2007
The People’s Act of Love by James Meek
Hosted by Cheryl Fee
June 6, 2007
In Her Home
Short of being rather late (which could not be helped) myself, along with my driver (Barbara), we finally arrived at Cheryl's house for her dinner and book discussion for The People's Act of Love by James Meek. Thank you Jerry and Cheryl for opening up your new home to us, it was a lovely evening.
It was also nice seeing some old faces at the meeting that hadn't been with us for a while,.... Lisa and Susan. Welcome back. After dinner, a dessert (Brenny's favorite by the way) and some discussion, Cheryl took us on the grand tour. While most of us over 40 would be thinking of a 1 story, she and Jerry went for 3. They're house was beautiful and spacious.
The People's Act of Love is not a book for the light hearted reader. It had spiritual anguish, madness, violence, death, love and cannibalism. There was the love of a beautiful girl photographer and her young passionate Hussar, which was short lived, and then the love lieutenant Mutz in Yazyk, who fell in love with the same beautiful photographer whose name was Anna Petrovna. This book generated mixed feelings and plenty of discussion for the group. I'm not sure if the word 'enjoyed' is the proper word to describe our reading experience but once you got past say the first 75 pages most of us got into the book and did like it. The People's Act of Love was a slow start, it didn't just grab you in the beginning. Of course, like any book based outside the US
It's 1917-19 in the middle of nowhere. The Russian Civil War is winding down but not without leaving a wake in its path. In Yazyk, Siberia you would find a small band of Czech soldiers longing to go home, a religious sect that practices self mutilation as a means of purification, and a beautiful woman photographer named Anna Petrovna with her small son.
We find out the leader of the religious sect called Balashov is the same Hussar that Anna had married some 9 years earlier but lost him to his new found religion after he witnessed his first battle. Now here's the first question that came up "why would Anna go to live in Yazyk knowing her husband lived there?" One scenario was that after learning of his castration she became so angry and hurt she went there in order to shame her once husband by giving herself to anyone who was interested to satisfy the desires that the husband had awakened.
Then there was Captain Matula who was described as the "mad cocaine paranoid snorting man". This raised the question "where and how did they get their supply of cocaine?" I never quite found that answer except that history showed that drugs and alcohol ran rapid in Russia
And we can't forget Lt. Mutz who appeared to be the only sane and reasonable person in Yazyk. He had a deep love for Anna but she didn't return the feelings.
Then there is Samarian who enters the village, is taken into custody, and tells his terrifying story of escape from the White Gardens
Another scene that left an impression on us all was when the horses on the train went berzerk when crossing the bridge. Meek describes this scene in such detail that you can feel the panic, disorientation and terror of the horses that ends with them falling from the bridge to their death. Question - "What was the purpose of this scene?" Well remember the Picasso painting of the angry horses with the wild eyes, flailing hooves and the flared nostrils... well it was meant to represent the terror and devastation that war brings as is our horse scene in the book. Are y'all impressed yet?
Now Now for the really really Big Big news.....as Marvin Zindler would say
What we all wait for at every meeting is the announcement of our next book.
Cindy chose "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. We'll aim for having our next meeting the last week of July. Gives us something to aim for anyway. As we all know nothing is written in stone when it comes to our meeting dates.
Next to choose will be..... Deborah, Denise and then ED. If you can't be ready with a book to announce at the next meeting please let me know so we can go down the line to see who can be ready.
Oh if you'd like to see what I dug up on the religious sect of castrates see the attached word doc.
I have removed Diana Davila and Kris's names from our email list and reading list since Diana has only been to one meeting since she joined many moons ago and Kris has never been to a meeting. Unless someone objects.
Until next time...........................................Happy Reading
Your unofficial Secretary/Photographer
Carla
History Lesson
The practice of castration began as early as 1757 as a Christian sect called the Skoptzy. Our Angels on Earth. The idea was the more the body suffers the happier the soul will be. By the 19th century they numbered 10,000+. It was primarily made up of peasants but as the sect grew it also included the banking and the capital class. The Skoptzy were devote money makers and many were millionaires. They went as far as suggesting to the Tsar in 1804 that they convert the entire empire. Scary thought.
Rites of initiation:
After marriage and birth of their second child Men were required to enter the rites of castration.
1st purification or “little mark” was the burning off of the testicles (Keys to Hell) with a hot iron. Hence the baptismal by fire term. Imagine even they decided that was too barbaric. Well Duh! Hence came the knife or pieces of glass or razor blade. Like all this seemed more humane. The initiate now had the right to mount the spotted horse.
2nd purification or “the great or imperial seal” was the amputation of the penis (Keys to the Abyss). They did wait a couple of years before this rite. Nice of them don’t you think? This amputation was done various ways – now you’ll love this, scissors, knife, pocket knife, pruning knife, chisel, piece of sheet metal, hatchet or a bone from a bull. Like this sounds so much better. Hemorrhaging was stopped with ice and resin. The urethra was plugged with tin or lead tubes. Sounds simple enough. Now the initiate can mount the white horse of the apocalypse that saved him from hell.
Now women:
1st ritual – amputation of the nipples called “the little seal”
2nd ritual – “the great seal” was the total amputation of the breasts, labia minora, labia majora and the clitoris.
Some went under a 3rd ritual where part of the breast muscle was cut off and a triangle of flesh was cut from the hip.
The mutilations represented the 5 wounds of Christ.
Even as late as 1970 they have found followers of this sect. If there are some today they have gone underground due to conscious outcry from the majority.
**************************************************
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Hosted by Cindy LaVaque
@ the home of Jan Hughes
9/26/07
Thanks TO:
Jan for opening up her home to us. Loved the new place.
Gaye for her centerpiece of devastation and death.
Suzy who brought a rather beat up and scorched looking can of shoe string potatoes to share.
And of course Thanks to Cindy for Hosting. The Road Kill was yummy and so was all the other contributed food. I personally tried it all.
I was glad to see Diana at the meeting. I think She was there to see who this person (me) was that was going to remove her from our reading club for non-communication. LOL. It was a great meeting and one of the best turn outs we’ve had in some time. Not bad considering a majority of the folks didn’t really like the book including Cindy, who picked it. Most thought it was too depressing to read, but don’t despair Cindy, there were some of us who liked the book. Well, I’m not sure ‘liked’ is exactly the right word to use, but it will have to do. Several members did get a different perspective of the book after hearing everyone else’s opinion and views.
For those who didn’t finish or read the book…. The Road is a story of a long hard journey by a man and his son in a world of no wildlife, no landscape or even any living vegetation. The only things they found in their new America
One review I found by BookBrowse Forum had two statements that said it best for me….
³ “The Road offers rich veins of interpretation, precisely because of its unclear message, leaving it to the reader to interpret it as they see fit”
³ “Once opened nearly impossible to put down; it is as if you must keep reading in order for the characters to stay alive”
One review I thought was funny from The Houston Chronicle compared this novel to the 1981 movie The Road Warrior aka Mad Max being written by someone like Faulkner, Hemmingway, Conrad and Samuel Becket. Interesting comparison I thought. Other reviews like some us felt it was a definitive vision of the world after nuclear war. Is it that hard to think of the possibilities presented in this story as a glimpse into our possible future? Nuclear Was is forever a threat. Iraq China
Through all the devastation and despair there was one constant, the love and patience between father and son. See, there was good in this book. A guide question I read asks “why didn’t the characters have names?” The answer I received was “because they represented mankind not just individual people.” You know how we’re always complaining about being able to remember who the characters are; well this book sure gave us a big break.
Ended up Poor Suz was not alone in her interpretation of the ending -- “I can't believe that w/ all the desolation & death..that at the very end, after the father died....the little boy finds just what he had been hoping for all along...good people, kids to play with, etc..... I think that the boy was distraught from losing his Dad & lack of food, he was delirious & hallucinating & on the verge of death & imagined the whole thing...it was his last thought before dying....” Patrick shared her interpretation and they offered this passage that lead them to believe the boy died ….a statement the father told the son on page 189...."When your dreams are of some world that never was or of some world that never will be and you are happy again then you will have given up. Do you understand? And you can't give up. I won't let you" So does this change anyone else’s thought process? Hmmmmm.
Others like me felt the boy did live and the family that picked him up after his father’s death was a sign of hope, the power to heal, and desire to rebuild. The ending Lets you believe that Good does prevail.
The most memorable scenes we mentioned were
³ were the bodies of people who died in their tracks traveling down the road trying to survive,
³ the naked people they found in a house locked in the basement,
³ and the boiling infant in the woods.
I loved Susan’s note “Did we decide to continue the trend and read a nice book about the Donner Party?”
I believe we are leaving the cannibals behind for now soooo …………………..
On a happier note……. Deborah announced her book choice, The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips. I have ordered 10 books for those who replied on Tuesday and they are in. I hope to give them to Denise tonight. Everyone can pay me at the meeting a big $5.39 or they can pay when they pick up the book. Also Deborah would like to have a meeting around the second week of NOVEMBER so We’ll have to Get to reading.
Next to choose will be…… Denise, or Diana, or Ed. You know the drill if you can’t choose a book or get it announced at the Rossetti meeting then let me know so we can let the next person in line choose and announce their book.
So Until then………………………………Happy Reading
Your Unofficial Secretary/Photographer
Carla
2008
The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips
Hosted by Deborah Marxsen
January 15, 2008
@
Italiano’s
Neither rain, sleet, snow, or a short drive will keep us away from good food, friends and a good book discussion, well maybe a few. Okay so maybe some of you had a good excuse like a birthday. Hope you had a GREAT birthday Pam. For those of you who didn’t make it you were missed and YOU missed some really yummy food at nice prices.
Tonight reminded me of a meeting 5 days short of 11 years ago, our first meeting on January 20, 1997 at the Art Institute for Brenda’s Book “She Came Undone”.
Nasty weather and small turn out. Oh how we’ve changed since then.
Our book The Rossetti Letter is about a letter written by Alessandra Rossetti a Venetian courtesan to expose the Spanish Conspiracy in 1618 to over throw Venice
The books flows smoothly between the two time periods where we read about Alessandra’s story in detail and follow Claire to Venice all expenses paid as a chaperon to a difficult 14 year old girl so she could go to a conference in to check out British historian Andrew Kent who could derail her thesis and career goal if his theory on the Rossetti Letter is published first before she finishes. If Claire can finish her thesis and get a Harvard doctorate she feels she will be able to get past the bad memories of a fail marriage and move on with her life.
Of course you will find love, betrayal, ambition, attraction, admiration, personal growth, danger, mystery and suspense. We get a vivid description of Venice
Just a couple of example questions I threw out at the meeting. We covered all 16 at the meeting.
☀ How integral is the setting to the story? The use of historical facts about Venice
☀ The Ending.. Were you surprised at the direction Alessandra’s life takes? What instances foreshadowed this turn of events?
Venice
$$ -- I collected money from everyone but Ed for the Rossetti book. Ed, I charge high interest on outstanding loans. Just kidding
Now for your next reading assignment…………I announced Denise ’s choice of The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks. Please get your book soon and start reading so maybe we can have our next meeting within the next 45 days. We didn’t do so well for 2007 in the quantity of books, only 3. Our average is 5 a year. We had some big lapses of time between our meetings. Next to choose in this order will be Diane, Ed, Gaye and then Jan.
Until our next meeting ……………………… Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
***************************************
February 27, 2008 Meeting
Hosted by Denise Arnold
@
Tony’s Mexican Restaurant
A 25 minute drive went haywire! It took 1 ½ hours instead due to a wreck at Pinemont to arrive at Tony’s. Everyone else knew all the back roads I knew. I had a passing thought about turning around but then I’d miss a very important nite with my friends. So I guess y’all know how much I love y’all and value our meetings. I didn’t have the advantage of being a Traveler and send my Light to the meeting but I did pay cash to stay off THE GRID. Thanks for waiting on me everyone!
WOW! Last nite was one of those really really great meetings. The book provided us plenty to think and talk about, had a nice turn out, good food and Great Friends. I know I always say that but it’s true. It seems everyone likes my questions that I found to help keep our little group stay on track sorta and give each book it’s due so I’ll continue to bring them. The questions tend to provide us with an idea that we overlooked or didn’t give much significance to. For those of you couldn’t join us last night you were missed. For those of you who haven’t read or don’t think you want to read this book you really need try to read the first 100 pages and then decide. It’s a good book and most of us there Wednesday have either already bought book 2 or intend on purchasing it.
Fact or Science Fiction you ask…. Well how about a little of both? Are there Travelers, Pathfinders, Harlequins and Tabulas today? Do we know for sure? Hmmmmm……… This novel delves into many of today’s issues such as the role of government in protecting the nation, the complacency of people, use and abuse of technology, and scientific advancements.
The Traveller story line is about 3 groups..
N The Travellers – who were thought to be extinct until a dying mother tells her 2 adult sons that their father was a Traveller and must keep safe and continue to hide their true identity. Oops too late Big brother Michael just made a business deal and used his real name Michael Corigan and doesn’t believe in this Traveller story. Brother Gabriel on the other hand always wondered about the stories their mother had told them when growing up. While he thought they were fairy tales she made up he always felt something inside. Travellers were able to pass their Light/Spirit into other realms. (*I want to be a Traveller)
N Harlequins - who also were thought to be extinct except for possibly 3 oldtimers that had gone underground. Well maybe not so underground. Harlequins were destined to protect and defend The Travellers with their life. Their moto “Damed by the flesh. Saved by the blood.” (*Suzanne wants to be Harlequin. It’s a sword thing. This reminded her and I of the TV series the Highlander. Yes we’re both fans of Adrian Paul. Mmmm Oh sorry off the subject.)
N Tabula/Brethren - these people represent government and private security industries. They are about order and discipline and use of technology. These people felt that the Travellers and Harlequins were a threat to the worlds order and discipline and began hunting them done and killing them. But the Brethren later decide they wanted to use the Travellers special ability to help maintain the order and discipline. This group maintained the Vast Machine and the Grid. They know every move or thing you do.
There is so much to write about but not enough space or time. How can this science fiction thriller adventure story relate to reality as we know it……. Let’s see Order and discipline – Hitler , China Cuba
Oh and I mentioned the Pathfinders previously.. They are just that. In the book Sophia helps Gabriel cross. She calls the 99 paths, “a practical list of ideas with the same goal: to break the Light free of your body, allowing the The Travelers to enter the different Realms or parallel worlds.”
Everyone’s favorite character last nite I thinked was Hollis the hired mercianary. So many characters … In one part of the story the Brothers Michael and Gabiel have both learned to Travel and meet in another realm where Gabriel tells Michael where his body is and Michael does the same. All of us at the table said the same thing “You idiot Gabriel don’t tell Michael where you are! Don’t do it!” See Michael is….. and Gabriel is….. well I Won’t tell for those of you still reading.
Okay for the big announcement---- Diana’s choice !. .. Oh and Give her a big hand she’s made it to 2 meetings in a row, Now her choice of reading is…………………..
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. A true story of one woman’s search for everything.
Now she has set a date of Thursday April 10th so don’t delay. Get this book and start reading. This Book Nazi has a goal of more than 3 books this year and I’m gonna do my best to keep us on track with my annoying pushy emails. Gotta luv me. You have a book title, you have a date so get to it.
Until next time…………………
HAPPY READING
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
AKA Book Nazi
Carla
Interview
A Conversation with John Twelve Hawks, author of The Traveler
The Traveler evokes a variety of films and books–everything from George Orwell to the Matrix. Where did you take your inspiration from?
George Orwell is a favorite writer of mine and I liked the first Matrix, but the creation of the novel goes much deeper than that. When I sat down to write The Traveler I didn't think about being published. I simply wanted to understand the world around me. Sometimes the best way to find the truth is to create a fiction.
Can you describe the differences between the three main character types in the book: Travelers, Harlequins, Tabula?
Travelers are a small group of people who have the ability to send their spirit to other worlds. The Harlequins are an ancient order of warriors who defend The Travelers. The Tabula is an organization that believes that mankind is a tabula rasa — a blank slate that can be scrawled with their ideas. They are determined to destroy The Travelers. These three groups are fictional but their struggle takes place within a very realistic environment.
Is John Twelve Hawks your real name?
I wasn't given the name John Twelve Hawks at birth. It's an adopted name — just like the names the Harlequins chose at a certain time of their lives. This name has great personal significance for me, but it's not relevant to understanding the book.
One of your characters, Gabriel, lives "off the Grid," avoiding detection by what you call the "Vast Machine." Can you explain what you mean by this and why you yourself have chosen to live this way as well?
For me, living off the Grid means existing in a way that can't be tracked by the government or large corporations. The Vast Machine is the very powerful — and very real — computerized information system that monitors all aspects of our lives.
I live off the Grid by choice, but my decision includes one factor that is relevant to the publication of The Traveler. I want people to focus on the book itself and not on its author. The typical "personal slant" of most media arts coverage trivializes the power of ideas — and there are a great many provocative ideas in this novel. Everyone who reads The Traveler is going to be entertained by an exciting story. A smaller group is going to be inspired to see our computerized world in a new way.
How do you correspond with your publisher and how do you plan to correspond with readers?
I have never met my editor or any of the staff at Doubleday. I talk to them using a satellite phone or we communicate through the internet. I haven't really thought about how I'm going to answer reader questions but it will probably be through a non-traceable website.
Your message in the book about the end of privacy in our society is frightening. How much of what you portray is true and how much is pure invention?
It's all true — based on years of research. Email messages are scanned by a program called Carnivore and programs linked to surveillance cameras use algorithms to identify you instantly. Some of the facts in The Traveler — such as the description of the new "computational immunology" program developed by the Royal Mail in Britain
What, if any, suggestions do you have for people who are concerned about identity theft, the Patriot Act, phone and internet surveillance and other invasions of everyday privacy? Some of your characters agitate against the Vast Machine. Would you advise this?
This first step is to be aware of what is going on. Most of us have given up our privacy without even knowing it. At some point, we need to express our opinions to our elected officials. The growing power of the Vast Machine is actually not an issue that is tied to a particular political party. A traditional conservative like former Georgia Congressman Robert Barr is on the same side of the privacy issue as the ACLU. The most important thing is that we not succumb to the baseless fear that is used to justify our loss of personal liberty. People objected when the government proposed something called the Total Information Awareness system: a computerized program that would track virtually all of our electronic transactions. When the name of the program was changed to the Terrorist Information Awareness system — just one new word — all the criticism vanished.
The settings in the book are captured in vivid detail–the Charles Bridge Prague California East London . Was travel a big part of your research?
My agent once asked me how long it took me to write The Traveler and I answered: "All my life." I didn't do any particular research for the locations in the novel. I simply drew on the memories of different places where I've visited, lived or worked. Virtually all the locations in the book are real. For example, there is a system of abandoned missile silos in Arizona
The scenes of violence in the book also seem very real — not Hollywood fantasies.
I studied martial arts for several years and have fought both in tournaments and on the street. Maya and the other Harlequins have been trained since childhood to fight, but they're not super human; they can be hurt or killed. Readers have told me that they've found the scenes of violence in The Traveler to be incredibly exciting because they're not sure what's going to happen. This duplicates my own experience creating the book. Every time I began to write a scene that involved fighting I had no idea if my characters were going to survive.
Family seems to be both a blessing and a curse in the novel. As Maya says: "Damned by the flesh. Saved by the blood." Care to elaborate?
It was only after I finished the first draft of The Traveler that I realized how many of the characters are haunted by their fathers. Maya loved her father, Thorn, but he also destroyed her childhood. Gabriel and Michael Corrigan thought that their father was killed by the Tabula, but now there are signs that his ghost is alive. A crucial secondary character named Lawrence Takawa changes his entire life in honor of a father he has never met.
At one point in the novel, your protagonist Maya explains that there is a secret history of the world, a history of "warriors defending pilgrims or other spiritual seekers." Do you believe this? What do you think is the role of faith in modern society?
There has been a continual battle throughout history between institutions that try to control our lives and those visionaries who emphasize the value of the human spirit. Right now, there's a determined attempt to reduce all human behavior to biochemistry. If Joan of Arc was alive today she'd be put on Prozac. Faith can give us a larger perspective on our own lives as well as the world that surrounds us.
You seem to combine Eastern religion, mysticism and new age spirituality in your discussion of Gabriel's education. The novel also suggests that Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, even an obscure Rabbi from Poland
When I was in my twenties, I was an atheist and proud of it. Now I believe in God and pray every day but I'm not a member of any organized religion. Travelers are guided by teachers called Pathfinders and I've dedicated the trilogy to my own personal Pathfinders. I've had several and they've included a Catholic priest, a Presbyterian minister, a scholar who was an orthodox Jew, and a Buddhist monk. I'm not going to minimize the differences between religions but they all have one thing in common: they teach the power of compassion and encourage that quality in our own hearts.
This is the first book in a trilogy. Any hints for readers about what they can expect from Books Two and Three?
In Book Two, a tough Irish Harlequin named Mother Blessing will enter the story; she's already forcing her way into my dreams. Expect some surprises involving Maya, Gabriel, and the Tabula mercenary, Nathan Boone. I'm not manipulating these characters to fit a plot. They seem to have their own ideas about what they want to do.
It is prohibited to reproduce this interview in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Unless otherwise stated, this interview was provided by the author or the author's publisher.
***********************************************************
Eat, Pray Love
April 10, 2008
Wow! Great turn out last night for EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. The assortment and quantity of food from Italian, Indian to Indonesian was amazing and I don’t thing there was anything untouched. And the turn out was great. We missed those of you who didn’t make it and for those who had to leave early you missed the fun. Diana brought beads so we could make the . Best part of that…. Diana wanted to bring out the beads earlier, Suzanne says “NO not yet” (she wasn’t into the beads idea). Finally beads are out and everyone is hard at work. Suzanne sits down finally and joins in, makes a really cute 108 + 1 bead then asks me to hold the top beads (keep in mind I tried to hold on to the strings just above the beads) while she ties it off. Sorry Suz…As I turn away still holding the top beads, I hear beads hitting the floor, at least 90 of them. Suzanne had let go of the strings. Had to be there to get the full effect but it was funny but sad after her hard work.
So Diana which hand do you use? Inquiring minds want to know. Well maybe not. Okay I made a statement that the Balinese only use their right hand because the left hand is impure. This started a whole new conversation as you can imagine.
Big question of the night….”What is your word?” Elizabeth Gilberts was Antevasin a Sanskirt word meaning “one who lives at the border”. Question to ask now is there a word you can choose that would last a lifetime? I don’t think so because our lives are always changing directions.
Okay Truth time here.. I have to admit I dreaded reading this book. I’m just not into the inspirational self help kinda books but I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I found it helped me in some of my ways of thinking. And while I might not take yoga I have thought of some other changes in my life I might make. Now we do have several members who have/do take yoga and chant their little hearts out but not a 182 line mantra. Only 1 person present said she just couldn’t get into the book but I think overall everyone else liked the book. All this said that’s not saying we didn’t think that Ms Gilbert made herself sound whiny, bitchy and self indulgent. Other than that she was okay.
Carla
*********************************
May 28, 2008
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Hosted by Ed Gripp
@ Tampico on I45
LET’s Start This Review differently….. NEXT MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 24th.
Well Ed, a week later than was originally stated the turn out was great. We even got to see a couple of faces we hadn’t seen in quite a while…Joann and Sandy showed. Good to see you girls again. The majority ruled that it was a great book so aren’t you glad you didn’t just go onto the next book.
“Into the Wild” is a story about a young man named Chris McCandless born February 1968, graduated college 1990, who set out upon a journey of discovery to live off the land. Being disillusioned by society’s materialist ways gave away all his money and broke family ties. A journey that eventually resulted in his death in August 1992 at the age of 24 at Stampede Trail , Alaska
When Chris graduates college he just walks away from his life. He changed his name and never made contact with his family. So his family wasn’t perfect. Who’s is? He was described as smart, compassionate and funny. So what was funny, smart or compassionate about what he did to his family and friends he left behind? The parent talking here. He found time to write strangers he met along his travels. I can understand him not wanting his family to find or stop him but…… So many questions and so few answers. Had his first journal of his travels not be washed away in the riverbed he had camped in we might have had a few more clues. But the few letters, notes and diary found at Bus 142 that covered about 189 days describe last days, and final entries tell of his slow starvation and his effort to survive.
The author provided a parallel to his own reckless youth which I enjoyed and so did others. While a few at the meeting love the idea of being in the wilderness they didn’t think they were ready to give up their belongings and really rough it. Jon Krakaur did a great job of leading us thru Chris’s journey and provided us what little insight he could thru interviews of the many people Chris met and how Chris touched their lives. Krakaur probably came up with the most plausible reason for Chris’ death. Not that he was stupid and ate poisoness seeds but that the seeds he ate were poisoness because they had molded.
Well GAYE it was decided that the reason you weren’t there to announce your own book was because of the length, 576 pages. Yep, you were chicken. Okay for you folks not there Gaye’s choice is……………….RAIN OF GOLD by Victor E. Villasenor. Next meeting will be Thursday, July 24th. No excuses you know the title and the meeting date. Get busy.
Until then…………….Happy Reading
Your unofficial Secretary/Photographer.
Carla
****************************************************
July 8, 2008
A Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor
Hosted by Gaye
@ Luna Mexican Restaurant
Gaye thanks for accidentally finding this book. Now we all accused Gaye of not being there to introduce her own book at the last meeting because she was afraid of what we would say when we saw it was 576 pages long. Well tonight we had a great turn out and all was positive. Rain of Gold was an inspiration and testament to moms, family, faith, Love…. It was a wonderful story of 3 generations of Victor Villasenor’s family and their trials, tribulations, bonds, love of life and God as they escaped the Mexican Revolution to California
Our own Diana actually walked the square while she lived in Mexico
I was surprised at the number of people who talked with God or loved ones passed while in the outhouse. I thought I was the only crazy one that did that. Don Maria would talk with the Virgin Mother for hours while in the outhouse or church it made no difference. It was as if the Virgin was right there but then who’s to say she wasn’t. I can’t say I ever cried while reading this book but I did laugh several times. I got caught up in the lives of these families and couldn’t imagine living through the times they did.
I read a couple of discontented reviewers about this book and it amazed me. Such as: “it's a big hogwash of Judeo-Christian bias. The author forces his religion on the reader.” Or “Honestly, it's not even a good book. Villasenor starts with some interesting story-telling but quickly goes into some unbelieveable accounts that border on the ridiculous.” The second reviewer asked if the author ever heard of an editor. Guess what check out the reviewers spelling of unbelievable. So much for his review.
I can see where they come from but it’s the authors’ family history and stories. This is how they believed, lived and survived. Now like any story there’s always a little embellishment. Like the story of a fish that got away. I read for enjoyment and if I get some history and gain some insight then even better. Geez I don’t think reading a book ever forced anyone to change their beliefs. I can see how some might have thought that Victor Villasenor was blaming the gringos for everything and that his own race were worthless in the story and it their faults for say his fathers poor timing or choices. At that time and moment in his father’s life it felt that way. As we all know the worthless and the Sob’s come in all shapes, sizes and colors and this was his family’s cross to bear during those times. I would have to say I would have had a hard time standing up to some of those Gringos when they held my family’s next meal and life in their hands so to speak. Victor Villasenor is proud of his family heritage and doesn’t try to whitewash the bad. He has taken the good and the bad and blended it into wonderful story. I found in my reading about this book that the author is extremely dyslexic and had his own issues while in school so it’s no surprise to find maybe some grammatically errors in his writing that some reviews took offense and asked if he’d ever heard of an editor. I feel he wrote the way the people spoke and speak and sometimes if you remove that you lose the true sense of the people you’re reading about. Hell I need an editor and sometimes my daughter comes to my rescue. This writing won’t be one of those times. She’s is trying to survive her own cross, Chemistry II.
In the end God, faith, the momma’s and Love triumphs over the family hardships. I won’t ruin the whole story for those still reading.
Okay enough of my babble …… Jan announced her choice…
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is our next reading assignment. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 16th and it will be at Jan’s home. The next to choose is Joanne, then Kathy. Get ready Ladies.
Until then……..Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
*********************************************
September 30, 2008
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Hosted by Jan Hughes
@ her home
It seems we all survived Ike with some bumps and bruises but we survived.
It was a great nite to be outside sitting with friends and discussing a book. Jan served up some great chili with fixings and a salad. Thanks for being the hostess with the mostess. And Thanks to Scotty too.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is about 2 boys and their everlasting friendship, faith/doubt, family, fate and loss of childhood. General synopsis is while we liked the book it did become rather repetitive on certain points such as the annual tradition of John’s cousin Hester the Molester getting obliterated and puking in Grandma’s rose garden for 5 or so years.
Do we call Owen the main character or Johnny? Hmm. For sure Owen was the one you won’t soon be able to forget with a voice so irritating and strange his dialogue is written IN ALL CAPS . Irving ALL CAPS would be more irritating. The first sentence is kinda powerful. After reading could you see how Johnny began to believe based on the first sentence?
“I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice,
or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the
instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God;
I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.”
The boys friendship survives the fateful summer in 1953 playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend , New Hampshire
As Johnny narrates he bounces back and forth between his days of growing up to his present day life in the late 80’s.
Owen’s faith is so strong that he allows that faith to kill him. Owen speaks and people listen even with a voice that sets people on edge. He seemed to speak with such authority, confidence and wisdom but how is that possible of a pint size boy.
Jan said she found herself reading out loud when she read the ALL CAPP ED WORDS. She wasn’t the only one. I did bring my fateful questions. They made you think. Jan read one passage about practicing the shot.
"IF WE CAN DO IT UNDER FOUR SECONDS, WE CAN DO IT IN UNDER THREE," he said. IT JUST TAKES A LITTLE MORE FAITH"
It takes more practice" I told him irritably
FAITH TAKES PRACTICE," said Owen Meany (pg 304)
Patrick also chose a passage he thought interesting which I couldn’t find to quote exactly but it went something like ‘Politically every other country knows more about Americans than Americans know about themselves. How true is that?
I’m not good at this but a question asked was what other writers would you compare Irving
Well Joann made it tonight and announced her reading choice for our group. She figures we needed a good laugh so her chose sTORI Telling by Tori Spelling. Next meeting is planned for one day during the 2nd week of November. OKay you now have the book title and a general date GET BUSY . We’re doing great this year on getting some books read. This will be the 7th book. We haven’t read 7 books since 1998. Kathy your next to choose.
Until then…………………………..HAPP Y READING
Your unofficial secretary/photographer……………………..Carla
***************************************************
November 18, 2008
Storie Telling by Torri Spelling
Hosted by JoAnn
@ Luna’s Mexican Restaurant
JoAnn had a small but effective turn out for her book sTori Telling by Tori Spelling @ Luna’s Mexican Restaurant. I was glad to see Kris Curry for the first time since she joined. sTori Telling was an easy read and it actually wasn’t too bad. Tori Spelling didn’t really try to convince the reader she was mistreated or abused. She just told her side of the story. She said some stories written about her were true, some were false and some were exaggerated (like being disinherited which she says she was not true). She acknowledged the fact nepotism was alive and doing well when she started in 90210. She did have a hard time getting some parts just because she was Aaron Spellings daughter. Most didn’t want to hire her because they didn’t think she had talent and just rode on daddy’s shirt tail. Tori didn’t try to make excuses for her life but she did try to tell her side of tabloid rumors and in some way I think she was trying to convince herself she was okay. Once she was out on her own she realized just how unprepared for the real world she was. Oh to be rich and not understand what it means to be responsible for your finances. While living at home with Daddy’s money and card, all she ever did was walk in a store, pick out what she wanted and never look at the price tag. “The Rich Are Different” was our theme at the meeting but had to admit that we all would like to try it for at least a day; then again maybe a week would be better.
I would say the Spelling Family was a very dysfunctional family. The father made it clear to the mother he loved Tori the most which in turn caused a major issue between Tori and her mother. Gee that sounds real healthy. The mother did whatever she could to make Tori’s miserably at times.
At the tender age of twelve when getting ready for a family photo, Tori runs to her parents' bedroom, all dressed up, hair done and asks her mother, "Am I pretty?" The mother replies “You will be when we get your nose done." Okay how could a mother do that? Of course in high school this story comes up and the mother claims to have to no recollection of the incident. So to be fair the group decided we would have liked to hear the mother’s rebuttal to Tori’s claim(s) in her book.
As this is my 2nd attempt at writing this since the first one disappeared into Computer never never land because I hit the wrong button. I can’t remember all I wrote so you are being spared. The falling of snow made me loose my mind the other day I guess.
Per an earlier email I already told you that Kathy announced your next reading to be The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Our meeting date will be Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at an undecided place at this time. Kathy will let us know the specifics later. The next to choose will be Kris, Lisa, Pam then Patrick. Unless the date is an issue I know Kris already has some book options but just has to decide which one.
For those of you who didn’t make it to the meeting I actually handed out some pictures. From 2006. I told you I was behind. Maybe I can catch up over the holidays and at least get into 2007.
Hope you get your book over the holidays and read away. Have a safe and Merry Christmas!
Until then……………………………………….Happy reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
***********************************************
2009
January 21, 2009
The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch
Randolph Frederick Pausch [2] (October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008)
Hosted by Kathy
@ Luna’s Mexican Restaurant
WOW. Last night was really great. Kathy had a large turn out of 14 and the few who didn’t make it were missed. Kathy did great and got the tables arranged in a square that made conversations easier to hear and see everyone verses 1 long row of tables. We ate some good food with good friends and even discussed Randy Pausch and his book The Last Lecture, I would like to think I would display his courage and positive attitude but I’m not sure I could pull it off. I guess as he said for family, friends and public I might be able to put up a good front but in a private moment and I’d probably tear and break things. Many folks refrained from starting the book because they felt it would be depressing but when they actually got into the book they found it upbeat and about Life and not Death. Randy took an upbeat approach to his final days. "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."--Randy Pausch. Randy was going to live his life to the fullest and live his wife and children a legacy. In his book he was able to cover more stories and be more personal than he could in his lecture. In one of the things I read he had enough content to give a 6 hour lecture but figured he wouldn’t have been so effective at that length. Most professors are asked to give a lecture entitled “The Last Lecture” to reflect upon their career and it’s worth, while Randy figured one day he would give one, he never expected it to have such a ironical meaning for him.
Now being in education field and in the technology field now I found out something interesting, small things make me happy sometimes. I was at lunch talking with one of the gals who works with all the software and I was telling her about our book and I mentioned some software that Randy Pausch helped develop called “Alice” Do you remember in the book he said it was a fake head? It made the students think they were creating animation and games when actually they were learning to program…….. Guess What CyFair ISD uses that software. I’m so tickled. Just call me goofy. Our secondary students get a piece of Randy every time they use that software.
He is a prime example of don’t sweat the small stuff when he wife wrecked the car. She stressed and fretted till he got home and finally told him. Then he goes oh well and never gets the bump fixed. As most of you know I sure wouldn’t get that reaction around my house.
Then as always the conversations drifted in a 1000 directions like well putting lotion on a co-worker’s back, tatoo’s, children (how most of them are in college and they should still be in elementary), previous books, new grandbabies, nightgowns (obviously our men members were not present), weird, perverted and or strange co-workers. I’m mentioning no names or specifics to protect the innocent. See what you missed by not being there. Well okay so maybe you'll have to go see the pictures from AirFrame Discussion. Oh I chose the Airframe book not Mark. He never got to choose. Aahhh too bad.
Jan suggested that I create an autograph page for everyone to sign that comes to the meeting to add to the scrapbook since a lot of the folks don’t buy or keep the book to get it signed so I will but for those of us who still want out book signed we’ll continue to do that also.
Now Now for the really big question….What’s our next book???? Kris announced her choice ---- The Drowning of Ruth by Christina Schwartz. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 25, 2009 . So get those books and get to reading.
Until Then …………………….Happy reading.
Your unofficial secretary/Photographer
Carla
***********************************
February 26, 2009
Drowning Ruth
Hosted by Kris
@ Zio’s Italian Kitchen
Well it started out looking like Kris would have a full house but we ended up with 7 of us in attendance but that’s okay we all lead busy lives. And besides we talked about y’all who didn’t show up.. Just kidding.
It seemed to be a split decision on this book. Some liked it and some didn’t. Cheryl couldn’t make it but commented when we talked with her it was like peeling away the layers to get at the truth. I will say for an Oprah book this wasn’t as dark as some of her books we’ve read. I actually liked the book. It was a slow start and then something kept drawing me back to finish and find out what really happened the night Amanda lost her sister Mathilda. Some reviews called this a psychological thriller, I don’t think I’d go that far but it was a good read. There were a few who thought it to be very depressing. (Now “The Road” was depressing but it was a good read). This book comes with family secrets, shame, agonizing guilt, sorrow, frustration and manipulations and okay so maybe a little depressing.
You have a young woman, Amanda in the early 1900’s who is seduced by a married man, has a nervous breakdown and returns to the family farm to discover she is with child. The shame and scandal so what else could she do since there was no reliable birth control, no divorce, no chance of an independent life or a scandal-free separation so what else could Amanda do but return home. Amanda could be both hated and admired throughout the story. Within a year of her return her sister dies under mysterious circumstances and leaves Amanda in charge of her young niece. When the father (Carl) returns from war he is given no explanation as to how his young wife died and finds his daughter under Amanda’s grip and control. Now is Carl a wimp or what? – why not ask “What the Hell happened to my wife and tell Amanda, “Ruth is my daughter” but he sits back and lets things go on as they are. All the secrets around Mathilda’s death lead Carl to believe his wife to be unfaithful and his daughter Ruth was haunted by the hazy memories of that fateful nite. Talk about your dysfunctional family.
I’m Not going to give away all the secrets for those of you still reading.
Now you already know our next reading assignment and the next meeting date or did you forget…………….. Lisa Rhodes chose the book “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent. A true story. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 31, 2009 . Location to be announced.
Next to choose a book will be Lisa Roper (our newest member), then Pam, Patrick or Sandy. Each of you need to be ready should the person before you not be able to announce their book at our meeting on March 31, 2009 .
Times a ticking away
Until then…………………………Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
***************************By Christina Schwartz
I’m Not going to give away all the secrets for those of you still reading.
March 31, 2009
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore
Hosted by Lisa Rhodes
@ Doyles
Well folks Lisa felt she was ready for a break and a meeting after being at her mother’s side for the last couple of weeks. We’ll keep her family in our thoughts and prayers. And Gaye remains in our thoughts and prayer as she recovers from her loss. I love our extended family we’ve created thru our club and continued friendships as we each move in our separate directions of employment and life.
It’s been a long time since many of us had been to Doyle’s. It was a nice change and the food was yummy. Those of you who didn’t make it missed out. Those of us present all agreed that this was a great book. Of course I shed a few tears in the last chapters but I’m always in awe of people who can devote themselves to a cause and are so devoted to their faith.
What are the odds of an upscale art dealer and his wife becoming friends and making a homeless drifter part of their family? How many of us would be willing to go so far? Denver Moore, an uneducated black man who became frustrated with being a sharecropper in Louisiana MAN no matter how full the cotton bag. Denver Man. Denver Denver
Same Kind of Different as Me is a true story about pain, faith, love, trust, tragedy and friendship. This was a book that made you laugh, cry, and think about your own life. I can’t say it made a life changing difference in my life but it did make me and I believe others in our group stop and think about the direction of our lives and what might we do differently. This is probably one of those books I wouldn’t have picked up to read on my own but I’m glad Lisa picked it. I don’t want to give away too much for those of you who still plan on finishing the book. I would recommend this book to others to read for pleasure.
Well the list of folks next in line to choose a book at the meeting weren’t present or ready to announce so I had a book in mind and announced it. So your next reading will be A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. Tentative meeting date will be Wednesday, May 27. Let’s try again, next to choose will be Lisa Ro. Then Pam, Patrick and if none of these folks are ready we’ll go to Sandy
Parting thought In Chapter 44 Denver Opportunity ” ????
Until then…………..Happy reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
June 21, 2009
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
Hosted by Carla
@ Her Home
A big THANKS to those of you who made it to my home and brought some Good Eats and appetizers to go with BBQ. Those who didn’t make it missed out on the fun and conversation. The night went by so fast. Which brings up the subject of our meeting time…..With our busy work schedules I have placed a poll on the website to see about maybe changing the meeting time from to ? That 30 minutes could make a difference in traffic and feeling so rushed to get out of the office especially you freight forwarders. So far only 4 had voted and they voted to move the meeting time to . So if you want a vote please go to the website and click on Cast your Vote, Majority rules. Also if there’s anything you want to share with everyone you can use the guest book or the forum to share your thoughts and ideas. If you click on the Members Tab you’ll find all the current email addresses to add to your email address book. I’ll be adding more pictures sometime this week.
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell seems to have been a well liked book. I’ve been redeemed of my past mediocure books. It is historical fiction that gives us a look at the Italian involvement in this war. Most of us never realized how much Italy
Were Renzo and Schramms war crimes equal or was there a difference? Were their sins forgivable? This book does not dwell upon the hideous crimes in this war but it was more about the people who were trying to evade persecution and those who helped them however they could. Be it food, shelter or documents that helped them hide their true identity. Do you think you would have been one to help or would you have turned your back in fear of retribution for helping? I’d like to think I’m that kind of person but one never knows until in that situation. I can’t imagine the other side either. The constant fear of being found out or dodging the bombs and falling buildings, not knowing if you’ll ever see your loved ones again, and never knowing where your next meal might come from or if you’ll find warm dry shelter. I think too the part of not truly knowing what happened to your family would be hard. This book is filled with courage, love, the ability to continue on and survive and faith.
Did you feel Schramm’s remorse was real or was he just trying to survive the life he had left? I believe he did or he would have stayed or found the Germans and turned in all the Jews who had been helping him. In the end he went to that hospital to help all people as a way of atonement. Now should he have been so willing to put that German uniform on when the officer came in looking for the German doctor?
I like Renzo for the most part because of the way he deceived the Germans to gather information gained the ability to move around to help keep families in touch and safe. Of course that same deceit was what got him in trouble in the end.
What did you think of Rabbi Iacopo Soncini? Do you feel he was a good family man and a good Rabbi? He didn’t need to be married. He put his family last and the people first. Just my personal opinion.
This book had been recommended to me by 3 different local authors so I finally gave in to reading it and I’m glad I did. While keeping up with the characters were fun, the story line keep me wanting know if the family made over the next hill or on a safe train. I hope y’all enjoyed it too.
Here’s a quoted Hebrew saying from one post-war survivor “No matter how dark the tapestry God weaves for us, there's always a thread of grace"
Tonight our newest member Lisa Roper joined us just in time to fall into the alphabet and get to pick a book. Her reading choice is “THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER” by Kim Edwards. She has already chosen a place called Pronto Cantina on Montrose and the meeting date has been set for Thursday, July 23. Welcome Lisa. She learned all kinds of things from our group. From how to cheat a pedometer to ...............
Until then ………………………………Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
**************************************************
July 29, 2009
The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
Hosted by Lisa Roper
@ the Spanish Flower
Lisa had a great turn out for her first book club meeting. From what I could hear everyone like the book and would recommend it to someone else. We thought the Spanish Flower would be good meeting spot but to our dismay it was rather loud and those damn Mariachi players ;o] came to our area to sing but we managed to prevail and still have our meeting and enjoy ourselves. Suzanne thought of a place with a private room at the end of the evening “Jax” over off Shepherd. Oh well next time. Lisa chose this book while at the airport one day. The cover caught her attention and the book spoke to her. Her dad was a photographer. I can relate to that part too since I like to be a memory keeper myself and so does Lisa.
The reviews were mixed on Amazon about this book. Many folks felt duped into buying it because it was on the best seller list. I say too bad for them. I don’t buy books just because they’re on the best seller list, I buy them because the storyline sounds good or it came recommended by friends. These same folks couldn’t see storyline as a possibility. These folks didn’t put things in perspective of the time. In 1964 a baby born with Down’s syndrome didn’t have a long life expectancy and no one really knew the capabilities of such a child. In those days it was strongly urged to have babies mentally challenged placed in institutions.
So was David right in his decision to tell Norah their twin baby girl died? Did he really know his wife’s strengths and love? This book shows how one decision be it right or wrong can change the lives of everyone involved. Norah does not get closure since David hands the baby to Caroline to take to an institution telling Norah the baby was already set to autopsy. So while at work one day Norah puts together a memorial service for her dead baby girl to have some form of closure. All the while Caroline has the baby girl. Caroline takes the baby to the institution as instructed but can not bring herself to leave the baby after seeing the conditions. David is so consumed with guilt that he throws himself into his work at the hospital and his hobby photography. He cannot connect with his newborn son and becomes estranged from his wife. There’s little communication and no warmth. Norah is so overcome with grief she too pulls away from her husband and poor Paul never feels complete. He’s trying to understand he parent’s relationship and deal with the guilt that he lived and his sister didn’t.
Then there is Caroline who saved Phoebe the twin girl from a fate most likely worse than death. At the same time has saved Caroline and gave her purpose. Caroline raised Phoebe and fought for Phoebe’s rights to an education and a chance to some sort of normalcy of life.
I won’t go further and spoil the whole story for those who haven’t read or finished the book but this book does have merit. Just keep in mind the time period. This book gave the group plenty to discuss and that makes it a winner right there.
It was Pam’s turn to choose but she was unable to join us so I announced her book choice….. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It’s about one man’s mission to promote peace in Pakistan
Until next time…………………………Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer Carla
September 16, 2009
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Hosted by Pam Holdrup
@ Luna's Mexican restaurant
Okay for those of you who tend to scan this review ;o)….You can scan as far as the PINK. From there on you will find some club business, dates, upcoming emails, dues etc.
Great Meeting! Unfortunately the hostess herself had to miss. By the time I read her email it was too late to try and reschedule. Luna’s may not be necessarily the most fantastic food but it’s convenient and we’re almost the only ones there so we usually set up the tables how we like instead of one long line of tables where you can’t hear so we make a square. While I was driving home after the meeting I kept trying to think of what I could write about this book that would do it justice.. “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin was/is a true story of one man trying to make a difference in a land where most us wouldn’t dream of going today especially. The story begins in 1993 when Greg fails at his attempt to climb the K2, almost dies but by the Grace of Allah he stumbles into a village in the Karakoram Mountains that help him heal and teaches him their way of life. One day he sees the children kneeling/sitting on the hard and sometimes frozen ground learning. This was their school was just an open field. It’s there that his whole perspective on life changes and he vows to return to this village to build a school that is to include the girls.
Greg Mortenson was a true example of a humanitarian. Would you be willing to give up your life as you know it to work toward making a better life for some remote village? Have you ever done something that made a difference in someone’s life? Would you be willing risk your life for people to travel thru a war torn land to provide them something that could be life changing, especially after 9-11. Was Greg a Hero? By the people of Pakistan
Did reading this book change how you view the Muslim world? It showed a side that TV and News does not portray. All we see is the bad, the chanting death to Americans, and not the people who are trying to survive and live in peace.
Three cups of Tea was a great book that I would recommend to others. Everyone at the table agreed they would too.
Okay so Sandy
Also please click on the NEW Page CLUB BUSINESS for some announcements regarding ... dues...club roster updates etc...
Next to choose will be Patrick, Susan, Suzanne, Barbara or Brenda. Again remember everyone should have at least one book in mind should I have to go on down the list of members for a book choice.
Carla
********************************************************
October 21, 2009
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Hosted by Sandy
@ Cadillac Bar & Grill
Small turn out but that’s okay we had fun and enjoyed our evening. I was worried about our seating location since it was not as secluded as I had requested. But it was alright. We were all heard. Food wasn’t bad either. Heard the margarita’s weren’t bad either. Sandy
Who was your favorite character? kathy said Olive was her idea of a Maine Maine Maine
What was the real issue between the son, Christopher, and his parents. When he finally marries it’s to rather controlling snob. It was at this first wedding that Olive learns what the bride really thinks of her and that Christopher had told the new wife he had a rough childhood. Later after his divorce and then remarriage to a very calm peaceful type woman.
In this book you were given suicide, depression, bad communication, aging, a little humor and love.
Anyone who gets in Olive’s way had better watch out. She’s like a bull in a china closet of life and offers no apology.
This book is hard to write about with all the stories and characters but I did like the book. It’s hard for me to keep all of them straight. Olive Kitteridge is about every day lives some okay, some not so okay.
Next to choose was Patrick and his choice of reading is
The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts ~ Maxine Hong Kingston
Next meeting will be determined by the cast your vote. This book is only 224 pages long so if you get your book now I think November 18th will be our next meeting date. That’s the week before Thanksgiving. The next date will be December 9th. Both are on a Wednesday
Go cast your vote and get your book. ;o)
Next to choose will be Susan, Suzanne, Barbara then Brenda! Be ready girls.
Your unofficial secretary/photographer.
Carla
*****************
December 9, 2009
The Woman Warrior By Maxine Hong Kingston
Hosted by Patrick Bope
@ Cadillac Bar & Grill
Thanks to all who came out to the Cadillac to Discuss Patrick’s book choice. It was cold and the traffic was horrible. You’d think it was Christmas time or something. Sorry to hear some of you couldn’t make it because you were sick. For us brave and healthy souls we enjoyed our good friends, food, and discussion which ever way it headed. We were surprised to see Ed who has been MIA for a while now. It was great seeing him! Jan you missed it I didn’t have any questions for this book so we were on our own. Those at the meeting that could paid their dues. I will continue to collect dues at future meetings for those folks who haven’t paid.
The Woman Warrior was a mix of things from fantasy, dreams, cartoon and mythical. Ed figured that Joseph Campbell would appreciate the mythical and symbolic meanings thru out the book. The stories were to represent their suppressed life in China China
The warrior would fight the ghosts but instead of dealing with real people in America
Suzanne got to choose the next book so with the drum rolls Suzanne did a little dance and swung from the amiba on the ceiling. You had to be there to understand. ;o) Her choice is South of Broad by Pat Conroy. This is one of her favorite authors and she thought this book had good field trip value. Start saving your pennies. She’s thinking next April or maybe March I can’t remember now.
Next to choose will be Susan, Barbara, Brenda or Cheryl. So be thinking girls because one of you will anounnce at the next meeting.
Carla
**********************************************
2010
Meeting and Reviews
South of Broad by Pat Conroy
Hosted by Suzanne Graska
@ Suzanne’s Home
Wow 13 years and I had to miss a meeting but I did have fun going to visit my dad and family in Missouri Louisiana
But look what happens when I don’t show up… no one takes pictures or notes. Bad little bookies.. ha-ha. Okay Cheryl did provide me with a few tidbits that the food and discussion were great. Cheryl said y'all had fun and enjoyed the book which is the best part. I think y’all did that on purpose. Patrick felt like a kindred spirit to Toad. Patrick graduated during this time period, played football, etc.
Those present since there isn't a picture to document were Suzann, Patrick, Susan, Gaye, Cheryl, Diana, Jan, Lisa Rhodes, Brenda and Kathy. This bit of info was provided by Kathy.
Thanks Kathy and Cheryl for your input.
The evil Dad and the Twins were the most hated characters. The big question on everyone’s mind was why the evil dad didn’t shoot his way out of the locked tool shed or use the garden tools that were present. My guess is he was too drunk, passed out and never knew what hit him. Good riddance to bad rubbish, right?
The story follows Leo Bloom King in the late 60’s as he forms bonds with an unlikely group that are new to the school. He befriends the Appalachian orphans, Starla and Niles Whitehead; the rich Charleston Chad Chad Twins , Sheba
The author made you feel the tide, the sunset and Hurricane Hugo in 1989 that tore apart Charleston
Can you image the face of Leo when he learns that his mother the principal was a an ex-nun. What a discovery.
Some reviewers thought the book to be to whiney and needed to tosses and that it was a waste of time to read well I liked. It was a great read so there.
Susan Schultz announced her book tonight…. Twelve Mighty Orphans by Jim Dent. Date and location to be announce at a later date. Next to choose will be Barbara, Brenda, Cheryl or Cindy. Ladies please start thinking now to be ready at a moments notice. ;o)
Until then………..Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
********************************************
Twelve Mighty Orphans by Jim Dent
Hosted by Susan Schultz
@ Italiano’s on 59
Thanks to my Chauffer I made it safely to Italiano’s. Susan had a great turn out for her book. Another great evening with friends who share the love of reading and Good Food. The garlic rolls were awesome. Now one end of the table did create a little excitement by setting a napkin in the roll basket on fire by accident. They were passing the basket when the flame from the candle set the napkin a blaze. Now no one in the restaurant seemed to notice or care that the girls were having issues putting the flame out. I was so enthralled that I didn’t even think to take pictures until they finally put the flame out. Only one customer holding his infant daughter noticed and was ready to run for safety. It was really funny. Had to be there. Can’t take this group anywhere.
Twelve Mighty Orphans is a story about Coach Rusty Russell who turned the boys from the Masonic Home outside Ft. Worth , Texas
The author captures your attention in the first chapter with bootleggers and the killing of a father (Hardy Brown Sr) in front of his 4 year old son. And when the mother hears of the shooting she runs out and abandons her 4 children there on the porch for fear of her life ending the same way.
This team of underdogs in the Depression era gave America
We had a celebrity descendent amongst us that night also. Gaye shared with us that her Dad, Ernie Lainplayed Quarterback for Mexia HS Football team and went on to play Quarterback for Rice Owls in early 30s. He most likely played against the Mighty Mites. He came in #2 for All American (Whizzer White won that year - he later became Chief Justice of US Supreme Court). Ernie also held the record for the Cotton Bowl for most yardages passed and completed for 50 years. Doug Flutie broke that record in the 90s. Below are a couple of articles I found on Gaye’s dad.
1938 Cotton Bowl
Jan. 1, 1938
Rice 28, Colorado 14
The Owls capped off their second Southwest Conference championship with a trip to their first-ever bowl. There, they faced the University of Colorado and its star quarterback, Byron “Whizzer” White. Rice found itself in a deep hole in the first quarter, after White threw a touchdown and also scored on a 47-yard interception return (until the mid-1960s, it was common for college football teams to use the same players on offense and defense). However, Rice quarterback Ernie Lain made up the deficit in the second quarter, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another to give the Owls a 21-14 lead at halftime. Lain would throw another touchdown in the third quarter, and the Owl defense kept White in check the rest of the game. Colorado would net only 95 total offensive yards.
***********
Rice’s bowl days didn’t begin and end with ’Bama. The Owls had appeared in three previous classics, all victories, beginning with the 1938 Cotton Bowl, a 28-14 win over Colorado
Tonight Barbara announced her book choice as Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. The Date and Location
will be announced later. It’s a biggy so don’t delay. Get that book and start reading. Let aim for a meeting sometime in late June. Next to choose will be Brenda, Cheryl, Cindy or Deborah.
Until Then ………….Happy Reading
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
****************************************
PILLARS OF THE EARTH
BY Ken Follett
Hosted by Barbara Borchers
In the gracious Jan Hughes’ Home
Unfortunately I was unable to attend again. This time due my mother being attacked by her neighbor’s great dane. Long and short of story – Dog came over the fence grabbed my mother by face and throat. She went to hospital got out 24 hours later but 3 days later she’s back in the hospital with an invasive infection, Conroe
Thanks to Barbara you have this review with some interjection from me. I may make her start writing more.
Good Job!
Okay the book was written in 1996 and is a historically based novel about the motivations and trials of building a cathedral in the 12th century. Barbara states –“She enjoyed this book more than any other she’s read. Has mystery, drama and of course interlaced with sexual yearning, lol.” (Barbara there was very little yearning but there was plenty of action)
Overall the book was enjoyed by all. Gaye Marie felt there was too much discussion about the technicality of cathedral building. She had been to Notre Dame and was spiritually overwhelmed by the dedication that had gone into its construction. There was discussion about the various things motivating of the citizens of the era to invest so much time and money into the cathedrals.
Everyone had different favorite character with Phillip being the overall favorite and Ellen a close second.
The author, Ken Follett was a reporter in England
His typical style of writing is suspense with "The Eye of the Needle" being his first published book. Interestly this is Barbara’s favorite dramatic movie. The movie stared Donald Sutherland and is a drama about a German spy in England/Ireland during the World War. Barbara has since read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Susanne has read a number of Follett's novels and enjoyed them all. Barbara has read The Third Twin by Follett but did not enjoy.
He also wrote a sequel to "The Pillars of the Earth" which is equally large and focus' on the next generation titled "World Without End".
Cheryl had read it without much enthuisiasm but Susanne and Barbara really enjoyed it.
The food was fantastic (as usual) and Jan was a wonderful host. The intense rainfall compelled everyone to visit a bit longer than usual which was terrific. (Wish I’d been there. I really liked the book)
Everyone present agreed that a field trip to Europe would be a great follow up so LET'S FIND THOSE SWEEPSTAKES AND WIN OUR TRIPS!
Folks in attendance::
1. Jan Hughes
2. Barbara Borchers
3. Susan Schultz
4. Diana Davila
5. Pam Holdrup
6. Cindy Lavaque
7. Brenda Willson (son of Will)
8. Kathy Knight
9. Gaye Thurmond
10. Lisa Rhoades
11. Cheryl Fee
12. Suzanne Graska (came & went - had two other meetings Thursday)
13. Patrick Bope
14. Ed Gripp
But no CARLA, Lisa, Sandra, Kris or Denise 
And our next book and Brenda’s choice is ............................
"Luncheon at the Boating Party" by Susan Vreeland
Brenda was given the book by someone who didn't care for it but Brenda has been LOVING it. It is a description of the characters seen in the Renoir painting by the same name. Meeting place and date to be announce at a later date.
Until next time………………..Happy Reading
With the aid and assistance of our friend Barbara
Your unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla
*****************************
Luncheon of the Boat Party by Susan Vreeland
Hosted by Brenda Willson
@
Bistro des Amis
Dear Book Clubbers,
For those of you who were not there Thursday night, we missed you! There were only 5 of us (Brenda, Kathy, Suzanne, Gaye, me) but we had a great time. We had a charming room all to ourselves and the food was fantastic! All of us enjoyed the book with differing opinions about which characters we liked best, who Renoir should have ended up with, and so on. There was agreement; however, that after reading this book, we will look at artworks in a very different way and think more about the “back-story” that is surely there for every painting. We enjoyed having the “cheat sheet” that identified each character in the painting with notes about who they were and a bit about what happened to them after the painting was completed. Also, having a copy of the painting to refer to during the discussion was beneficial in helping us see how Renoir dealt with issues such as character placement (especially the little dog!) and how the awning really played such an important part in bringing the scene into the perspective he had in mind but struggled with putting onto the canvas.
As for the next book, I thought I had come up with a clever solution to the fact there were two books I was equally drawn to and couldn’t make up mind which to choose. I thought the democratic approach of having the members vote between the two book candidates would solve the problem. Unfortunately, the vote was 2 – 2 with the decision still left up to me. So – I came down on the side of the elephants. Our next book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Amazon price is $7.17 (with free shipping if total order is over $25.00). I already have my copy on my kindle. We tentatively decided to have the next meeting at my house the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, December 1.
Thanks so much Cheryl for taking pictures and sending me a brief review. Hopefully I’m done missing meetings. Okay folks you know the new book and the date so get out there and get your book and start reading. Next to choose will be Cindy, Deborah or Denise.
I’ve made some changes on the membership list. I’ve updated Pam and Brenda’s address, removed Joann Bronz, (I’ve sent her emails and gotten no response plus Kathy said JoAnn has been really busy so it was okay to remove JoAnn.), and have added 1 new member, you might have heard of her-- Naomi LaBonte. Welcome Naomi
JoAnn you always welcome to come back when you have time.
Until then......................
Happy reading! Your unofficial and the unofficial secretaries/photographers.
Carla and Cheryl
********************************
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
hosted by Cheryl Fee in her home
December 1, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.