Don't Hate Me . . .

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?

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...

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!

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

"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

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

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??