February Book Club

We just finished our February Book Club and discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird. Uh-oh...I better go back and correct myself. Ever since we read the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society we've taken to referring to ourselves as a "Society". So, our "Society" met at Laura's. She made a wonderful gumbo and an even better bread pudding. That is saying a lot coming from me because I love me a good gumbo but am not so keen on bread pudding. They are different every where you try them and some I've tried have just been awful. Actually, that shouldn't be that surprising since they are technically made from stale bread. There is a nack to whipping up one that is the right consistency of "jiggly". Kudo's to the meal, which was rounded out nicely by Terry's salad, some french bread and a simple appetizer of Pecorino Trufalleto cheese and crackers brought by your's truly. Carla G. made a lovely Wine-arita and there was coffee to finish off the dessert.

The discussion of the book was lively and informative as always. Nine of the full "Society" were present and each and every one of us gave the book a 5 (out 5) rating (one might've abstained). I tried to give it a ten but apparently, we are rigid about the rating rules, ha-ha. (I've also tried to give a book a negative number but that didn't go over either, ha-ha). For me, I think Mockingbird is as close to perfect writing as you are ever going to come. Her prose is simple and concise. The story is tight, amounting to just a couple of hundred pages as it spans about 4 years. The story is told by Scout as an adult as she reminisces about a pivotal event in her life one summer. The story is graceful in its telling of the people and the history of a small town in Alabama in the 1930's just prior to WWII. It is a coming of age story of a brother and sister as they learn about life in all its humor and horror. It is the loss of childhood innocence as the kids become aware of very adult themes that include an inadequate education system, racism, prejudice, domestic violence, and isolation. The main theme of the book for me is the reverence that we should feel toward all human life.

The story is poignant and somewhat nostalgic. I realized while I was trying to describe my feelings about the book that it leaves me with the same feeling I get when I watch Charlie Brown's Christmas story. I think that is because both of these works touch the child within me. Lis also wrote a very timely short essay. Lis is from Germany and, though she's lived here for many years, has an outsiders view of the race issue. Lis was reading the book at the time of the election and made some very astute observations and comparisons of that time to this. It was agreed that, yes, we have come a long way but there is more work to be done. I will post a link to Lis' article (with her permission) as soon as I get a chance. (NOTE: someone just pointed out to me that February was also Black History Month.)

Then we also got into a bit of discussion about March's book. The long awaited (for me, anyway) novel by Wally Lamb, "The Hour I First Believed". I will start by saying that his novel, "I Know This Much is True" is one of my top 5 favorite books. I have read it twice and plan to read it again. However, that said, I was a bit disappointed to find that he had used the Columbine High School shootings as the jumping off point for this book. Not that it isn't a relevant issue but I feared the violence of that moment would be too much for me, particularly at this time of year. But we agreed to read it and I rushed out and picked up the CD's at the library. My first instinct was right. I finished it but really wish I hadn't started.

I couldn't help compare the writing of Mockingbird to "Believed". What Harper Lee did in 200 pages it took Lamb 900 (or 20 cd's). His "True" book was just as long but this new effort just didn't have the same impact. In the first book the use of the transcribed journal to tell the story of his grandfather's life was one of my favorite parts. But in this one, the letters he uses to give family history just droned on and on. Carla G. liked the letters, so obviously it's a matter of opinion but it was one of those stories where absolutely nothing good ever happens for the characters and the ending was not a hopeful one. So far, I think 3 of us have finished, about 3 have attempted it and the rest have thrown in the towel. We decided to read a slimmer volume of short stories to round out March.

As always it was a fabulous time that always leaves me wanting more!

To Kill a Mockingbird

I am listening to Sissy Spacek read To Kill a Mockingbird. I love this book and always have. I don't remember the first time I read it but it is one that I bring out every several of years and re-read. Often I think I run across the movie on TV that reminds me it's been a while and that it is time to revisit it. I just think the story is genius. Listening to Sissy Spacek read the story with her soft southern accent adds yet another dimenstion. Her voice, to me, is reminiscent of the girl, Mary Badham, who played Scout in the movie. In fact, as I am listening to the book I am seeing the scenes from the movie. Just prior to listening to Mockingbird, I finished Wally Lamb's new book. It's hard not to make comparisons though it is probably apples to oranges but I will address that after our discussion.

A New Year - A New List

As you can see, I got busy and wasn't so good about updating the book club blog. I will resolve to do better this year. I also resolve not to persecute myself if I don't. We read some great books in 2008. A couple not so good. April and December seemed to be very busy months for people and we tried to read a "classic" in April and no one was able to finish it. Perhaps because it was 19th century lit and was a difficult read or we were just too busy to get into it.

My personal favorite for the year was The Shadow of the Wind. Recommended to me by a fellow male co-worker he said, "You'll be captivated within the first two-three pages." I think it took me only the first couple of paragraphs. Written by a Spanish author, set in Barcelona just after WWII it is a book about a book and it's author. Told in first person, the narrator is 10 years old when the story opens and his father, a book seller, takes him to the Cemetary of Forgotten Books, a sort of archival store house. He tells the boy that he is to take his time but to pick a book the he will be the caretaker of and that he will be responsible for making sure that book is not forgotten. The boy is captivated by the book and when he tries to find out about the author he is taken on a mystery that spans the next 18 years. I thought the writing was eloquent and poetic and the story kept me turning the pages. The funny thing is, and maybe it was because I was savoring the language and the story, but I could not read this one quickly. Somehow I felt I was almost being forced to take my time with it. It is one I will read again and recommend it wholeheartedly to people when given the chance.

Another book that really inspired us was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Another story set just after WWII only this time in the Channel Islands of England. The story is told only through letters that the characters write to each other. We so enjoyed the vehicle of this book. In a day when most communication is in sound bytes, text, and email we had forgotten the excitment of receiving a letter and the pleasure of sitting and taking the time to compose one. So we drew names and our mission was to write "What I Did on My Christmas Vacation" and mail it to our person before the next book club. In January we shared portions of the letters. Some made us roar with laughter and others brought us to tears. It was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. Anyone among us who says we are not writers... is only kidding themselves. But of course, great readers are usually great writers. Or is it great writers are usually great readers?'

For February we have chosen To Kill a Mockingbird which will be a re-read for most of us. But it is the National Library Read. This is a favorite book of mine that I revisit every few years. I look forward to reading it again and to possibly reviewing the movie as well. This is one of those times when I thought the movie totally captured the spirit of the book.

We've picked Wally Lamb's "The Hour I First Believed" for March and "Twin Motives" for April. One of the girl's knows the local author of this book and he will be visiting us when we review his book. How scary for him....or, at least I would be. This will be the 3rd time we've had a local author visit our book club and it is always insightful and enjoyable.

Here's to a great 2009 Book Club!

Happy Easter

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter. Carla and I spent it in Las Vegas with our friends Carolyn and Debbie. Carolyn's daughter got married at the Red Rock Resort and the rest of the time we just saw the sites and had some great food. I've added some pictures you can view on the slide show below. For a better view click on the slide show and it will take you to the flickr site.

Book Club Recap for March

Top of the morning to you and Happy St. Patrick's Day. Thanks for a fun evening of book club food and discussion Friday. I appreciate the food, wine and lovely spring flowers. Denise brought a salad, fresh bread from Carla G., special ingredients from Darby for the paella entrée, brownies from Sherrie, strawberry pudding from Elisabeth, churros from Darby, and wine from several of you. Thanks so much!

1. After such a fine meal, we had a bit of business before our book discussion. I announced that Nicole and Jack are expecting a baby in early Oct. Rex and I are thrilled for them and excited at the prospect of a grandbaby.
2. Natalie asked if she could invite a guest to a future book club and after some discussion our club decided to host a book club "invite friends night".
a. This will be at the August 8th book club at Lou’s house (thanks Lou).
b. We are not recruiting members but many of us are asked by friends and acquaintances how to start a book club so this will be a book club where we show interested guests what we do and maybe spark some new club formations from the experience.
c. Over the next months leading up to this 1st and maybe annual event, we will make plans for the special night.
d. Start thinking about who you will invite and has expressed interest in such.
3. The May book club book is The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. It’s a classic and since we have not read a classic since Wuthering Heights a couple years ago. We decided this one, which is on all the must read lists, needed to be added to our list.

Now onto our discussion. Shadow of the Wind was a big hit, rating 4.87 so far with some votes still pending the completion of the book. Remember to email me your rating when you finish. Since everyone liked the book I"d love to have some short or long quotes as to why. These comments would be great to add to a book list of our favorites and shared with guests on Aug.

Diana's quote "Shadow of the Wind" swept me away within the first few pages. From there, I fell in love with the richly defined characters, became intrigued and entwined in the layers upon layers of stories within stories. Mystery, suspense, drama, love story. Shadow of the Wind is now among my top favorite books; a most satisfying novel.

Elisabeth visited the library Saturday and reported that anyone interested in reading or acquiring the book for future reading, the library's Big Read is Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya is still being given out. Elisabeth picked up her free copy at the Moore library and I got mine in Norman. To read more on the book you can go to: http://bigreadok.com/index.php/novel. If you think you might be interested in this book for a future book club read, it’s a great time to receive a free copy. There are lots of ongoing events scheduled with this book http://bigreadok.com/.

Book Club Recap for February

It was great to be with everyone last night. We missed you Terry. Everyone seemed to liked the book, Maiden Voyage. We thought Tania very brave and admired her fortitude but the majority of us thought it was fool-hardy for her father to send a lone 18 year old on such a dangerous voyage. Tania ultimately found herself and her passions across the vast seas. Her honesty in telling her story was one of the things we liked most. Denise thanks so much for hosting our meeting. Please send the recipe for the yummy vegetable casserole and also the brand of faux chicken used. Barb made delicious ambrosia fruit salad, Darby brought great proccouto, salami, and cream cheese with some kind of tangy pepper sauce and bagel chips. Lou added delicious shrimp, Elisabeth assorted breads and wine, Carla G., assorted cheese and sliced tomatoes, and Janie rounded off a perfect meal with chocolate brownies! Our meals are always so great! The book for March meeting at my house is "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The book for April meeting at Janie's house is "44 Scotland Street" by Alexander McCall Smith. Lou has volunteered to host the month of August. One of our group is embarking on her own voyage. Barb is taking the plunge and headed for San Francisco to work for a few months as a traveling nurse! We will miss you but also so excited for you for following your dream. Carla A. will be driving out with Barb as they leave Feb 18 or 19, then Carla will fly back. They will have a fun trip out there I am sure. Barb be sure and send lots of emails! San Francisco is beautiful and so are you - enjoy this mighty adventure. Well that's all for now. Stay well and happy reading everyone. Love, Diana

January Recap of Book Club

Thank you Lis for hosting a great book club evening. Your mac & cheese is my comfort food of choice! Sherrie and Carla A. brought two yummy homemade soups, butternut squash and mushroom! Janie made a big pot of seasoned green beans and Barb brought a salad so we can say we had a healthy meal. Carla G. brought bread and wine. Darby brought Champagne and Churros which were so good dipped in the Myan Hot Chocolate! Lovely flowers from Arnora and delicious chocolates and fruit from Denise. I hope I didn't miss anything. I tried to sample it all! Good discussion of Isaac's Storm and the book rated 3.65. Some of ourmembers wished it had been written with a more novel approach but many others agreed they learned a lot and found the story compelling and interesting. If anyone would like to add a written review for our groupwe'd love to have contributions. The next meeting will be at Denise's home Feb. 8. Our book then is Maiden Voyage. We chose a book for March which Sherrie had just read and recommended. Arnora read for us a description of the story and we were hooked. The March book will be The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I have volunteered to host the March meeting and Janie has volunteered for April. Let us know if you would like to host a particular month.