Hello Ladies!
Have you been wondering if we were ever going to meet again???? You're not alone! What a crazy few months, but hopefully things will start to settle back into the normal range of craziness now that the holidays are almost over!
I am planning on setting our next book club meeting for Thursday, January 5th. Just wanted to give you a heads up so it could be put on your calendars! Time and location will follow soon. I can't wait to meet again and discuss some of these books! The latest one, Prized, by Caragh M. O'Brien, had some surprising issues brought up, which I would like to be able to talk about!
If you are already ahead of the game, here is what we will be reading in January!!!
Matched, by Ally Condie
"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow."
Enjoy the rest of your break, and....
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
December Book
December's book will be the newly-released second book of Caragh M. O'Brien's Birthmarked Trilogy, called Prized. Here is a synopsis of the book:
"Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?"
"Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?"
Monday, November 7, 2011
November Book
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get the November book organized!! We will be reading a book that has long been collecting dust on my shelf, just waiting for me to get around to it! It is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. It came highly recommended to me, so I am confident it's a good one! (Word of warning: I just finished reading the first several pages and there was some profanity, so be prepared for it.) Here is a very brief synopsis for those who are interested :)
"Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years."
Hopefully you were all able to finish up last month's book, Birthmarked, by Caragh O'Brien. The second book of this trilogy, Prized, is scheduled to be released this month, so we will be reading it in December. Just a heads up to those of you who want to read ahead!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
October Book
It has been a little challenging to get our book club meeting scheduled for September, so now we are in October!! I hope everyone has had a chance to read our book from last month, Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, by Jessica Day George. Let's plan on meeting this week to discuss it! I am scheduling the meeting for this Thursday, October 6th, at 9:00 pm at Applebys on Everett Mall Way. I know it's late, but they have half-price appetizers at that time! :) I will try to be there at 8:45 to get us a table if anyone wants to join me! Please let me know if you can make it!
Frances recommended the book for October. I have already started it and I am hooked so far! The book is Birthmarked, by Caragh M. O'Brien. Here is a brief synopsis:
IN THE ENCLAVE, YOUR SCARS SET YOU APART, and the newly born will change the future.
In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.
A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.
Frances recommended the book for October. I have already started it and I am hooked so far! The book is Birthmarked, by Caragh M. O'Brien. Here is a brief synopsis:
IN THE ENCLAVE, YOUR SCARS SET YOU APART, and the newly born will change the future.
In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.
A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Heaven at Dairy Queen
Last night we had a great time, talking about heaven and angels over our Dairy Queen Blizzards. It was fun to hear everyone's personal insights and ideas from the book we just read, Heaven is for Real. Thank you to everyone who came, it was a great time!
Those in attendance were Amy Colson, Caroline Rowe, Dyan Thornton, Anne Bodily, Heidi Ellerbeck, JoLyn Thompson, Laura Schilaty, myself, and our newest addition to the club Alise Quayle. Thanks ladies!!
Those in attendance were Amy Colson, Caroline Rowe, Dyan Thornton, Anne Bodily, Heidi Ellerbeck, JoLyn Thompson, Laura Schilaty, myself, and our newest addition to the club Alise Quayle. Thanks ladies!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September book
I don't know what's in the air, but lately I have been on a fairy tale kick. In August alone I read three books in the genre! To continue with this theme, I chose a book that is next on my list: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, by Jessica Day George. It looks like there are a number of copies in the Sno-isle system, but you need to reserve them. I just bought my own, which I will pass along to the highest bidder when I am finished. :)
Here is a synopsis:
Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.
Here is a synopsis:
Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.
August Meeting
Date: Thursday, September 8th, 8:30 pm
Location: Dairy Queen, on 128th
Discussing: Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo
Location: Dairy Queen, on 128th
Discussing: Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo
Monday, August 1, 2011
August Book
The book we will be reading for August is Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo.
Here is a synopsis:
Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.
Here is a synopsis:
Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.
Friday, June 3, 2011
June Book
The book we will be reading for June is Charlotte Bronte's classic, Jane Eyre. A few months ago several of us were lucky enough to go to the screening of a new movie production of the book. We had a fantastic time. The movie was beautifully filmed, and it gave me the itch to read it again!!
"Charlotte Bronte's impassioned novel is the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and her arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester. Published in 1847, under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine--one whose virtuous integrity, keen intellect and tireless perseverance broke through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loved. Hailed by William Makepeace Thackeray as 'the masterwork of great genius,' Jane Eyre is still regarded, over a century later, as one of the finest novels in English literature."
"Charlotte Bronte's impassioned novel is the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and her arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester. Published in 1847, under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine--one whose virtuous integrity, keen intellect and tireless perseverance broke through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loved. Hailed by William Makepeace Thackeray as 'the masterwork of great genius,' Jane Eyre is still regarded, over a century later, as one of the finest novels in English literature."
German Garden
For our book club meeting, we met at The Olive Garden last night, and enjoyed an evening of great food and company. Everyone agreed that they really enjoyed reading The Book Thief. Markus Zusak's writing styly is quite striking and very visual, playing with all of your senses. I am excited to read something else by him. It was also fascinating to see WWII through the eyes of the people who lived in Germany.
Those in attendance were: Carrie Howell, Caroline Rowe, Anne Bodily, Heidi Ellerbeck, Audrey Sisco, and myself.
It is, unfortunately, the last of our book club meetings that Carrie will be attending, as she is moving to Indianopolis next week!! We will really miss you, Carrie!!!!
Those in attendance were: Carrie Howell, Caroline Rowe, Anne Bodily, Heidi Ellerbeck, Audrey Sisco, and myself.
It is, unfortunately, the last of our book club meetings that Carrie will be attending, as she is moving to Indianopolis next week!! We will really miss you, Carrie!!!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
April and May's Book
I have been a little behind with our Book Club and blog, so now it's time to catch up!
The book we have been reading for the months of April and May is The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Here is a synopsis:
"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she discovers something she can't resist- books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.
With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement."
The book we have been reading for the months of April and May is The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Here is a synopsis:
"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she discovers something she can't resist- books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.
With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
February Meeting
I am doing something a little different for book club this month. I have just started a new little business of selling jewelry for Lia Sophia, which you are probably all tired of hearing me talk about. :) Anyway, since I am just starting up, they have offered me incentives to do a particular number of shows in my first five weeks as an advisor, and I am only short one!! So this month for book club, I will also have my display of jewelry out so I can count it as another show. Maybe it's cheating, but at least I can get my quota!! Ha ha! Anyway, I just wanted you all to know there is no pressure to buy anything, just come to the book club meeting!!!!
We will be meeting at my house (10606 10th Dr SE) on Thursday, February 24th at 8:00 pm. The book we are reading this month is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. I have just started it and am really enjoying it. There is still time for you to try to get it read before the meeting!
We will be meeting at my house (10606 10th Dr SE) on Thursday, February 24th at 8:00 pm. The book we are reading this month is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. I have just started it and am really enjoying it. There is still time for you to try to get it read before the meeting!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
February Book
After much debate, the book has been chosen which we will be reading for February! This one comes highly recommended from JoLyn, so you know it's gotta be good! Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson is the book. I hope you all find the time to snuggle up with this one this month!
Here's the synopsis:
"Major Ernest Pettigrew, retired, of Edgecombe St. Mary, England, is more than a little dismayed by the sloppy manners, narcissism, and materialism of modern society. The decline of gentility is evident everywhere, from tea bags, to designer sweaters, to racism masquerading as tolerance.
Mutual grief allies him with Mrs. Ali, a widowed local shopkeeper of Pakistani descent who has also resigned herself to dignified, if solitary, last years. The carefully suppressed passion between these two spawns twitters of disapproval in their provincial village, but Pettigrew hasn't time for such silliness: real estate developers are plotting to carpet the fields outside his back door with mansionettes and his sister-in-law plans to auction off a prized family firearm. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ali's late husband's Muslim family expects her to hand over her hard-won business to her sullen, fundamentalist nephew, a notion she finds repellant and chauvinistic.
It's a testament to Simonson that in this delightful novel, Pettigrew must navigate the tragic, the absurd, and the transcendentally joyful aspects of a familiar life turned upside down by an unfamiliar and unexpected late-life love affair. That two people from opposing and mutually distrusting worlds are able to bridge every gap with unerring respect and decorum serves as a quiet suggestion that larger conflicts might be avoided or resolved in much the same way. Finally, a way forward that Major Pettigrew would approve."
Here's the synopsis:
"Major Ernest Pettigrew, retired, of Edgecombe St. Mary, England, is more than a little dismayed by the sloppy manners, narcissism, and materialism of modern society. The decline of gentility is evident everywhere, from tea bags, to designer sweaters, to racism masquerading as tolerance.
Mutual grief allies him with Mrs. Ali, a widowed local shopkeeper of Pakistani descent who has also resigned herself to dignified, if solitary, last years. The carefully suppressed passion between these two spawns twitters of disapproval in their provincial village, but Pettigrew hasn't time for such silliness: real estate developers are plotting to carpet the fields outside his back door with mansionettes and his sister-in-law plans to auction off a prized family firearm. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ali's late husband's Muslim family expects her to hand over her hard-won business to her sullen, fundamentalist nephew, a notion she finds repellant and chauvinistic.
It's a testament to Simonson that in this delightful novel, Pettigrew must navigate the tragic, the absurd, and the transcendentally joyful aspects of a familiar life turned upside down by an unfamiliar and unexpected late-life love affair. That two people from opposing and mutually distrusting worlds are able to bridge every gap with unerring respect and decorum serves as a quiet suggestion that larger conflicts might be avoided or resolved in much the same way. Finally, a way forward that Major Pettigrew would approve."
An Evening With the Pickles
We had a lot of fun at our last book club meeting!! It was a great turnout at Carrie's house. Thanks to everyone who came and helped participate in the conversation!
Those in attendance were Carrie Howell, Anne Bodily, Laura Schilaty, Melissa Espin, JoLyn Thompson, Dyan Thornton, Audrey Sisco, Caroline Rowe, Michelle Norlie, Sarah Williams, and myself. Thanks Carrie!!!
Those in attendance were Carrie Howell, Anne Bodily, Laura Schilaty, Melissa Espin, JoLyn Thompson, Dyan Thornton, Audrey Sisco, Caroline Rowe, Michelle Norlie, Sarah Williams, and myself. Thanks Carrie!!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Pickle Meeting
Greetings Pickles,
We will be having our own version of the Persian Pickle Book Club at my house (2832 104th Pl SE) on Thursday January 27th @ 7:30 pm. I promise not to make Rhubarb Pie!
If anyone needs a copy of the book I have one you can borrow! If you haven't read it you are more than welcome to come, but be warned that we will be discussing the ending - how can you not with this book?
See you then!
Queenie Bean (oh I mean, Carrie Howell)
We will be having our own version of the Persian Pickle Book Club at my house (2832 104th Pl SE) on Thursday January 27th @ 7:30 pm. I promise not to make Rhubarb Pie!
If anyone needs a copy of the book I have one you can borrow! If you haven't read it you are more than welcome to come, but be warned that we will be discussing the ending - how can you not with this book?
See you then!
Queenie Bean (oh I mean, Carrie Howell)
Snow and Italian Ice
We ended up postponing our meeting until Tuesday, January 11th and met up at the Capri Italian Restaurant. What a night! We had a fantastic turn-out, enjoyed the ambiance and deliciousness of Italian food, and talked about The Wednesday Letters! To cap the night off, it started to snow hard, leaving the roads slick and dangerous so we called it an early night.
Thanks to everyone who came!!! Those in attendance were Caroline Rowe, JoLyn Thompson, Michelle Norlie, Laura Schilaty, Audrey Sisco, Carrie Howell, Anne Bodily, and myself. It's always a great night when we spend it together!!!
Thanks to everyone who came!!! Those in attendance were Caroline Rowe, JoLyn Thompson, Michelle Norlie, Laura Schilaty, Audrey Sisco, Carrie Howell, Anne Bodily, and myself. It's always a great night when we spend it together!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
January Book
Carrie Howell will be hosting for January. The book we will be reading is The Persian Pickle Club, by Sandra Dallas.
Here is a brief synopsis:
"It is the 1930s, and hard times have hit Harveyville, Kansas, where the crops are burning up, and there's not a job to be found. For Queenie Bean, a young farm wife, a highlight of each week is the gathering of the Persian Pickle Club, a group of local ladies dedicated to improving their minds, exchanging gossip, and putting their quilting skills to good use. When a new member of the club stirs up a dark secret, the women must band together to support and protect one another. In her magical, memorable novel, Sandra Dallas explores the ties that unite women through good times and bad."
Here is a brief synopsis:
"It is the 1930s, and hard times have hit Harveyville, Kansas, where the crops are burning up, and there's not a job to be found. For Queenie Bean, a young farm wife, a highlight of each week is the gathering of the Persian Pickle Club, a group of local ladies dedicated to improving their minds, exchanging gossip, and putting their quilting skills to good use. When a new member of the club stirs up a dark secret, the women must band together to support and protect one another. In her magical, memorable novel, Sandra Dallas explores the ties that unite women through good times and bad."
Meeting for December's Book
Book: The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright
Date: Thursday, January 6th, @ 7:00 pm
Location: Capri Italian Restaurant, Mill Creek Towncenter
Date: Thursday, January 6th, @ 7:00 pm
Location: Capri Italian Restaurant, Mill Creek Towncenter
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