3rd Thursday Book Club

"Choosing to See" Reviews

2011-10-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed some "Southern" food at Mary's Arnold and discussed Mary Beth Chapman's book "Choosing to See"

Words and Numbers

Realistic 8
Dehydrating 9
Courageous 8
Challenging 8.5
Emotional 7
Raw 9
Forthright 6
Heart-wrenching 7
Touching 8

Upcoming Books

2011-10-11T10:40:00.001-05:00

· September (Dinner) (Memoir)

· October (Chick Lit)

November (Dinner) Classic

o We will read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

· December (Christmas)

· January (Dinner) International

· February (Movie Tie in)

· March (Dinner) (Best Seller 2011)

· April (Non-Fiction)

· May (Dinner) Mystery

· June (Wisconsin Author)

2011-09-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

· September (Dinner) (Memoir)

· October (Chick Lit)

· November (Dinner) Classic

o We will read Jane Erye…not sure which book yet.

· December (Christmas)

· January (Dinner) International

· February (Movie Tie in)

· March (Dinner) (Best Seller 2011)

· April (Non-Fiction)

· May (Sweet and Savory Dinner) Mystery

· June (Wisconsin Author)

Voting time...

2011-08-24T21:10:00.000-05:00

It's that time...check out our Facebook page and "like" what book you want to vote for. All voting must be done by 8/31/11.

The HELP the movie

2011-08-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

The Plan: We will be going to the Marcus Cinema Green Bay East on Kepler Drive...I believe this is the one you can see from the highway. Show time is 4:05pm. Those who need a ride or want to carpool meet at Sturgeon Bay Community Church at 2:30pm on 8/20/11. We plan on going somewhere after to eat and discuss the movie. If you have to get after the movie you can meet us there. Any other questions FB Lori May.

September's Book...

2011-08-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

For our September 2011 book we will be reading Choosing to SEE

by Mary Beth Chapman.

Meeting this Thursday...

2011-07-19T22:41:00.000-05:00

If you haven't sent an RSVP on Face Book or taken the time to contact Heather, please let her know if you will be making it on Thursday to discuss.

Dinner @ Blue Front Cafe June 16, 2011

2011-06-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that we will be meeting Thursday 6/16/11 at The Blue Front Cafe to discuss:

The Omnivore’s Dilemma,

By Michael Pollen

Genre –Non-Fiction

RSVP to Teri Hooker if you haven't already.

July Book, The Bone House by Brian Freeman

2011-05-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

We've decided to add this book for July. Thank you Karen for suggesting it. There are a lot of holds on this book so make sure you get your hands on a copy of it.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2011-05-24T13:34:00.000-05:00

Genre -Children’s Literature

“The Witch of Blackbird Pond”, By Elizabeth George Speare

It was a Dessert night at Jan Rasmussen’s house…and there was quite the spread of wonderful desserts.

Our Words for the book follow:

Spirited

Memorable

Disturbing

Cold

Sweet

Conflicted

Instructive

Hopeful

Lonely

And our Average rating was 7.625

Catching Up

2011-05-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

Catching Up…

Here is the recap for the past 7 months of books give or take a few that I don’t have. Some are missing words, some are missing photos, some are missing both, but this is what we have.

September

The Icing on the Cupcake, by Jennifer Ross

At Holly Sayer’s house. Dessert… cupcakes!!

October

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Okay, October was at Julie Condra’s house… it was a themed dinner.

November
Same Kind of Different As Me
That was November 2010, at Tami Pedler’s house, which was a soup night.

Words:

Unusual

Humbling

Faith-bending

Compassionate

Spiritual

Moving

Inspiring

Deep

Evolving

Heartfelt

Avg rating 9.05

December
On Strike for Christmas, by Sheila Roberts

At Dena Barganz’ house. Dessert night.

January

The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton

At Mary Arnold’s house

Words:

Mystical

Engaging

Intriguing

Enchanted

Riveting

Escape

Layered

Haunting

Engrossing

Dark (in a good way)

Captivating

Average rating = 9.21

February

The Great Gatsby

I think it was at Lori Nelson’s house. It was a themed dinner.

March
Letters to Juliet

Book with Movie...

April

Someone Knows My Name

Themed dinner at Ann’s house

Words:

Credible

Enlightened

Wrenching

Informative

Overwhelming

Unbelievable

Graphic

Courageous

Determination

Shattering

Our average rating was 8.0

What kind of cupcake are you making?

2010-09-03T18:23:00.003-05:00

The book we're reading for September is The Icing on the Cupcake, by Jennifer Ross. (Read a synopsis of the book in a post below). The book is full of a variety of cupcake recipes. We thought it would be fun for this month to have a cupcake party. Pick your favorite one and bring it on Thursday, September 16th.

To ensure that we don't have several of the same cupcakes showing up, please make a comment to this post telling us what you plan to bring.

And if you find that you're just not going to have time to bake... NO WORRIES. Even if 2-3 ladies bake, there will be PLENTY! So come and enjoy the conversation and goodies!

Just for fun - Movie Night!

2010-08-13T20:40:00.003-05:00

We are planning on meeting on Thursday, August 19th at the Sturgeon Bay Cinema to watch Feed The Fish. The show starts at 7pm, so plan to meet there in the lobby at 6:45pm. This is the movie that was partially filmed here in Door County so it should be a fun silly time.

Film Synopsis:

Joe Peterson, is a burned out kids book writer who's approaching his mid-life crisis. With his career at a standstill and his relationship in shambles, he leaves town with his best buddy to do the Polar Bear Plunge in the dead of winter in northern Wisconsin in an attempt to reignite his fire.

On his quest he meets Axel: an inspirational mentor; The Sheriff, and obsessed law enforcement professional: and Sif, his muse and a hockey player. Good thing they're all related!

Joe finds his lost passion, survives an assault by his obsessed ex-girlfriend, and tries to stay out of the way of the law. He pulls it together and finally gets the girl, and thank goodness, publishes again. But not before testing the icy waters of Lake Michigan on a snowy winter day.

Click below to watch a trailer...

Where is everyone anyway?

2010-07-16T20:03:00.005-05:00

Alright... so several of us met last night and shared our opinions about what we think is and isn't working with Book Club. Although people still talk about book club and appear interested, attendance has been low. Could be a fluke, maybe life's just getting in the way. But if it's not, we want to know about it. If a lot of people are experiencing the same issue... let's fix it. But first, we've got to communicate.

So...... check out the poll questions over here ----------------->

A few things to note first:

Genres - this is when we have a different genre of literature each month.
Online voting - the method we've used the past year, with each person taking a turn recommending three books, then members vote for the winner.
Committee Selected - the committee would select the books for each month, with recommendations coming in from everyone. This method was used the first year.
Meals - it's been noted that sometimes our themes can make the potluck dinners difficult to plan for. We're going to ease this burden by simplifying the themes. It'll make it easier, more fun, and we still get to eat!
RSVPing - Let's face it, we're not great at this. But we need to make a commitment to be better this year. We owe it to our hostesses.

Last night we all talked about some of our favorite books, past and present. And there was such a great selection, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make some selections for upcoming months. Not only will this give you a chance to experience the method of "committee selection", but it will give you more time to find good deals if you like to purchase your books. See the post below for book selections and themes for August through December!

You have through the end of July to answer the poll questions. And remember, if you need or want to elaborate on an answer, or maybe we just didn't address your issue, you can always post a comment right here on the blog!

Above all, we want to make this book club FUN for everyone!

August - December Book Selections!

2010-07-16T08:21:00.005-05:00

August - We'd like to get together just for fun and hang out. The plan is to go see a movie then head over to the Neighborhood Pub to chat. The specific movie will be announced in an email as the date gets closer. You will not need to read anything... this is just for fun!

September -

The Icing on the Cupcake, by Jennifer Ross
Genre: Chick Lit

Summary:
When Ansley Waller's fiance Parish cancels their upcoming wedding, Ansley decides to leave Dallas to make a fresh start. In a surprise move, she heads to New York City to live with her recently widowed grandmother, Vivian, who gives Ansley an ultimatum: get a job or go home. Before long, she's opening up her own cupcake shop and even trying her hand at dating. But the ways of Manhattan's eligible bachelors are altogether different from their Southern counterparts, and worse, someone's got a half-baked scheme to sabotage Ansley's new life.

319 pgs, Paperback, Pub. date 4/10

This book is filled with cupcake recipes. To start the year off, we'll be having a cupcake party! If one of these recipes inspires you, bake it and bring it to our meeting. We'll have a great time sharing dessert and conversation.

October -

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford
Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:
Set in the ethnic neighborhoods of Seattle during World War II and Japanese American internment camps of the era, this debut novel tells the heartwarming story of widower Henry Lee, his father, and his first love Keiko Okabe.

320 pgs, Paperback, Pub. date 10/09

Dinner theme: Chinese/Japanese

November -

Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
Genre: Memoir

Summary:
A modern-day slave and an international art dealer are bound together by a dying woman's faith. Will Ron, the art dealer, be able to embrace Denver, who's been homeless for almost 20 years? Will Denver learn to trust a white man? There's pain and laughter, doubt and tears, and in the end a triumphant story.

256 pgs, Paperback, Pub. date 03/08

Dinner theme: It's soup night! What better for a cool, fall evening?

December -

On Strike for Christmas, by Sheila Roberts
Genre: Christmas

Summary:
At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping - bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday - filled with parties, decorations, and presents - well, they'll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

352 pgs, Paperback, Pub. date 10/07

Dessert Night - Bring some Christmas cookies to share or pick up a yummy treat on your way over.

June Meeting

2010-06-18T22:22:00.005-05:00

It was an intimate dinner for two at the Nightingale Supper Club last night. I really can't tell you any of the details because I was not one of those two ladies. But I bet they had a great time. And I'm positive that one of them will send me a photo, descriptive words and ratings very soon. Right? Maybe??

Edited to add this picture of two hot chicks out on the town talking books...

May Meeting

2010-05-21T22:53:00.005-05:00

Five of us met last night at Wendy L.'s house for Indian dinner and to discuss the book Secret Daughter. We all seemed to like the book and it definitely made for good conversation about family dynamics and different cultures.

The best part of the night was when Dena arrived and immediately apologized for her dish. Apparently she read "dash" in her chicken recipe as "tablespoon" which resulted in a significant amount of cayenne pepper being added. I, for one, liked the heat.

Our descriptive words were:
Heartfelt
Cultural
Interesting
Learning experience
Journeyful

And our average rating was 7.7

June Book Selections

2010-05-08T17:16:00.010-05:00

So this is super late, my apologies, but life just got in the way. These are for the month of June, for which we'll be meeting for dinner at a (to be determined) restaurant. Our selections this month come from Paulette.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time, by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson

Greg Mortenson recounts his experiences as co-founder of the Central Asia Institute, a nongovernmental organization that, since the 1990s, has done exemplary work in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where it has built and operated schools and improved public health. He tells how, by working side-by-side, the villagers and the staff of the CAI have overcome challenges, drawn on strengths, and worked toward breaking down the ignorance and prejudice that might otherwise have divided them. It has not been easy and the need is great, says Mortenson, and underscores the fact that the positive work of NGOs like the Central Asia Institute can go far in fighting terrorism.

Pub. 2/08, Paperback, 349 pgs

Lucky, by Alice Sebold

Raped and beaten as an 18-year-old Syracuse University student, Alice Sebold recounts the story of her rape, the trial and conviction of her rapist, and her recovery. Her book also tells the story of its own coming into being. Immediately after the rape, Sebold vowed to write about it, and worked it out in various forms before sculpting it into its final shape 18 years later while completing a graduate degree in fiction writing.

Pub. 9/02, Paperback, 272 pgs

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

Jacob Jankowski, 90 years old and living in a nursing home, tells how, orphaned and penniless during the Great Depression, he became an animal trainer in a circus. In his days with The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, he falls in love with the beautiful performer Marlena - and also with the delightful Rosie the elephant.

Pub. 5/07, Paperback, 350 pgs

You have through May 15th to cast your vote!

In the meantime, get a copy of The Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda for our meeting on May 20th and check out the links in the post below for some ideas on Indian recipes.

Indian Recipes

2010-05-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Our next bookclub meeting will be an Indian themed dinner based on the location of our current book, The Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda, which will take place on Thursday, May 20th. If you're in need of some ideas and recipes for Indian food, you can check out these websites...

http://www.recipesindian.com/
http://www.indianfoodforever.com/
http://allrecipes.com
http://showmethecurry.com/
http://www.indiasnacks.com/

April Meeting

2010-04-17T08:53:00.001-05:00

We had a nice time meeting at Tami's house and discussing the book The Next Thing on My List, by Jill Smolinski. Although the book was sort of light and often funny, the discussion questions pushed us into a deeper level, which made for really interesting conversations.

Our descriptive words were:

Fun
Cheeky
Frothy
Light
Funny
Irreverant
Humerous
Clever
Motivating

And our average rating was 6.2.

May Book Selections!

2010-03-23T16:33:00.007-05:00

Take a look at the books Lori N. picked for our May meeting. Once you've made your choice, vote in the poll to the right ---->

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman

Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughing stock of an entire town - a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell. In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer. It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.

Hardcover, Pub date 01/10, 320 pgs

The Negotiator, by Dee Henderson

FBI Special Agent Dave Richman has spent his life protecting people; failure is not in his vocabulary. He'll figure out a way to protect Kate even if she is determined to make it difficult.

Kate O'Malley's specialty is hostage situations - defusing human time bombs before they go off. She will walk into the middle of a crisis if that's what is necessary to settle a situation. She's learned to let others see what she wants them to see. She's learned to depend on herself. Only herself. People die if she fails.

Kate is a target. Someone's been sending her black roses. Maybe the same person who just blew up an airplane.. and blamed Kate. Then the investigation brings up the one name Kate hoped never to hear again... and she's faced with the shocking evidence that the bomber may be someone she knows. Now she has to decide if Dave - and the God he trusts so implicitly - is all he's supposed to be. And Dave is about to discover that loving a hostage negotiator is one thing, but keeping her safe is another matter entirely.

Paperback, Pub date 2001, 304 pgs

Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

When her husband threatens to murder her newborn daughter, Kavita sends baby Asha off to a Mumbai orphanage where she is adopted by and Indian-born doctor now living in California with his American wife. The story eventually shifts perspective to the grown Asha who feels disconnected from her roots and travels to India on a scholarship in hopes of reuniting with her birth family. Using various narratives, settings, and time periods, The Secret Daughter creates a compelling look at how two families become interconnected across continents and gernerations through their link to Asha.

Hardcover, Pub date 3/10, 352 pgs

March Meeting

2010-03-19T17:38:00.002-05:00

We met last night and Dena's house for a Mid-western dinner to discuss the book Mistaken Identity. As usual, the food and the conversation was great. I think we all agreed that these families emulate the type of faith we all would hope to have in times of crisis.

Our descriptive words were:

Inspiring
Unbelievable
Tear-jerker
Unmistakably moving
Emotional
Uplifting
G0d-filled
Gracious

And our average rating was.... 7.5

Now, get your hands on our April book, The Next Thing on My List, by Jill Smolinski. Our meeting will be on Thursday, April 15th.

April Book Selections

2010-02-20T09:46:00.007-06:00

These April book choices are from me. Seems like we've been reading alot of heavy non-fiction lately, so although I can't promise these will be "light", they are all the figment of the author's imagination. You have through Saturday, February 27th to vote at the poll on the right ------>

The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Six-year-old Emma vanished into the thick San Francisco fog. Or into the heaving Pacific. Or somewhere just beyond: to a parking lot, a stranger's van, or a road with traffic flashing by. Now, as the days drag into weeks, as the police lose interest and fliers fade on telephone poles, Emma's father finds solace in religion and scientific probability - but Abby can only wander the beaches and city streets, attempting to recover the past and the little girl she lost. With her life at a crossroads, she will leave San Francisco for a country thousands of miles away. And there, by the side of another sea, Abby will make the most astounding discovery of all - as the truth of Emma's disappearance unravels with stunning force.

416 pages, Paperback
Published 2/08

Believe Me: A Novel, by Nina Killham

Thirteen-year-old Nic Delano has a lot of questions. Like why does he have a babysitter at his age - and where did she get such long legs? But mostly, what exactly is the meaning of life?

His mother, Lucy, an astrophysicist and atheist, has always encouraged Nic to ask questions. But lately she doesn't like the answers he's getting. Nic has been hanging out with a group of devout Christians and is starting to embrace the Bible and a very different view of the heavens.

But when unexpected tragedy strikes, Nic and Lucy's beliefs are truly put to the test. And they need each other now more than ever. But will a mother and her son be able to find common ground where faith meets understanding and love is, ultimately, what endures?

304 pages, Paperback
Published 1/09

The Next Thing on My List, by Jill Smolinski

After a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June Parker finds herself in possession of a list Marissa had written: "20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday." The tasks range from inspiring (run a 5K) to daring (go braless) to near-impossible (change someone's life). To assuage her guilt, June races to achieve each goal herself before the deadline, learning more about her own life than she ever bargained for.

304 pages, Paperback
Published 3/08

The Freedom Writers Diary

2010-02-19T09:36:00.000-06:00

We met last night for our movie tie-in book, The Freedom Writers Diary. While we all enjoyed the book and it's inspiring stories, we were left a bit disappointed with the movie for leaving out so many significant moments.

Our words and ratings were:

Eye-opening
Encouraging
Disturbing
Insightful
Educational
Inspiring
Impactful

Book Rating = 7.7
Movie Rating = 6.0

March Books

2010-01-23T14:03:00.007-06:00

These Memoir themed books for March come to us from Dena...

Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope,

by Don Van Ryn

Meet Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerak: one buried under the wrong name, one in a coma and being care for by the wrong family.

This shocking case of mistaken identity stunned the country and made national news. would it destroy a family? Shatter their faith? Push two families into bitterness, resentment, and guilt?

Read this unprecedented story of two traumatized families who describe their ordeal and explore the bond sustaining and uniting them as they deal with their bizarre reversal of life lost and life found.

And join Whitney Cerak, the sole surviving student, as she comes to terms with her new identity, forever altered, yet on the brink of new beginnings.

Mistaken Identity weaves a complex take of honesty, vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and love in the face of one of the strangest twists of circumstance imaginable.

Paperback, 288 pgs, Pub. 3/09

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch

A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professor are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave- "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" - wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have... and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.

Hardcover, 224 pgs, Pub. 4/08

Always Looking Up, by Michael J. Fox

There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox: Actor, Husband, Father, Activist. But readers of Always Looking Up will soon add another to the list: Optimist. Michael writes about the hard-won perspective that helped him see challenges as opportunities. Instead of building walls around himself, he developed a personal policy of engagement and discovery: an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Michael's exit from a very demanding, very public arena offered him the time - and the inspiration - to open up new doors leading to the unexpected places. One door even led him to the center of his own family, the greatest destination of all.

The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD? Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one.

With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.

Paperback, 288 pgs, Pub. 3/09

January Book Club Meeting

2010-01-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

Eight lovely ladies met at Mary's house for a German themed dinner to discuss the book, The Zookeeper's Wife, by Diane Ackerman. The book was set in 1942, a time in history with strong divisive views. We also had strong differing opinions about the book, you either loved it or hated it.

Our descriptive words were...

Beautifully devastating
Informative
Discombobulated
Disappointing
Disjointed
Interesting concept

Our average rating was 4.3

And it was by birthday. Jan was clever and looked up how to write "Happy Birthday Teri" in German!

January is a German Themed Dinner

2010-01-08T08:40:00.002-06:00

Given the period in which our book this month takes place, we'll be having a German themed dinner. Here's a few links to get you started in your recipe search...

http://recipesbycindy.homestead.com/GermanRecipes.html
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/World-Cuisine/Europe/Germany/Main.aspx
http://www.tasty-german-recipe.com/

As a reminder, our books to be reading are:
January - The Zookeeper's Wife, by Diane Ackerman
February - The Freedom Writers Diary, by Erin Gruwell

February Book/Movie Selections

2009-12-30T09:55:00.016-06:00

February is movie tie-in month and these selections come to us from Julie C.

P.S. I Love You, by Cecelia Ahern

Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish eachothers' sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30 year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, covercome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed. The kind of enchanting novel with cross generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, P.S. I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world.

Book - 512 pgs, Pub. 12/04
Movie - Rated PG-13, 2007

The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher And 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves And the World Around Them, by Erin Gruwell

Shocked by the teenage violence she witnessed during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, Erin Gruwell became a teacher at a high school rampant with hostility and racial intolerance. For many of these students, whose ranks included substance abusers, gang members, the homeless, and victims of abuse, Gruwell was the first person to treat them wiht dignity, to believe in their potential and help them see it themselves. Soon, their loyalty towards their teacher and burning enthusiasm to help end violence and intolerance became a force of it's own. Inspired by reading The Diary of Anne Frank and meeting Zlata Filipovic (the 11 year-old girl who srote of her life in Sarajevo during the civil war), the students began a join diary of their inner-city upbringings. Told through anonymous entries to protect their identities and allow for complete candor, The Freedom Writers Diaries is filled with astounding vignettes from 150 students who, like civil rights activist Rosa Parks and The Freedom Riders, heard society tell them where to go - and refused to listen.

Book - 320 pgs. Pub. 12/06
Movie - Rated PG-13, 2007

Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck

First published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath is a landmark of American literature. This Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of The Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of one Oklahoma farm homestead by the "land companies" and forced to travel west to the promised land of California. A portrait of conflict between the powerful and the powerless, the novel captures teh horrors of the Drepression and probes the very nature of equality in America.

Book - 464 pgs. Pub. 1939
Movie - Not Rated - 1940

You can vote on the poll at the right ----->. You have until January 6th to cast your vote!

The Christmas Sweater

2009-12-18T11:09:00.003-06:00

We had a small, intimate group meet last night at Lori N.'s house for dessert and discussion of the book The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. As an added bonus we got to chat with Cindy N. on the phone!

This was a little different that our typical Christmas themed books as it had more meat to it and make you think about things more. Our average rating was 7.4 and our descriptive words were:

Moving
Delightful
Warming
Redemptive
Parable
Frustrating
Heartbreaking
Wholesome

January Selection - VOTE NOW!

2009-11-23T13:57:00.009-06:00

These war/missionary themed selections come to us from Betty Jo...

The Zookeeper's Wife, by Diane Ackerman

The New York Times bestseller: a true story in which the keepers of the Warsaw zoo saved hundreds of people from Nazi hands.

Paperback, Publication date 9/08, 368 pages

Chameleon Days: An American Boyhood in Ethiopia, by Tim Bascom

At the age of three, in 1964, Tim Bascom is thrust into a world of eucalyptus trees and stampeding baboons when his family moves from the Midwest to Ethiopia. Unflinchingly observant, young Tim reveals his missionary parents' struggles in a sometimes hostile country. Sent reluctantly to boarding school in the capital, Bascom finds that beyond the gates enclosing that peculiar, isolated world, conflict roils Ethiopian society; as he grows older, the secret riot drills at school create in him a mounting unease. While visiting his parents' home, where another missionary family has fled after an attack by rampaging students, Tim witnesses the disintegration of his family's African idyll as Haile Selassie's empire begins to crumble. Like Alexandra Fuller's Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, Chameleon Days chronicles social upheaval through the keen yet naive eyes of a child. Bascom offers readers a fascinating glimpse of missionary life, much as Barbara Kingsolver did in The Poisonwood Bible.

Paperpack, Publication date 6/06, 256 pages

In the Presence of My Enemies, by Gracia Burnham

Soon after September 11, the news media stepped up its coverage of Martin and Gracia Burnham, the missionary couple held hostage in the Philippine jungle by terrorists with ties to Osama bin Laden. After a year of captivity and a violent rescue that resulted in Martin's death, the world watched Gracia Burnham return home in June 2002.
In this riveting personal account, Burnham tells for the very first time the real story behind the news--about their harrowing ordeal, about how it affected their relationship with each other and with God, about the terrorists who held them, about the actions of the U.S. and Philippine governments, and about how they were affected by the prayers of thousands of Christians throughout the world.

Paperback, Publication date 3/04, 368 pages

You have until November 30th to vote!

In the meantime, be reading our December book The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck!

November Meeting

2009-11-23T13:47:00.005-06:00

We had a nice, big crowd meet at Cindy P.'s house for dinner last Thursday for a southern comfort food themed dinner. I must say, we have some fabulous cooks! What a spread! Thanks to everyone for making such a wonderful dinner.

We did get around to discussing the book, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett (and there was a lot to discuss!). This is the highest rated book that I can remember, coming in with an average of 8.8. Our descriptive words were:

Moving
Embarrassing
Powerful
Cultural
Sassy
Invigorating
Revealing
Layered
Insightful
Thought-provoking
Intriguing
Impactful
Stereotypical

Southern Food Dinner

2009-11-12T09:46:00.002-06:00

We'll be meeting on Thursday, November 19th at 7:00pm at Cindy P's house. You should have received an email with RSVP instructions. If not, please post a comment to let me know.

The book we'll be discussing is The Help by Kathryn Stockett and because it takes place in the south, our dinner theme is Southern Comfort Food. You can make something from the book, something you've always loved, or try out a new recipe. Here's a few links to help you look for recipes...

www.pauladean.com
www.southernfood.about.com
www.olsouthrecipes.com
www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com

Guidelines

2009-10-24T10:14:00.002-05:00

Your book club committee met to discuss some of the concerns going on and we thought it would be a good idea to bring back the "Guidelines" that were in place (with some updates) once upon a time. Following these guidelines will help to keep our meetings on track and allow us to have more fun together. Here they are:

Be considerate and respectful during discussions. Debate and disagreement is normal (after all, we're not all going to like every book every month), but we need to be tactful and mindful of others feelings.
You should have read the book in order to participate in the discussion. You're welcome to attend the meeting and connect with friends if you haven't read the book, but during the discussion, you are an observer, not a participant.
Please don't monopolize the discussion. Give everyone a chance to speak.
It helps to come prepared to the meeting with a question about the book in mind.
Invite friends!! This book club is not affiliated with any group or church. Everyone is welcome.

December Book Selections!

2009-10-16T11:13:00.001-05:00

These Christmas themed books come from Tami...

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor -- we just were. We never wanted for anything, except maybe more time together....When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder -- and money tighter -- since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that some how his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning. What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room. Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family -- and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell -- to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart. Based on a deeply personal true story,The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

Hardcover, Publication Date 11/2008, 284 pages

The Last Noel by Michael Malone

Noni, a white woman, and Kaye, an African-American man, are born on Christmas Day, 1955. Just before their eighth birthday, they meet. On 12 different Christmas Days, we watch them as they reunite. Like a ballet duet, their comings and goings draw our attention and sympathy.

Paperback, Publication Date 11/2002, 304 pages

The Christmas Clock, by Kat Martin

Sylvia Winters just found a job and an apartment in her hometown of Dreyerville, Michigan, but she is hesitant to return. Eight years ago, she jilted her fiancé, Joe Dixon, telling him that she was moving to Chicago because small-town living was not for her. But she was lying. Syl was headed to Chicago to be treated for cervical cancer. Sadly, Joe never knew the real reason she left him. Confused and distraught, he turned to drinking to heal the pain, until he accidentally killed a man and served years in jail. Now Syl and Joe are both back in town, but it will take a miracle to bring them back into each other’s arms.Also in town is Lottie Sparks and her grandson, Teddy. Ever since Lottie’s daughter was killed in a drunk-driving accident, Lottie’s been in charge of Teddy. He appreciates her love more than she knows, so much so that the industrious eight-year-old hits up Joe’s auto body shop, so he can save enough money by Christmas to buy his grandmother a Victorian clock she adores—one that vividly reminds her of her childhood, even as the rest of her memories are slipping away with the onset of advanced Alzheimer’s.As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, matters in the Sparks’ household take a turn for the worse. And with winter approaching, will a little hope and a big dose of Christmas magic be enough to make everything all right again?

Hardcover, Publication Date 10/2009, 160 pages

I've recently added a few links to the right that may be useful in your decision making. You can use the library link to check on how many copies are available in the system, how long the hold list is, and place a hold for yourself. There are also links to online bookstores selling both new and used books, both at reduced prices. If you choose to purchase a book, consider going in on it with another book club friend.

Comments welcome! Remember you can use the comments section of this blog to help each other. If you find a good price on the book somewhere... post it! If you discover that the hold list is 100 people long... post it! The more information we have about the books, the better choice we will make in our selection.

You have through October 23rd to vote!

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-10-16T09:47:00.006-05:00

Several ladies met at Betty Jo's to discuss The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Well, it was an interesting discussion, and many didn't exactly enjoy the book, given some of the language. But it's about connecting after all. Speaking of which...

Let's see, our purpose says "The 3rd Thursday Book Club was started to connect women of all ages, to stir emotion, to generate friendships and eat really good food."

Connect women of all ages - Check
Stir emotion - Double Check
Generate Friendships - Check (We have seen some new faces lately.)
Eat Really Good Food - Check! (Thanks Betty Jo!)

The descriptive words were:
Twisted
Disgusting
Bizarre
Interesting
Cynical
Creative
Confusing
Chaotic

And the average rating was 4.1

October meeting

2009-10-15T08:58:00.004-05:00

We'll be meeting for dessert at Betty Jo's place this Thursday, October 15th at 7:00pm. The book we'll be discussing is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

If you need Betty Jo's address or directions, please email me.

November Book Selections

2009-09-30T13:56:00.010-05:00

These are the book selections for the month of November, submitted by Katy M. You can vote for your favorite on the poll to the right ----->

Crazy for God, by Frank Schaeffer

By the time he was nineteen, Frank Schaeffer’s parents, Francis and Edith Schaeffer, had achieved global fame as bestselling evangelical authors and speakers, and Frank had joined his father on the evangelical circuit. He would go on to speak before thousands in arenas around America, publish his own evangelical bestseller, and work with such figures as Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Dr. James Dobson.

But all the while Schaeffer felt increasingly alienated, precipitating a crisis of faith that would ultimately lead to his departure—even if it meant losing everything.

With honesty, empathy, and humor, Schaeffer delivers “a brave and important book” (Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog)—both a fascinating insider’s look at the American evangelical movement and a deeply affecting personal odyssey of faith.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step in Kathryn Stockett's New York Times bestselling debut, The Help . . .Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can look like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving book filled with poignancy, humour, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

A Painted House, by John Grisham

Until that September of 1952, Luke Chandler had never kept a secret or told a single lie. But in the long, hot summer of his seventh year, two groups of migrant workers -- and two very dangerous men -- came through the Arkansas Delta to work the Chandler cotton farm. And suddenly mysteries are flooding Luke's world.

A brutal murder leaves the town seething in gossip and suspicion. A beautiful young woman ignites forbidden passions. A fatherless baby is born ... and someone has begun furtively painting the bare clapboards of the Chandler farmhouse, slowly, painstakingly, bathing the run-down structure in gleaming white. And as young Luke watches the world around him, he unravels secrets that could shatter lives -- and change his family and his town forever....

Remember, the book to be reading for October is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

The Memory Keepers Daughter

2009-09-18T16:17:00.002-05:00

We met at Katy M.'s house last night to discuss the book The Memory Keeper's Daughter. We had a great time visiting and eating, and even got around to the book! The subject matter of the book was a bit disturbing, but we had a good conversation about it nonetheless. Our average rating was 5.7 and our descriptive words were:

Interesting
Appalling
Depressing
Wanting
Puzzling
Evasive
Hopeless
Tragic
Difficult

Meeting Thursday 9/17/09

2009-09-14T16:53:00.002-05:00

Don't forget, we're meeting to discuss The Memory Keeper's Daughter this Thursday at Katy M.'s house at 7:00pm. Call or e-mail me if you need directions.

The winning book for October is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

Happy Reading!!

October Book Selection - VOTE NOW!

2009-08-24T13:35:00.008-05:00

These are our book selections (provided by Wendy L.) for the month of October. You'll have until Monday, August 31st to vote for the book of your choice. I'll follow up with an email to announce the winner.

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz

(Please ignore the "Click to look inside"... it's not gonna happen.)

Home. A grown woman should know where that is, right? So why is attorney Tandy Sinclair so confused? Is home in Orlando, with her dream job and the only "man" in her life, a Basset hound? Or is it in sleepy Stars Hill, Tennessee, with Daddy, Momma's grave, and three crazy, lovable sisters? Forced into a leave of absence from her job, Tandy heads for Tennessee to find answers. But Stars Hill isn't as sleepy as she remembers. Daddy's got a new "friend", and the sisters have more going on than she ever imagined. And the high school flame she thought was off playing soldier? Think again. Now Tandy's more confused than ever and facing some hard decisions. Decisions that will lead her to a true understanding of home - and what it means to live a dream.

Always Looking Up, by Michael J. Fox

"The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD? Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one.."

Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through the critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. The book is a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's. With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

A most untraditional love story, this is the celebrated tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate affair endures across a sea of time and captures them in an impossibly romantic trap that tests the strength of fate and basks in the bonds of love.

Remember, this vote is for the month of October so you have plenty of time to find the book. You have one week, until Monday, August 31st to vote. Until then, you should be reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, which is our book for September.

August "Picking Party"

2009-08-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

It's a new bookclub year and we're tryin' out some new ideas. We met last night for our annual "picking party", although it wasn't just books we were picking. Instead we were picking months. Let me explain.... people got to volunteer (or not) to be responsible for book selections for a given month. Here's how it works:

Two months prior to the month you signed up for, you select three books that seem of interest to you. You have total freedom in your book selection... it's your month. You can choose books from one specific genre of your choice OR three books in totally different genres. You can pick books that you've read or simply ones that you've been wanting to.
I post the books on the blog, along with a brief synopsis and picture.
Everyone gets a week to vote.
Two months later, we meet and talk about the book.

This is an opportunity for those that would like a say in the book selection, to guarantee to have one. It also gives us a chance to read more current books, if that's what we're interested in... the votes will speak for themselves!

Any questions? Pose it in the comments section... you're probably not the only one confused!

Stay tuned... I'll be posting October's book selections up for vote this weekend!

Firefly Lane

2009-07-17T14:23:00.001-05:00

We had a nice size group meet at Victoria's Italian Restaurant in Green Bay on Thursday. The size of the book (479 pages) seemed to scare a few people, but once you got into it, it really was a fast read. The questions provided in the back of the book helped (a little) to keep us on topic, but it seems to always get away from us, especially when you add dinner. Good food, a good book, and good friends... what more can you ask for?

Our average rating was 7.8 and the descriptive words were...

Reminiscent
Captivating
Memorable
Engaging
Fluffy

Exciting changes

2009-06-26T08:44:00.007-05:00

We thought we might mix some things up for bookclub next year and one of the changes we've been talking about is having a vote on the blog for our monthly book selection. This would allow us to have more current books on our reading list. We thought we'd test it out with our July selection. Here are your choices...

The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

The letters comprising this small charming novel begin in 1946, when single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton (nom de plume Izzy Bickerstaff) writes to her publisher to say she is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites articulate—and not-so-articulate—neighbors to write Juliet with their stories, the book's epistolary circle widens, putting Juliet back in the path of war stories. The occasionally contrived letters jump from incident to incident—including the formation of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while Guernsey was under German occupation—and person to person in a manner that feels disjointed. But Juliet's quips are so clever, the Guernsey inhabitants so enchanting and the small acts of heroism so vivid and moving that one forgives the authors (Shaffer died earlier this year) for not being able to settle on a single person or plot. Juliet finds in the letters not just inspiration for her next work, but also for her life—as will readers.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all - beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable.
So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.
For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship - jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart... and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery.
An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel.
A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.
A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.
It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana . . . and an East Texas honky-tonk . . . and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda . . . an upscale New York gallery . . . a downtown dumpster . . . a Texas ranch.
Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, this true story also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.

Cast your vote in the poll to the right!!

Murder Passes the Buck

2009-06-20T12:31:00.005-05:00

Last Thursday, an intimate group of seven met at The Ladder House for book club. We discussed (among other things) the book, Murder Passes the Buck by Deb Baker. Everyone seemed to get a good laugh from the book (at least those that read it). As always, it was just great to get together, share, eat dinner, and have a great time. OH!!! And our waitress was so excited about women meeting and having a book club that she didn't charge anyone for drinks!! (Okay, so maaaybe she just wanted a bigger tip.)

Our average rating was 6.4 and our descriptive words were...

hoot

engaging

surprising

finally silly

fun

And we got the waitress to take our picture so we're all included!

The Color Of Water May 2009

2009-05-25T09:43:00.004-05:00

We had a very special guest at book club this month. Since it was my last physical book club (conference call next time!! :)), the girls invited Blackie and brought presents!! :) Thank you all of you girls. You are all very special chicks and I love you!! :)

We had a hard time staying focused on the discussion of the book (what else is new). Teri had some questions that she found online. We all enjoyed the book and it opened our eyes to the struggles of a mixed race family, what a mom is capable of and how family dynamics can either really make you or really mess you up.

Our average rating was 7.69 and our descriptive words were.....
Easy Read
Fascinating
Compelling
Encouraging
Confusing
Harrowing
Enlightening
Captivating

The next book discussion will be at the Ladderhouse on June 18, 2009. The book is a mystery called Murder Passes the Buck by Deb Baker. Here's a little tidbit to get you excited....
***************
Gertie Johnson may be outspoken, distrustful of banks, and a quick draw with the pepper spray, but she hasn't lost her marbles. Her son Blaze, the sheriff in a backwoods community of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is petitioning to become her legal guardian, but Gertie, a sassy sixty-six-year-old widow with a taste for detective work, has got bigger fish to fry: solving the murder of Chester Lampi who was shot dead in his deer blind. Blaze-who's more interested in retiring than investigating-rules Chester's death as a hunting accident. So, Gertie takes on the case with help from her friends, man-hungry Cora Mae and pin-curled Kitty. Interrogating neighbors, spying, impersonating the FBI . . . the stubborn, spunky grandmother won't give up the chase even when the killer takes aim at her.

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-14T06:44:00.004-05:00

Mary, Tami, Wendy and I attended the National Day of Prayer conference in Green Bay on May 7, 2009. The speaker was Immaculee Ilibagiza who wrote Left to Tell, her story of surviving the Rwandan genocide. We had lunch and listened to her retell her story of surviving through prayer. What an amazing lady.

Truck Love

2009-04-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

Mary and Tami had the incredible pleasure of hearing, seeing and talking to Michael Perry. Mary says he's charming. He does, in fact, look better in real life. :) Glad you chicks had fun and thanks for sharing your wonderful picture. :)

April 2009 - The Shack

2009-04-21T15:14:00.005-05:00

It was a lively bunch, as usual, to discuss The Shack by William P. Young at Ann's house. We enjoyed good discussion, raspberry brownie dessert and laughing!

Everyone liked the book. We discussed the religious aspects, the mom/parent subjects, info about the author. Most of us agreed that some of the book was hard to get through because he intimately described some disturbing topics. But I think we all agree that it was hard to put down.

Here is our average rating and our descriptive words...

9.3 is our average rating

Intimate
Transforming
Satisfying
Stretching
Emotional
Healing
Comforting
Provocative
Intriguing
Challenging
Relational
Imaginative

Our next book is The Color Of Water by James McBride. Our discussion will be on 5-21-09 at Teri H's house for a dessert. Here is a little tidbit of the book to get you excited...

James McBride grew up one of twelve siblings in the all-black housing projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn, the son of a black minister and a woman who would not admit she was white. The object of McBride's constant embarrassment, and his continuous fear for her safety, his mother was an inspiring figure, who through sheer force of will saw her dozen children through college, and many through graduate school. McBride was an adult before he discovered the truth about his mother: the daughter of a failed itinerant Orthodox rabbi in rural Virginia, she had run away to Harlem, married a black man, and founded an all-black Baptist church in her living room in Red Hook. In this remarkable memoir, she tells in her own words the story of her past. Around her narrative, James McBride has written a powerful portrait of growing up, a meditation on race and identity, and a poignant, beautifully crafted hymn from a son to his mother.

Feb and March....2 posts in one! :)

2009-03-24T14:13:00.007-05:00

I'm sorry, girls. I've been a total slacker! Here it is, March, and I'm just getting around to updating the blog since January! urgh.

Anyway, here's the latest book club news.

Our February book, A Thousand Splendid Suns was discussed over dinner at Cindy N's house. We had Afghan food and it was delicious. Most of us liked the book. There was discussion about the sadness of what the ladies in the book went through and how it goes on today in many places. We discussed the little pieces of happiness they encountered. We did, however, forget to rate the book and give our descriptive words.

Our March book, Truck: A Love Story was discussed over dinner at Holly's house. It was a last minute change of locations and I have to say, Holly stepped it up! Her table was adorable with flowers, seeds and even a little truck! We brought "Wisconsin" foods. Yes, there were brats (the sausage kind, not the icky little kid kind)!

The book got an average rating of 8.06 and our descriptive words were Cathartic, Charming, a Rictus Dither, Delightful, Organic, Amusing, Intriguing, Simple and Seedy. It was a fun and delicious night.

Our next book is The Shack by William P. Young. Our discussion will be a dessert hosted by Ann. Here's a teaser of the book for you!

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

January 2009 Under the Overpass

2009-01-16T09:04:00.002-06:00

We blazed through the extreme cold weather to meet at Wendy's house to discuss Under the Overpass by Mike Yankowski. We discussed homelessness, how mental illness plays a big part, what we can do to help and also asked What Would Jesus Do about issues we go through in our lives today. As usual, we strayed off the discussion a few times, but all in all, we stuck to the book. I admit, I didn't read the book but that didn't keep me from sharing my opinion or ideas on different issues. We also enjoyed a super yummy dessert Wendy made. It's always fun to get together with the chicks!

Here is how we rated the book and the words we used to describe it....

7.67 was how we rated it.
Unsettling
Thought-provoking
Semi-intriguing
Gutsy
Readable and Eye-opening
Mind Challenging

Our book for February is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Grab a copy and plan for a fun night discussing it during dinner at Cindy N's house on Feb. 19.

December 2008 Christmas Letters

2008-12-31T22:04:00.002-06:00

Well, our December discussion was fun and festive. We met at Cindy D's house which was decked out in Christmas decor. We discussed our book, Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber. Most of us thought it was a fluffy, no brainer book, but nice at this time of year when our minds are full of shopping lists, baking, running to see this family and that friend. We thought it didn't have enough discussion about Christmas letters. That would have been better. :) We took our tally and our descriptive words and here they are.....

4.9 is what we rated it and here are our words -
Airy
Silly
Quick
OK
Fluffy
Trite
Sweet
Light

Nov. 2008 - The Ultimate Gift

2008-12-01T19:02:00.002-06:00

We all settled into Julie's home theater room to watch our Movie Tie-in, The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall.

The movie was pretty different from the book, but most of us enjoyed both. The book was a little treasure full of life's lessons. The movie was touching and had a little bit of romance.....more of a chick flick. :)

Our book for December is Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber. We'll meet at Cindy D's house on Dec. 18th. Here is a little tidbit to get you excited.

October 2008 - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

2008-10-24T10:58:00.008-05:00

We enjoyed a tasty Chinese dinner at Tami's house this month for our October book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. There were egg rolls, wontons, chicken dishes, soups, YUM! We had so much fun that we forgot to take a picture of the entire group. A couple of chickees had left when we took the picture, but we all had a good time discussing the book and, Oh, the foot binding!

Here are our words to describe the book and how we rated it...

We rated it an average of 7.9 on a scale between 1-10

our words about it...

Culturally oppressive
deceptive
horizon expanding
eye opening
thought provoking
shocking
heart wrenching
challenging
intimate

Our November book is called The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. It is a wonderful, quick read. I already got it, read it and want my kids to read it. This month's theme is Movie Tie-in and we'll be meeting at Julie F's house for a night of a movie, popcorn, chocolate, soda or other beverages! :) Here is a little tidbit about the book to get you excited..

Red Stevens owned everything a man could ask for and gave his family a piece of that everything. However, right before he died Red Stevens realized one thing. Red looked down along the long list of things he gave his family and suddenly came to the conclusion that he had given them nothing by giving them everything. While most of his family were lost causes because of his mistake, one stood out with potential to learn. That one was in store for the year to end all years. That one was his nephew Jason.

and the movie...
The Ultimate Gift

Watch your emails in a few weeks for directions to Julie's house! :)

The Giver

2008-06-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

We met at The Log Den. Apparently, they have just changed the menu, so some of the food was kind of, well, not what was expected. The inside of the restaurant was beautiful. We had a good time talking, as usual! Of course, we talked about the book AND so many other things.

We talked about things like Stirrings, Sameness, cults, love and families. Overall, we all thought the book was ok, not great, but just ok. Here are the average and our words to describe the book......

Average was 6.5

Our Descriptive words....

Weird
Disturbing
Lacking
Truman Show
Controlled
Fantasy
Disappointing
Unfinished
Intriguing

The Nanny Diaries

2008-06-20T07:37:00.004-05:00

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I was slacking and didn't update this after our fun night at Lori's watching the Nanny Diaries. The good news is, I'm doing it now!! :)

It all happened on a Thursday night! hee hee We all gathered at Lori's house to snuggle in to watch the Nanny Diaries since we had all just read the book. Most of us were pretty disappointed in the book and the movie. It was entertaining, sure, but the movie only followed the book a little bit. There was a nanny. There was a mom, cheating dad and little (cute) boy. Harvard Hottie was even in the movie, but the movie ended sweetly, unlike the book. Oh well. It was fun to gather with the girls. Here are our ratings and comments......

Book Rating average -6.25
Movie Rating average - 5.1
Comments (we didn't stick to the One Word Rule) ~

So Different
Book More Engaging
Harvard Hottie
Thought the Movie would be funnier
Hit It
Well Written
Different - too close to real
Fun style writing
slow movie/ fun book to read
Too real

The Quilter's Apprentice

2008-04-18T13:20:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful time discussing this month's book, The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. We were supposed to meet at Jan's house, but she had some kind of major plumbing issues, so we switched and had it at Cindy's house. Of course, Jan cooked some SUPER YUMMY desserts (nobody was surprised at how beautiful the food was). See for yourself.

9 of us chicks gathered to talk and eat. Cindy even made a few of the quilt blocks and printed out some of them so we could actually see what they looked like. Jan found some questions about the book, and we TRIED to stay on task, but usually went off on some crazy tangent and laughed a lot. One of us even read the wrong book. Now she's a month ahead! :)

Here are our descriptive words about the book and our overall rating was 6.1325. :)
Pleasant
Heartwarming
Sew Sew (She JUST HAD TO use these words, but she really liked the book)
A Stitch (hee hee, another play on words. Silly chicks)
Cozy
Cutsie
Friendship
Fresh Air

Our next book is the Nanny Diaries. It's our Movie Tie-in book so we plan to meet at Julie F's house to watch the movie. Grab a copy and we'll see you Thursday May 15. Here's a tidbit to get you excited....

The book.
The movie.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

2008-03-29T18:09:00.013-05:00

Here are the long awaited pictures of our latest discussion of The Good Earth. I'll have to post the numbers later since my kid took the car with my purse in it! ;)

Our discussion was held at Mary's house. Wasn't the table set beautifully??

This dessert was Good Earth! Yummy

These were Red Eggs ~ Pickled eggs. They were delicious!

And here is a picture of the wonderful man who parked our cars so we wouldn't have to walk in the snow and mud. Thanks Randall!!

The theme of the month was chinese and we had some delicious food and, of course, GREAT discussions about the book and SO MANY other things.

The book for our April 17 meeting is The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. This is under the Wisconsin Author category. It will be a dessert discussion at Jan's house, so just read the book and come enjoy the food, discussion and chick friends!

The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

2008-02-28T11:23:00.003-06:00

Our evening was spent at Cindy's house. We crammed 12 people into her small dining area and enjoyed DELICIOUS Peruvian food. There was chicken, beef, sweet rice dishes, ptotatoes and salads. We filled our stomachs with great food, and discussed The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans. Here are our ratings and descriptive words....

The overall rating on this book on a scale from 1-10 was 7.625
Our words were...
cute
enticing
heart-warming
influential
whimsical
motivating
far fetched
inspirational
introspective
flowery
adventurous
vacation

Our next book discussion will be held at Mary's house on March 20. The book to read is The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. We will be having a Chinese themed dinner. Below are recipe links. :)

http://chef2chef.net/recipes/section/chinese/page1.php
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mjw/recipes/ethnic/chinese/
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/blrecipe.htm

Thr3e by Ted Dekker

2008-01-18T12:39:00.001-06:00

Wow, it was an exciting evening for the book club chicks at the Nightingale Supper Club. We missed all of you who couldn't make it. Here we are at the restaurant.

As usual, we rated the book and described it in one word. Here are the ratings and words.....
Suspenseful
Curious
Unpredictable
Disturbing
Frustrating
Reviting
Intense
Intriguing
Scary

Rated - 8.65

The most exciting point of the evening was when Cindy tried to catch the place on fire. Somehow she flicked the napkin from the appetizer basket over the candle. It caught fire and it took a while for it to kick into her brain to put it into the water. It was quite funny and we even entertained the other diners. Here is what was left of the napkin.

Next month's book is The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans. Here is a preview to get you excited....

Just a week before their marriage, Christine's fiance calls off the wedding, leaving her heartbroken. With hopes of helping her through a difficult time, Christine's best friend Jessica enrolls them both on a humanitarian mission in Peru, to work at an orphanage called El Girasol — The Sunflower.

It is while working at the orphanage that Christine meets Paul Cook, a successful and charismatic American doctor who has fled the States after one fatal day took away his career, his faith, and the woman he loved.

Unplanned events lead Paul and Christine into the jungle of the Amazon, where Christine must confront her deepest fears, and she, and Paul, must both learn to trust and love again.

The Christmas Bus

2007-12-21T08:46:00.001-06:00

We had such a great time last night! Thanks for hosting our discussion, Marlyce. :) There were 17 chicks who showed up to discuss our December book, The Christmas Bus. I posted both pictures so we have proof of both Cindy and Judy being there! :) hahaha

We rated the book and gave one word to describe the book. Here are our words.....

Cute
Delightful
Predictable
Nice/Light
Soft/Fuzzy
Sweet
Fluffy
Christmasy
Joyful
Festive
Cliff-Hanger
Cozy
Vegeterian
Sappy
Repetetive
Ho-Hum

The average rating on this book was 5.47. We missed you girls who couldn't make it, but we will hopefully see everyone in January.

Our next book to read is Three by Ted Dekker. It is a Mystery Theme. There is a change in the place to meet, but I have to get it all squared away before I post. Watch your email! :)

And Have a SUPER, WONDERFUL CHRISTmas! :)

The Christmas Bus

2007-11-19T16:27:00.001-06:00

Our December book club discussion will be about The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson. The fun will be at Marlyce's house and will be a dessert. We'll meet at 7 on Thursday, Dec. 20.

Here is a small tidbit to get you excited....Grab a copy and get reading! :)

Glass Castle Discussion

2007-11-19T16:19:00.001-06:00

What a good book!!! What a great discussion. If you didn't get a chance to read this book, I totally encourage you to get a copy and read it. Carol read the book in one night! We met at Carol's house and here are some words we used to describe the book.......(thanks, Teri, for writing these down!)

Resilient
Forgiving
Inspiring
Exciting
Harmful
Strength
Determination
Non-judgmental
Put-downable
Eccentric
Triumphant
Unconditional
Thought provoking
Unbelievable
Daring

The average rating was.... 7.46 (on a scale from 1 to 10 ~ 10 being the bestest)

Here's a group shot of all the chicks that got to be there that night! *Julie C was our photographer...Thanks Julie!!

The Glass Castle

2007-10-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

Good day, Ladies! Our next book discussion will be about The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It will be held at Carol B's house on Thurs., November 15. Grab a copy of the book, and we'll see ya on the 3rd Thursday of this month!! :) Here is one review of the book... The Glass Castle

Indian Recipes

2007-10-01T16:46:00.000-05:00

Here are some websites with Indian Recipes. I figured I'd throw these out there for everyone since our next discussion will be an Indian Themed Dinner.

http://www.recipesindian.com/

http://www.indianfoodforever.com/

http://www.syvum.com/recipes/ivrindex.html

Left To Tell Readers

2007-10-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

This link was sent to me from Morgan. If you read Live to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza, you might want to check it out. It's a blog by some people who are missionaries in Rwanda today. It's pretty interesting. Thanks Morgan! :)

Travis and Astrid

Corn Bread Casserole

2007-10-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

This is the cornbread casserole that Tammy brought to the book club discussion night. YUMMY-LICIOUS! :)

Corn Bread Casserole

1 can cream style corn

1 can whole kernal corn, drained

1 stick butter

8 oz. sour cream

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 pkg corn muffin mix

Heat cream style corn in saucepan with butter. Add drained sweet corn to creamed mixture. Cool. Add sour cream, slightly beaten eggs, & corn muffin mix. Blend completely & pour into a 8 x 12 pan. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 - 60 min., until golden brown.

Hot Corn Dip Recipe

2007-09-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

Here it is! :) Enjoy!

HOT CORN DIP WITH CRISPY TORTILLA CHIPS

Ingredients needed:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups corn kernels (from 4 ears fresh white or yellow corn)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup finely chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped green onions (green and white parts)
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup Mayonnaise
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Crispy Tortilla Chips or Fritos

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels turn deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. (The corn will make a popping sound as it cooks.) Pour the corn into a mixing bowl.

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until the onions are wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the green onions, jalapeño, and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the corn and let cool.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Add the mayonnaise, 1 cup of the grated cheese, and the cayenne to the corn mixture and mix well. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve hot with the chips.

Our First Discussion of the '07-'08 Season

2007-09-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

Our first discussion of the season was very fun. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Julie C's house. Great discussion of the book A Walk Across America. We all shared our favorite parts and our least favorite parts of the book. Here are some pictures from last night....

Our next discussion will be an Indian Themed Dinner at Tami P's house chatting about The Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. Grab a copy and start reading!! :)

Here's a little about it to get you excited.....

The Life of Pi is the story of a 16-year old Indian boy adrift at sea for 227 days with only a dangerous Bengal tiger for a companion. Pi Patel's journey, and survival through the use of his wits and sheer determination, is one that grabs you and never lets go. Yann Martel is a master story teller and he weaves a tale that is entertaining and thought-provoking and at the end, he challenges you to believe it all. A top-notch read. From our review, "Life of Pi is a delicious treat to savor."