Well, now that I have your attention, let me introduce you to a helpful website where you can read an excerpt from the book... click HERE... and you will find intriguing questions, more reviews, a summary, and other info about the novel. And in the interest of our pocket books, I even looked it up on "half.com" and you can buy the book new for less then $10 and slightly used for even cheaper. It is also available in my public library as I am sure it is in yours...so you have that option too. In other words this book is just waiting for you to pick it up and enjoy it.

I hope everyone enjoys this novel, it is one of my favorites and I am excited to see what everyone thinks. Happy reading!!

Your Choice

2008-12-02T13:36:00.001-08:00

Okay, I guess it's my turn... I was thinking it would be fun for everyone to pick a church book they've been meaning to read (& for those still reading Bonds that Make Us Free, you could count finishing that!). Then we could each post our favorite quote or thought from the book we read & discuss them in the comments. I hope that doesn't seem like a copout; I really have been thinking hard about this for awhile!

Okay, who is next?

2008-12-01T13:36:00.001-08:00

It's been a month and a half, whether we're done with this book or not, I think we need to keep going...I don't want our book club to dwindle away! Whose turn is it now?

Terry Warner on BYU Devotional

2008-11-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies!
I just wanted to let you know that the author of Bonds that Make Us Free spoke at today's BYU Devotional. You can watch it at www.byu.tv.

For Self-Inventory and Progression

2008-10-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is my book of choice. I can't find a description for it, but there are bazillions of customer reviews all over every site I know of that rant and rave about the life-changing effects of this book. My mission president had us all read another book by the Arbinger Institute (Leadership and Self-Deception) and I loved that as well. I learned to think differently about myself and how I reacted to the situations (and people) I found myself dealing with. So, I really hope this will be a good experience for us all. The introduction offers a suggestion to keep a journal of our life experiences that we are reminded of as we read the experiences of others, and I'm definitely going to do that. I'm going to make this book my little personal project for the next month. :) The author, Brother Warner, taught at BYU for a long time, and my sister-in-law still has the notes she took during his class a decade ago because she liked his ideas so much. I hope you all enjoy this!

Non fiction, anyone?

2008-10-16T10:11:00.001-07:00

I'm taking two classes with intense reading loads (over 20 books between the 2 of them) and I'm kind of sick of fiction for the moment. I'd like to know if, since it's my choice next, you'd be interested in non-fiction. It's fine if you're not, be honest for heaven's sake, but there's a book my brother says changed his life that I'd love to read with you girls. How's that for a hook? :)

Tell me what you think: are we strictly fiction or not?

Am I Really the First One Finished?

2008-10-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Actually, I know I'm not because I saw Emilee's review of this book on goodreads. (Speak up Em!) I'll just give my quick review.
I'll start with the postive. Of course there was the really important and empowering message about individuality and not being afraid to be yourself, even when facing risk of ridicule and being shunned.

I don't really have anything to criticize per se. I mean, it is supposed to be youth/adolescent lit so I can't really judge it too harshly for being predictable. Who cares? I can even suspend disbelief about some of the more fantastical aspects of the book. However, I think there are certain elements of the story that the author meant to be realistic, that really weren't. For example, the fact that pretty much every student in that school shared the same collective mind. They narrator uses "we" when referring to himself and speaking for every other student, i.e. "we all became obsessed with winning," and when he was the odd person out with Stargirl, using "they" to denote every other person.
I grew up in a small high school that was about the same size as the one described in the story, and even in that little population there was a lot of diversity, if not in appearance at least in attitude. Either the students hated Stargirl's guts/thought she was weird/shunned her, or they pulled the 180 degree change and completely absolutely loved her/wanted to join her. It kind of displaces any room for indifference and apathy, which are also common traits in teenagers. However, I'm keeping in mind that the story is told from the point of view from a fellow student, and that may have just been his perception.

I came to appreciate Stargirl by the end, although I admit, she was a little hard to take sometimes.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It's a great light-hearted read with a meaningful message. Good choice!

Star Girl

2008-09-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am picking a book I have not actually read yet but it comes highly recommended and it has been in my to read pile for a while. My husband read this book a year or two ago for a class and actually liked and he is not a reader.

The book is called Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli.

Synopsis (as posted on BarnesandNoble.com)

Leo Borlock follows the unspoken rule at Mica Area High School: don't stand out--under any circumstances! Then Stargirl arrives at Mica High and everything changes--for Leo and for the entire school.

I also thought I would take a minute and introduce myself. As Mandy said I met her in DC while completing my student teaching there. I am now happily married for four plus years and had a beautiful six month old daughter. We are currently living in Minnesota (I grew up here) and my husband is hoping to be a nurse someday really soon. We are waiting to see if he has been accepted into a nursing program. Our fingers are crossed. I stay home all day and play with my daughter. Some of my hobbies include reading (dah), walking/hiking, violin and I don't know what else. I love being outdoors and I not am not too excited for the snow this year and bundling up but oh well.

Okay I hope you enjoy the book!

Next...

2008-09-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have been loving the posts, updates, comments and books! Sorry my commenting has been MIA... my home computer died and my days at work have been shockingly busy. I did enjoy SPEAK. I think it addressed difficult topis in an appropriate and insightful way. Books where there is triumph even in the face of great adversity are often favorites for me. Great pick Mare.

Ok, so next up to pick a book is..... Catherine Ross. Catherine and I lived together here in DC at the BYU Barlow center. Now she lives with her adorable husband and gorgeous baby girl in Minnesota. So...Catherine R....what book are we all reading next??

(I will try to be better about commenting in the near future, probably when Congress decides what to do about the bail out bill)

SPEAK

2008-09-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm done. Liked it a lot, but it made me cranky. I don't like rape stuff. Not that it's not hard, or sad, or that people should know about it ... But sometimes I wonder if we should really write about subjects like these even if they are real. I can see, though, how a girl who was raped might read this and feel (maybe for the first time) that it wasn't her fault and she needn't be ashamed. But still, I'd never have a daughter of mine read it. There are other ways of teaching lessons and making points. There's just so much literature out there with terrible subject matter ...

I'm glad she finally found her tree, though.

This post is almost as long as the the book itself

2008-08-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

So it is time for the unveiling of my book selection, I know you've all been eagerly awaiting my choice. However, first I want to put in my quick two cents about Odd Mom Out. (If you aren't interested, go ahead and scroll past it, I'll never know).

I thought this was a fun read, and definitely generated some interesting discussion. It wasn't exactly what I expected (I think the cover is misleading becauseI don't ever recall the the main character dressing in fishnet tights and stilettos). I think it's definitely a book of extremes. I don't believe all working moms are tough, relationship-avoiding women in combat boots anymore than I believe all stay-at-home moms are catty, spoiled Stepford-Wife-like clones of one another. (Although an interesting side note: I read some reviews on amazon.com in which one or two of the readers claimed Bellevue women were just like that). For the story, juxtaposing these two very different types of women made a stronger impact. I found the relational aggression aspect interesting as it is displayed in both the mother and daughter generations. Why do so many girls and women psychologically torture each other?

I think what's attracts us to this type of story is that as most of you have mentioned, we can all relate to feeling like the odd person out at one time or another. Em feels that way with her sisters, Heather with all the Oregon free-spirits, and for me, I currently feel like the odd one out whenever I'm with my in-laws. My husband and his two brothers were all married within 7 months of each other, so 3 of us girls joined the family at once. Guess which one is having the hardest time fitting in? But I digress.

**********

Quick story. My original intention was for us to read the Pulitzer Prize winning, Oprah-recommened, The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I was going to break the current trend and suggest a book that I myself hadn't read yet. However, the more I read about it, the more hesitant I was to pitch it to you gals, not because I myself don't want to read it, it's just one of those bleak stories that I don't think I should force anyone to read. I would come up with an idea, then go on Mandy or Heather's Goodreads page and found one of them had already read it, and I wanted to choose something none of you has read before! Last night I was in a panick about what book to choose. I called my mom, and my sister-in-law, and couldn't get any suggestions I was really jazzed about. My husband, who is an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy suggested a few, but no. Although I have to admit I cracked up trying to picture Mandy reading a couple of those titles. :)

SO. . . I was sitting as my desk at work this morning, and the inspiration struck. This is the form my inspiration took:

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson

I've always had a soft spot for adolescent literature, as I know many of you do too. This is adolescent lit with depth though, and it's a pretty serious subject matter- great for those of us who love psychology. In summary it is about a girl who is about to enter high school, has something traumatic happen to her, then learns to cope by expressing herself through art. It's been a couple of years since I read this book, but I remember really enjoying it, and I hope you do too. It shouldn't be too hard to find in most libraries. (I hope!)

(Oh, and as a side note, after you read it you may want to check out the movie. The main character is played byKristen Stewart, who is set to play Bella in the upcoming Twilight movie.)

Now go forth and READ!

and now?

2008-08-27T10:51:00.001-07:00

What are we reading now, girls?? I'm so excited to know! :)

Done

2008-08-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

Finally got my hands on it yesterday. Interesting. Lots of stereotyping of all kinds going on there. I loved how Marta said stay at home moms got perfect hair, nails, plastic surgery, tennis, etc. (I would quote directly, but I don't want to find the page!) Yeah. Right. Stay at home moms with lots of $, housekeepers, nannies and maids get those things. The average stay at home mom gets an entirely different picture. But, to be fair, Bellevue stay at home moms are a bit different these days...not 25 years ago, though. I was born in Bellevue, in the days before Microsoft took over that and Redmond. When we go back now, my parents can hardly recognize it. But I digress.

I guess what bugged me was her assumptions that stay at home mothers have it easier. As a single mom, obviously she doesn't have a choice, she has to work. And I'm certainly not saying that it wasn't hard for her. She was stressed to the breaking point. But it's not just working mothers who are stressed to the breaking point. There are stay at home moms out there who make a very difficult choice economically (aside from all the other difficult aspects of the decision) to not work. Trust me, I'm living it right now. I did appreciate the scene where she ran into Taylor Young at the grocery store and thought she looked tired and old. And realized that it was a lot of work to be Mrs. Young. (Oh, and I did find the "brain and not just a body" line a bit offensive too. How dare she be so judgmental?!)

I guess what I really got from this book is that we all make choices and have struggles as a result. It's not fair to ever call someone else's life and choices easy, perfect or a sell-out. Mary and I have discussed at length in the last few years how our own ideals have changed. My mom was a bit of a feminist, though not quite like Mary's mom. She was one of three women to graduate in Business Management from BYU in 1974, as she so proudly told me growing up. She went into one of her business classes the first day and the professor said, "Miss, the typing class is down the hall." She said, "I'm in the right place," and sat down. My mom didn't get married until she was 28. She had a very successful thriving career as a business woman. Those are the legends I grew up on. And so, I had very strong ideas about what my life would be. I would NOT get married young, I would get a doctorate, maybe even an MD, and I would make a name for myself in the academic world. I had things I wanted to do with my life before I settled down and had children.

Well. I got married at 22 (I did graduate from college first though!). I gave up a $20,000 scholarship to the #2 master's of social work program in the nation because my husband had a full scholarship at BYU. I had my son at 24. I stay at home with him now. And you know what? I am so glad. The dreams I embraced when I was younger were only part mine. The other part of those dreams were my mom's. Lucky for me, my mom has supported my choices. I think her ideals changed over the years too. After all, when she had me at 31, she choose to stop working and stay at home when I was just a few months old.

Bottom line: We all make our choices, and then have to live with them. And no one else knows what is best for us (and they certainly shouldn't have the presumption to think they do!).

Next issue (SO sorry, I know this is really really long): different just for the sake of being different. That's so funny to me right now, seeing as I live in Eugene, Oregon, the land of the eternal hippie (peace, love and campaigning to legalize pot), tree hugger, protester, liberal, etc. Here, I'm the odd mom out. ME. The stay at home mom conservative. The student body at UO takes themselves very seriously. They are so proud of their diversity. But frankly, I think they are about as diverse as BYU was/is. If you gather together everyone who is different and put them in the same place, are they still different? I don't mind people living their lives, of course, but make your choices based on more than a desire to be different. And also realize that no one lives in a vacuum, and the mantra that it's-my-life-and-I-can-do-want-I-want-my-choices-don't-affect-any-one-else is a fallacy.

And that is what I think. :)

It's okay, I'm done too!

2008-08-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

I had felt like this book suggestion couldn't have come at a better time because I was feeling pretty left out myself, with almost all of my friends here & in Utah starting families & me still waiting for a clean bill of health before we're allowed to start trying. But I have to say that rather than feel better about being different, this book made me identify even more with the "in" crowd. I actually disliked Marta for most of the book because it seemed like she was only being different for the sake of being different, & hated the other moms just because they fit in.

I might be a little biased because Eva & Marta are a whole lot like me & my mom: my mom escaped to L.A. to get away from Utah & the pressure to be the same. She was a hippie & wore jeans at BYU before they were allowed. Now (& all while I was growing up) she works long hours & has made quite a name for herself as an excellent bond lawyer, but she gets upset when women make comments in Relief Society about women working outside the home even though that's a choice she made for herself. I, on the other hand, have rebelled against her rebellion, so to speak: my lifelong dream all through school was just to be popular & fit in, I went to BYU & loved it, got married while I was in college, & plan to be a stay-at-home mom. I think that these choices disappoint my mom a little, just like how Eva's quest to become the most popular girl in school disappoints Marta.

I thought it was interesting that Marta insisted that Eva fit in, but "on her own terms," not the popular girls', when in reality, those terms were Marta's, not Eva's at all. I finally started gaining more respect for Marta when she started realizing that it's tough to be a stay-at-home mom too, & that there's a lot of pressure to be perfect.

I also liked that she finally started to realize that her daughter needed a father, even though she'd sworn off men because her heart had been broken. I think that was a theme throughout the book, that Marta often thought she was doing what was best for Eva when in reality she was just serving herself. Like how she went crazy on maternity leave & wanted to get back to work, where she could "be a brain & not just a body." That was really insulting! & that she wouldn't even try to go on dates because ONE guy had broken her heart, even though Eva really wanted a father. I'm just glad that Luke was persistent enough to break down the barriers she had put up, so that all 3 of them could be in a stable family situation.

Anyway, I definitely feel like there were a lot of issues at play in this book, & I enjoyed it (except for those more "adult" parts I had to skim). It was a great read, & it prompted some conversations with my husband about how we'll treat certain situations when we have kids in school. Good pick!

I'm almost ashamed that I'm already done...

2008-08-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

But not as ashamed as those who were "sucked in" to read the last vampire book. :) I read the first one and Eldon teased me so mercilessly about the plot (and granted, it's not well-written) that I stopped. I think he came up and smelled me for weeks. :) But I might succumb...I have a MALE cousin who lent me his copy of the second one and insists I need to read them all. He and his wife love them! And my little sister loves them, who is definitely not a reader.

ANYWAY, "Odd Mom Out" was darling. I loved almost every page. There were a few scenes I blushed during, but other than that I thought it was a great read that made me think about my opinions on a LOT of issues. I'd be interested to know what y'all think about moms who stay home vs. moms who work outside the home, if conformity is a necessary evil, and the secret culture of girls and women. I thought a lot about all of those things ...

I hope you like it too!

Odd Mom Out

2008-07-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

I chose Mom Odd Out by Jane Porter. It is a fun and easy read. It was one of the reader's choice books from the Salt Lake City Library. If you've ever felt alone and out of the loop, you will enjoy this book. It also has a love story which is one criteria I have for a book. Anyway, here is a summary. Hope you enjoy!

"Marta Zinsser grew up in a conservative, old Seattle suburb and couldn't wait to leave for New York, where she thrived as an independent woman with no need for men -- even when she decided to have a baby. Ten years later when her mother becomes ill, Marta realizes that this may be her daughter's last chance to get to know her grandmother and returns to Seattle, taking up residence on the affluent, technology-drenched Eastside, filled now by snobby old money families and even snobbier nouveau riche.Enrolling Eva in the local school, Marta accedes to her daughter's wishes and agrees to join the PTA despite being horrified by the fancy moms that dominate it. With wealthy husbands, massive homes, nannies, no jobs, and their own hierarchy, the fancy moms have no intention of letting a bohemian mom like Marta in to their private circle. Will Marta be able to carve a niche for both herself and Eva? And when gorgeous maverick Luke Flynn appears in Marta's line of vision, will she find love after keeping it at arm's length all this time?"

new book?

2008-07-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ok Emilee... you are next. Then Mary, Catherine, Shelli, and then if Catherine B wants to still read with us it is her turn. Ok? Fair? Questions? Comments?

I am loving this reading group. It gets me reading new material and I love having a chance to discuss it with all of you!

I'm done too

2008-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished. I'm anxious to discuss. I feel bad about not discussing "Precious Bane" more.

I thought it was worth reading, but it is definitely one of those rare situations where Hollywood totally improved on the story. Throughout my reading, something was really bothering me about this book, and I couldn't put my finger on it until I was about 75% done with it, and I realized that what it was: I didn't find any of the characters to be at all likable. Even the "hero" and "heroine" were dishonest, deceitful, and unkind (good oldRachel Weiss and John Cusak made them a lot more sympathetic). I also liked what the movie did with Wendall Rohr (played by Dustin Hoffman) making him into the lawyer who ultimately refused to be bribed. Just about every character in the book seemed to corrupt, and morally bankrupt. Maybe this is true to life, or at least is in the cynical view of John Grisham.

Interesting information about the corrupt world of the tabacco industry. I have to say though, not having read John Grisham since I was a teenage, I was actually pretty unimpressed by his writing style. I guess that's what higher education can do to you. It's a two star book for me.

Okay, I'm done too....

2008-07-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Liked it a lot...very different from the movie....and a little bit different from how I remembered it too! How's everyone else coming?

The Runaway Jury

2008-07-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

So I finished reading this book. (yeah!) I won't give away the ending yet...I love Grisham's style of writing. This was my second or third time reading this book, although it has been many years since I last read it and I could not remember all the details. I love how you read the book and think you have it all figured out and than the last five pages of the book or so there is this whole new twist. How is everyone else doing? This was a good choice of a book.

NEW BOOK!

2008-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, guys, I've chosen the next book. Such pressure! But I think I've come up with one we can all enjoy. I hope. Anyway, I have chosen The Runaway Jury, by John Grisham.

I went through a John Grisham phase years ago, and I read everything he had out at that point...so I've already read this one, but it has been years. Landon, being a law student, has really gotten into his books, and so we borrowed the movie of this book from the library...and it made me want to read it again! So this is a book that you should be able to find at the library...if not, then check your D.I. or Goodwill, I got mine at Goodwill for $1.00 (they always seem to have lots of Grisham books at second hand stores).

Enjoy!!!!!

ready for a new book?

2008-06-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry Precious Bane was so hard for everyone...I feel bad for recommending it! In all honesty I still love the book, but I can see why it may not be a favorite for everyone else. But I think that is the fun of having a book club, to step outside of your reading comfort zone and explore new ideas.

Now it is time for a new book...

I just finished the Host and thought it was ok. Not my favorite, but it was a page turner. The concept was fascinating, but by the end I felt like the story lagged a little. I think we should let someone besides me pick a book and one we can get at the library would be nice. Hmmmmm... any volunteers or book ideas? Should we just come up with a rotating order so everyone has a turn to pick a book?

Okay, I'm done...

2008-06-14T12:32:00.001-07:00

Wow, that was an abrupt ending, that was.

How's everyone else coming?

so.....how are we doing?

2008-06-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

How's the book coming along? do you love it or hate it? I have learned that both are common reactions. I love the part where she meets Kester for the first time and yet is too shy to talk to him. So sweet. Do you hate her brother yet? Any life lessons learned so far? Let me know what you are thinking :) Personally, I still love it. I find that sometimes I have to set aside a good chunk of time (like an hour or two) so that I can really get into the flow of the author's words and understand what the characters are saying! I can't wait to hear what you guys are thinking of the book and how far along are you?

Our First Book

2008-05-20T13:43:00.001-07:00

I have decided to kick things off by choosing my favorite book (so far) of the year...maybe even my favorite in the last 5 years. The book is PRECIOUS BANE by Mary Webb. It may be hard to find in your local book store, so look to Amazon.com or the library. It may take a little extra effort to find, but it is well worth it. Of course, I think this is one you will want to purchase for your home library, but you can always read it for FREE ONLINE

Although it took me awhile to adjust to the language (written in a very old English), I began to love Prue and her vivid descriptions of life around her. Gladys Mary Coles, President of the Mary Webb Society, says:

"Precious bane, first published in July 1924, was Mary Webb's fifth and last completed novel in a literary career cut short by her death at forty-six. One of the outstandingly successful novels of the century, Precious bane is remarkable above all for its style--rich, ardent, lucid, irreducible in its spiritual quality. Undoubtedly it belongs to the English romantic tradition, and it is now regarded as a classic of the genre of the rural novel: yet, like all great art, it transcends categories."

I have to agree that it transcends categories. It is an experience.

For reference, a 'hare lip' is a split in the upper lip, producing an appearance similar to that of the upper lip of a hare or rabbit. This was considered a mark of the devil or some other evil at the time Prue Sarn lived.

Feel free to comment as you read, I am anxious to know how you like it. I will be reading it a second time along with you!

Happy Reading!