July's book club was poolside at Denise's. Our book this month was Clara and Mr. Tiffany recommended by Carla A. This book is a light historical fiction about Clara Driscoll who worked for Tiffany and Company in the early 1900's. Clara headed up the women's department overseeing the stained glass division and it is Clara that is responsible for many of the designs that Louis Comfort Tiffany is credited for including the Tiffany Lamps.
This was a very interesting story handled with a light hand but deals with deep and important issues. Mr. Tiffany would only hire women to work with certain aspects of the stained glass because he felt they had a better sensibility for color and their hands were smaller and more adept at working with the smaller pieces. However, he would not hire married women and as soon as a woman married she had to quit. There was another department of men that also worked on the stained glass and they became jealous and threatened by the women and tried to take over their jobs by force and strike. The woman banded together and crossed the picket line and managed to save their jobs. Clara and Mr. Tiffany did not have a romantic love but they liked and respected each other. They worked on stained glass windows for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago (this is where this book crosses paths with Devil in the White City).
Clara lived in a boarding house with all kinds of interesting characters, some of whom were gay. One of the men dies (most likely of AIDS before they knew what it was) and Clara discovers one of the men she works for is part of this circle. Clara seems to have been very open minded and non-judgmental and counted people of both genders, sexual preferences, intellectual and economic status among her friends.
She came to Tiffany after she was briefly married and widowed. After several years she met another man she intended to marry and quit Tiffany again. But, when this man abandoned her, Tiffany took her back.
We liked this book and it affected Carla deeply. She really wanted this woman's story to be told so that her contributions would not be forgotten.
Denise provided Teriyaki chicken for the main course and it was delicious!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
June Book Club 2011
This book club blog is being written sometime after the fact. Since I left my job at the end of April I have been as busy or busier and my good intentions have simply been that - intentions. But today it is raining (hallelujah!) and I have decided to stay in and catch up on some clerical duties.
June's book club was held in Pam's garden and we read "The 100 Ft. Journey" by Richard Morais. The story begins in Mumbai with Hassan Haji and his family and their family owned restaurant. Hassan's grandfather immigrates to Mumbai and starts out as a "dabba-wallah" - delivering tin lunch boxes but eventually built up his own business and then restaurant where Hassan learns to cook and discovers that he has the equivalent of "perfect pitch" in the kitchen. At 14 his grandfather dies and "so too the last respect we had in the shantytown." They are run out of town when their restaurant is set on fire and Hassan's beloved mother is killed. The family eventually starts over in a suburb of Paris but ends up in a feud with Madame Gertrude Mallory who owns a restaurant across the street.
Ironically, during this feud, Madame Mallory causes a fire that burns Hassan. After his stay and recovery in the hospital, Madame Mallory feels remorse for her actions and invites Hassan to train with her in her restaurant kitchen. It is this 100 ft. journey across the street that changes the course of Hassan's life.
Hassan eventually becomes a famed Parisian chef but all through his life he sees the hand of Madame Mallory guiding him.
Everyone liked this book for the most part. Carla A did feel that the ending of the book fizzled somewhat and did not live up to the richness of the earlier parts. Darby felt that the emphasis on the first parts of the book, on his mother and Madame Mallory were the important foundations of his life and what the author wanted to explore. I didn't feel the ending fizzled but it wasn't told with as much depth of feeling purposely because the author wanted the emphasis on the earlier influences in his life.
June's book club was held in Pam's garden and we read "The 100 Ft. Journey" by Richard Morais. The story begins in Mumbai with Hassan Haji and his family and their family owned restaurant. Hassan's grandfather immigrates to Mumbai and starts out as a "dabba-wallah" - delivering tin lunch boxes but eventually built up his own business and then restaurant where Hassan learns to cook and discovers that he has the equivalent of "perfect pitch" in the kitchen. At 14 his grandfather dies and "so too the last respect we had in the shantytown." They are run out of town when their restaurant is set on fire and Hassan's beloved mother is killed. The family eventually starts over in a suburb of Paris but ends up in a feud with Madame Gertrude Mallory who owns a restaurant across the street.
Ironically, during this feud, Madame Mallory causes a fire that burns Hassan. After his stay and recovery in the hospital, Madame Mallory feels remorse for her actions and invites Hassan to train with her in her restaurant kitchen. It is this 100 ft. journey across the street that changes the course of Hassan's life.
Hassan eventually becomes a famed Parisian chef but all through his life he sees the hand of Madame Mallory guiding him.
Everyone liked this book for the most part. Carla A did feel that the ending of the book fizzled somewhat and did not live up to the richness of the earlier parts. Darby felt that the emphasis on the first parts of the book, on his mother and Madame Mallory were the important foundations of his life and what the author wanted to explore. I didn't feel the ending fizzled but it wasn't told with as much depth of feeling purposely because the author wanted the emphasis on the earlier influences in his life.
Monday, May 23, 2011
May Book Club 2011
I was unable to attend this month's Literary meeting due to a death in the family. Lis stepped up and wrote a guest blog this month and you will find it below. She did a great job! Thanks Lis. I am always open to guest bloggers. Anytime any one of you feels compelled just let me know! Also, I've included instructions for leaving a comment on the sidebar.
Our June gathering and second half of Pillars of the Earth gave us the opportunity to enjoy Terry’s new and comfortable adobe. And what a lovely home it is, oozing of Terry’s personality from every nook and cranny that I was able to stick my nose close to. She had lovingly prepared her back yard for us with lights and lawn pots of spring flowers in hopes of a patio party. Sadly, the wind from a late cold front and the cooler temperatures that it brought with it spoiled her plans and only allowed for a short, cigarette-length hangout before our frosty fingers drove us back inside. In true book club fashion, we crowded the kitchen with food. Terry’s sumptuous pecan-crusted pork loin with strawberry sauce was the crowning jewel, gathering around it our contributions for the evening meal, like a beautiful oriental noodle salad with cashews (yum, I love cashews), an enticing rice pilaf with greens (don’t know what kind but it made my heart pitter patter faster), While waiting for the finishing touches, we snacked, like the queens that we are, on Shrimp Cocktail with gargantuan shrimp, Wild Forest Deviled Eggs with horseradish, scallions, and bacon, and Baba Ghanoush from scratch, ah Heaven. I love my Literary Society pal’s that will help me devour Baba Ghanoush so I can make it for myself – thank you, true and trusty friends. For anybody that left room - and those that have real skill in stacking food just so in their bellies - there was fruit, cheese, brownie, chocolate, and cheesecake snackage to top everything off and have some of us – with less willpower – doubling over with extended stomachs and the moans of “I shouldn’t have taken that second helping.” There was plenty left, after we finally gave up, that could have made our missing members happy; we missed Laura, Denise, Darby, Sherrie, and Lou was only able to stop by for just a little while. Sorry, Sherrie for your sad occasion, she had to pass this month’s blog on and so here I am, Lissy, trying to do justice to the lovely evening in print.
Lounging on Terry’s comfortable sofa or overlooking the group from her breakfast bar stools, we heard about exciting travel plans, a visit with the Dalai Lama, and Pam’s budding star, Sam, landing a role in a Gator Aid commercial. We will be looking for him on television and then excitedly point, exclaiming, “I know that kid.” Terry, Janie, and Diana’s talk of their upcoming European travels fit into the discussion of the 2nd half to Pillars and the historical architecture that they will be musing over. Terry pointed out that the main character of the book was actually the church itself that the whole story wraps around; was it static or did it change? We still didn’t like William or Alfred and wished them the worst – rather, felt justified in the author’s depiction of their final fate. At my comment that we don’t have to feel bad about the stereotyping of Ellen because the author stereotyped all the characters, Terry quickly responded with a grin, “Oh for crying out loud, the 1100’s – that’s where stereotypes come from.” Well said, Terry, we felt redeemed. We all agreed that life in those days is not for us, the more or less pampered 21-century princesses that we deserve to be, honoring ourselves by loving life – or at least book club. Janie re-emphasized how this book has opened up a new world for her, a world of being able to appreciate large, time-intensive volumes. And others, including me, identified with her for not being good, or even poor, readers in school but have grown to love it and consider ourselves good (or at least persistent) readers now. Thanks Literary Society! As far as Janie is concerned, never again will she dismiss a book solely on the grounds of measuring more than 2 cm in thickness.
Hooray, STNM has won another book-soul; if we ever write a book, it could be called Book-Soul Gatherers. Even against my criticism at the writing style and disillusionment about the end being wrapped up too nicely in a package of ‘everybody is taken care of within the confines of the characters and settings,’ the book was well received. Overall thoughts of members were that the diction wasn’t so great, but it had a compelling story. Pillars is an interesting historical fiction about life in the 1100’s, nice details about architecture, religion, and government of the time wrapped up in enough intrigue and controversy to keep the reader turning the pages – even me. Tidy ending - too bad! Solely my bad, sad rating brought the score down to a final 3.69.
Alas, the evening had to come to a close; our literary reality had to give way again to the dream of our lives apart but with the promise of the June book, The Hundred-Foot Journey. Carla The Great introduced us to her ritual of starting a new book. With anticipated pleasure, she will search out a place of great comfort, calm her surroundings, and dedicate a few hours to the new words - then turn the first, crisp page. With that, we separated with the glad knowledge that we would be together again in less than 24 hours to celebrate Darby’s milestone birthday in the Bier Garten of the Royal Bavarian restaurant.
Our June gathering and second half of Pillars of the Earth gave us the opportunity to enjoy Terry’s new and comfortable adobe. And what a lovely home it is, oozing of Terry’s personality from every nook and cranny that I was able to stick my nose close to. She had lovingly prepared her back yard for us with lights and lawn pots of spring flowers in hopes of a patio party. Sadly, the wind from a late cold front and the cooler temperatures that it brought with it spoiled her plans and only allowed for a short, cigarette-length hangout before our frosty fingers drove us back inside. In true book club fashion, we crowded the kitchen with food. Terry’s sumptuous pecan-crusted pork loin with strawberry sauce was the crowning jewel, gathering around it our contributions for the evening meal, like a beautiful oriental noodle salad with cashews (yum, I love cashews), an enticing rice pilaf with greens (don’t know what kind but it made my heart pitter patter faster), While waiting for the finishing touches, we snacked, like the queens that we are, on Shrimp Cocktail with gargantuan shrimp, Wild Forest Deviled Eggs with horseradish, scallions, and bacon, and Baba Ghanoush from scratch, ah Heaven. I love my Literary Society pal’s that will help me devour Baba Ghanoush so I can make it for myself – thank you, true and trusty friends. For anybody that left room - and those that have real skill in stacking food just so in their bellies - there was fruit, cheese, brownie, chocolate, and cheesecake snackage to top everything off and have some of us – with less willpower – doubling over with extended stomachs and the moans of “I shouldn’t have taken that second helping.” There was plenty left, after we finally gave up, that could have made our missing members happy; we missed Laura, Denise, Darby, Sherrie, and Lou was only able to stop by for just a little while. Sorry, Sherrie for your sad occasion, she had to pass this month’s blog on and so here I am, Lissy, trying to do justice to the lovely evening in print.
Lounging on Terry’s comfortable sofa or overlooking the group from her breakfast bar stools, we heard about exciting travel plans, a visit with the Dalai Lama, and Pam’s budding star, Sam, landing a role in a Gator Aid commercial. We will be looking for him on television and then excitedly point, exclaiming, “I know that kid.” Terry, Janie, and Diana’s talk of their upcoming European travels fit into the discussion of the 2nd half to Pillars and the historical architecture that they will be musing over. Terry pointed out that the main character of the book was actually the church itself that the whole story wraps around; was it static or did it change? We still didn’t like William or Alfred and wished them the worst – rather, felt justified in the author’s depiction of their final fate. At my comment that we don’t have to feel bad about the stereotyping of Ellen because the author stereotyped all the characters, Terry quickly responded with a grin, “Oh for crying out loud, the 1100’s – that’s where stereotypes come from.” Well said, Terry, we felt redeemed. We all agreed that life in those days is not for us, the more or less pampered 21-century princesses that we deserve to be, honoring ourselves by loving life – or at least book club. Janie re-emphasized how this book has opened up a new world for her, a world of being able to appreciate large, time-intensive volumes. And others, including me, identified with her for not being good, or even poor, readers in school but have grown to love it and consider ourselves good (or at least persistent) readers now. Thanks Literary Society! As far as Janie is concerned, never again will she dismiss a book solely on the grounds of measuring more than 2 cm in thickness.
Hooray, STNM has won another book-soul; if we ever write a book, it could be called Book-Soul Gatherers. Even against my criticism at the writing style and disillusionment about the end being wrapped up too nicely in a package of ‘everybody is taken care of within the confines of the characters and settings,’ the book was well received. Overall thoughts of members were that the diction wasn’t so great, but it had a compelling story. Pillars is an interesting historical fiction about life in the 1100’s, nice details about architecture, religion, and government of the time wrapped up in enough intrigue and controversy to keep the reader turning the pages – even me. Tidy ending - too bad! Solely my bad, sad rating brought the score down to a final 3.69.
Alas, the evening had to come to a close; our literary reality had to give way again to the dream of our lives apart but with the promise of the June book, The Hundred-Foot Journey. Carla The Great introduced us to her ritual of starting a new book. With anticipated pleasure, she will search out a place of great comfort, calm her surroundings, and dedicate a few hours to the new words - then turn the first, crisp page. With that, we separated with the glad knowledge that we would be together again in less than 24 hours to celebrate Darby’s milestone birthday in the Bier Garten of the Royal Bavarian restaurant.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April Book Club 2011
My, my this year is flying by and we have already passed the April book club! This month we met at Janie's home on Easy Street, which is always a treat. Carla A brought a cold cucumber and avocado soup that was topped with a spicy shrimp. Pam brought a flavorful shrimp and pasta salad, Janie had warm bread and that great Amish butter, Terry brought every one's favorite Pear Salad and Laura brought deviled eggs while Diana topped the evening off with delicious brownies. There was Tisdale wine as well as Champagne. We missed Barb, Lou and Arnora. We weren't expecting Lis as she was getting ready for an early morning flight on Saturday but she was able to stop by after all. This month Denise celebrated her birthday by bringing US all a gift. A small "box of chocolates" because that is how she thinks of us; sweet, soft and mushy - no! that wasn't it. It was because, like the box of chocolate we're all different and you never know what you are going to get! Janie finished all 32 CD's and has decided that she can finally give merit to books with more than 300 pages! For this month, however, we are only discussing about half the book which takes us to Part III. So far the book is getting mixed reviews. Laura is enjoying it but feels that the author's omniscient viewpoint is not always reliable nor is it consistent. Some of the narrative imposes judgment instead of just reporting the events. I didn't quite make it to Part III and a lot of what I was reading initially just screamed "bodice ripper". One of the scenes read, to me, like a bad Penthouse Forum letter. But, maybe this book, inadvertently, is the erotica we've been thinking of reading! Darby feels that the a lot of the characters are stereotypical, the Femme Fatale is the witch for example and that the male characters are better developed. Some of the themes are "man's personal destiny vs. God's will", Paganism vs. Christianity, the chances of your birth, man's limitations. It's also about how your alliances determine your fate and how often it's not about choice but circumstances thrust (pun intended) upon you. A lot of the story revolves around architecture and the building of cathedrals. The time period is interesting historically and a violent time it was. Darby suggested that something similar but better was In the Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. So - stay tuned until next month for the conclusion of "The Young and the Restless..." no wait, I mean "All my Children", not that's not right either - ok, yes! The Pillars of the Earth! May's book Club will be at Terrys'. Don't forget about Darby's BD celebration May 14 at Royal Bavaria! and Welcome to Spring 2011.
March 2011 Book Club
My apologies, ladies, for the lateness of this review. As you all know, I spent the month of March finishing up my job and had my last day on April 1. The month was completely booked with activity and physically and emotionally draining. The people at work, however, could not have been more supportive and kind. In fact, in my 15 years there I have never seen them treat anyone else with more love and respect. I was completely humbled. And, my deepest thanks to you all who have also loved and supported me through this time of huge change and shifts in my life. You guys inspire me and lift me up with confidence and encouragement and I cannot thank you enough. That said - the blog is about a month behind, but better late than never! March's book was The Clockwork Three. It is similar in subject matter to Hugo Cabret and tags off both that book and The Book Thief. The book is about 3 children whose paths cross at a pivotal time in their lives and they embark on a journey hunting for treasure while coming of age in a difficult time. Guiseppe is orphaned, as were the protagonists in Book Thief and Hugo Cabret. A common theme in children's literature as we discussed last month. He is also building a clockwork automaton (as did Hugo) and clocks play an important part as the children work in "time" together to achieve their goals. The consensus was that the book was probably read too close to Hugo Cabret. It was felt that Hugo's story left more to the imagination. Carla G, Darby and Diana found it "predictable". Carla A loved this book and connected to it emotionally, except for the part where the automaton comes to life. Darby said that the book was "fine" and that there was no cursing or throwing of the book during her reading. The final decision was that the book was kind of "vanilla" and not life altering and rated a 3.1 (with of course Carla A's "I loved it"). At this stage of the game, I am not going to try and remember who brought what food. My memory fails me and I can't read my own writing but in honor of the book we had a Cottage Pie, biscuits, fruit, artichoke dip and cookies. Lou, Janie, Denise, Terry and Laura were all missed. April's book club will be at Janie's where we will discuss the first part of The Pillar's of the Earth.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
February Valentine's Pajama Party Book Club
I was house bound for several days during the snow and I had bought a new TV. So, I took the time to relax and watch some favorite movies one of which was Love, Actually. I realized this morning as I read through my Valentine's from you lovely ladies "That in truth Love is Actually, all around." A friend of mine had posted on FB "Nothing like Valentine's Day to make you feel like a loser loner." But, for me nothing could be further from the truth. It's not even Valentine's Day yet and I have a rose and 13 loving messages from people I can call on any time of the day or night for anything! My life is richly blessed with women who never say no to an adventure! Who make me laugh or hold my hand when I cry. We can party with the best of them or hold deeply spiritual and intellectual conversations. No loser loners among us! Instead of dreading Valentine's Day because I am single I am grateful for the day so that I can give and receive the greatest love - of friendship!
On that note, we were missing Pam who is at home recovering from a double mastectomy. She is doing great, however, with a clean pathology report. And she appreciates all the outpouring of love and support she received and we know she'll be back with us soon better than ever! Laura was also missing due to a ski vacation. However, we were able to Skype her in for the discussion portion and what a cool thing that was! Now that we know how that works no one ever really need miss a book club again!
This month, in honor of Valentine's Day, we decided to have book club in our pajamas and have brunch for dinner! It was a great idea. I'd suggest we do it (pj's) every month but then I guess it would not be special after a while. Diana made whole wheat French toast with real Maple Syrup. Lis made 3 cheese & tomato grill cheese sandwiches. Janie brought sausage rolls and Barb brought Turkey in a Blanket, Carla G brought fruit, Darby brought Banana Bread & Terry brought a breakfast casserole. Lou brought Truffles delivered from Chicago. Who knew there was a correct way to eat a Truffle? Turns out it's a little like wine tasting. I might not get the order right but first you lick it, then you sniff it, next you taste it then you breathe in and out. There were a lot of different flavors mixed with the chocolate and they were Truffliscious! Lis also offered Mimosa's and I brought the Bloody Mary's. Arnora brought us each a pink rose and there were a couple of bottles of wine and, of course, coffee.
We exchanged our Valentine's at the end of the discussion and everyone took them home to read at their leisure. I read mine over coffee this morning with a piece of dark chocolate - sitting in my bed and feeling so special!
Our book this month was a "Teen" selection offered by Lou, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". Hugo is a young boy who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His father has died in a fire at the museum leaving him in the care of an uncle who also dies. Hugo's uncle was the clock keeper for the train stations many clocks and on his disappearance Hugo maintains the clocks in order to maintain his secret of living on his own. After the fire, an automaton falls into Hugo's hands and he hides it in his quarters and steals pieces to try and fix it. The automaton is a kind of robot and this one is poised to write or draw something. Hugh is steeling from Papa George Mileis, a gruff owner of a toy booth in the station and Hugo strikes up a friendship with Papa George's god-daughter, Isabelle. There is plenty of mystery in the story as Papa George and Hugo find their connection and the mystery of the automaton is solved. In the end it turns out that Papa George was one of the first people involved in the making of silent movies and the automaton belonged to him before it ended up at the museum.
The book is highly illustrated with beautiful black and white sketches that are part of the narrative and work much like a silent film where the reader must fill in the gaps where the pictures lack narrative.
Our January book was The Book Thief and our first chapter in Hugo is titled "The Thief". Both of the protagonists are orphaned children. The theme of the orphan child runs throughout a great portion of children's literature for several reasons. First, parents are authority figures who restrict the very kind of adventure the story is trying to tell. Moving the parents out of the way forces the child on to "the hero's journey" where he/she must use wit and wile to survive and to navigate from childhood to adulthood.
Another theme in Hugo is that of time. The clocks are a symbol for the passing of time, going back in time - at one point time is running out for Hugo. Hugo's friend, Isabelle, holds the key to automaton. She has taken it from her god-mother but doesn't know what it belongs to. This is the key to the beginning of solving the mystery when Hugo recognizes the key might fit. Denise mentioned that the automaton was reminding her of Disney and an exhibit there of the President's interacting with each other and Arnora wanted to know if it was like Chucky Cheese!
This book was a bit of a departure from what we normally read but everyone enjoyed it. Another interesting fact is that Brian Selznick is the author and nephew of the great film director David O. Selznick. And, Martin Scorsese is in production with the film. The book rated a 3.81 over all with one "I really liked it a lot". However, book club was off the charts this month! Happy Valentine's Day ladies and I will conclude by adding Lis' poem below!
Next months book is The Clockwork Three. We've decided this year to try and pick book whose themes "tag" off one another.
P.S. Barb is in search of a new name and our brains are positively buzzing with options! Stay tuned for further updates on that!
Valentine, As I sat and thought what to write
On each card, I felt how precious our bookclub and
Each one of you is to me, together we are STNM.
Books
A passion that some already had, some grew to love more.We share and discuss.
They brought us together - the stories
Of lives, the tragedies and comedies.Stories
Of the books - we found reflect us, walk with us.
Each one of us rides her own wave, her own loveliness, her own qualities
But together! We pull each other along.Tapestries
We are like a tapestry, all different but
We intertwine till the pieces fit, holding together strong, piece by peace
Into a beautiful design of our lives, our tragedies and comedies.
Where would I be without you?
You are my family - no Better - you are my friends.
On that note, we were missing Pam who is at home recovering from a double mastectomy. She is doing great, however, with a clean pathology report. And she appreciates all the outpouring of love and support she received and we know she'll be back with us soon better than ever! Laura was also missing due to a ski vacation. However, we were able to Skype her in for the discussion portion and what a cool thing that was! Now that we know how that works no one ever really need miss a book club again!
This month, in honor of Valentine's Day, we decided to have book club in our pajamas and have brunch for dinner! It was a great idea. I'd suggest we do it (pj's) every month but then I guess it would not be special after a while. Diana made whole wheat French toast with real Maple Syrup. Lis made 3 cheese & tomato grill cheese sandwiches. Janie brought sausage rolls and Barb brought Turkey in a Blanket, Carla G brought fruit, Darby brought Banana Bread & Terry brought a breakfast casserole. Lou brought Truffles delivered from Chicago. Who knew there was a correct way to eat a Truffle? Turns out it's a little like wine tasting. I might not get the order right but first you lick it, then you sniff it, next you taste it then you breathe in and out. There were a lot of different flavors mixed with the chocolate and they were Truffliscious! Lis also offered Mimosa's and I brought the Bloody Mary's. Arnora brought us each a pink rose and there were a couple of bottles of wine and, of course, coffee.
We exchanged our Valentine's at the end of the discussion and everyone took them home to read at their leisure. I read mine over coffee this morning with a piece of dark chocolate - sitting in my bed and feeling so special!
Our book this month was a "Teen" selection offered by Lou, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". Hugo is a young boy who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His father has died in a fire at the museum leaving him in the care of an uncle who also dies. Hugo's uncle was the clock keeper for the train stations many clocks and on his disappearance Hugo maintains the clocks in order to maintain his secret of living on his own. After the fire, an automaton falls into Hugo's hands and he hides it in his quarters and steals pieces to try and fix it. The automaton is a kind of robot and this one is poised to write or draw something. Hugh is steeling from Papa George Mileis, a gruff owner of a toy booth in the station and Hugo strikes up a friendship with Papa George's god-daughter, Isabelle. There is plenty of mystery in the story as Papa George and Hugo find their connection and the mystery of the automaton is solved. In the end it turns out that Papa George was one of the first people involved in the making of silent movies and the automaton belonged to him before it ended up at the museum.
The book is highly illustrated with beautiful black and white sketches that are part of the narrative and work much like a silent film where the reader must fill in the gaps where the pictures lack narrative.
Our January book was The Book Thief and our first chapter in Hugo is titled "The Thief". Both of the protagonists are orphaned children. The theme of the orphan child runs throughout a great portion of children's literature for several reasons. First, parents are authority figures who restrict the very kind of adventure the story is trying to tell. Moving the parents out of the way forces the child on to "the hero's journey" where he/she must use wit and wile to survive and to navigate from childhood to adulthood.
Another theme in Hugo is that of time. The clocks are a symbol for the passing of time, going back in time - at one point time is running out for Hugo. Hugo's friend, Isabelle, holds the key to automaton. She has taken it from her god-mother but doesn't know what it belongs to. This is the key to the beginning of solving the mystery when Hugo recognizes the key might fit. Denise mentioned that the automaton was reminding her of Disney and an exhibit there of the President's interacting with each other and Arnora wanted to know if it was like Chucky Cheese!
This book was a bit of a departure from what we normally read but everyone enjoyed it. Another interesting fact is that Brian Selznick is the author and nephew of the great film director David O. Selznick. And, Martin Scorsese is in production with the film. The book rated a 3.81 over all with one "I really liked it a lot". However, book club was off the charts this month! Happy Valentine's Day ladies and I will conclude by adding Lis' poem below!
Next months book is The Clockwork Three. We've decided this year to try and pick book whose themes "tag" off one another.
P.S. Barb is in search of a new name and our brains are positively buzzing with options! Stay tuned for further updates on that!
Valentine, As I sat and thought what to write
On each card, I felt how precious our bookclub and
Each one of you is to me, together we are STNM.
Books
A passion that some already had, some grew to love more.We share and discuss.
They brought us together - the stories
Of lives, the tragedies and comedies.Stories
Of the books - we found reflect us, walk with us.
Each one of us rides her own wave, her own loveliness, her own qualities
But together! We pull each other along.Tapestries
We are like a tapestry, all different but
We intertwine till the pieces fit, holding together strong, piece by peace
Into a beautiful design of our lives, our tragedies and comedies.
Where would I be without you?
You are my family - no Better - you are my friends.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January 2011 - 10 Years and Strong!
Come with me and I'll tell you a story.
I'll show you something.
The Book Thief
I'd like to start the narrative of our first book club in 2011 by telling you what color the sky was as we made our way to Arnora's new "crib". I'd like to but I can't. Because my nose was buried in the book as I feverishly tried to finish. Thank God, Carla was driving or that maneuver would've been tricky. I turned the last page just moments before we arrived. The sun had set by that time and I cannot tell you if there were stars or not because I could not see them for the tears in my eyes. A few minutes later I was standing in the living room gazing at the enormous picture of our "Calendar Girl" photo hanging above the fireplace surrounded by candles and flowers. A beautiful altar in praise of beautiful women and I was so surprised and happy to see it that I just couldn't stop laughing! And as we all know, "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"
This was Arnora's first time to host book club and she did an excellent job welcoming us and making Natalie's version of German sausage rolls. Lou brought the flowers and wine this time. Carla G made German potato salad (yum, my favorite version), Barb brought "mac & cheese", Lis brought sauerkraut, bread and chocolate. Pam brought cheese and apples, Diana brought bread and she and Darby both brought Champagne to toast the new year. Laura brought beer and Carla A brought sauerkraut and pea (or lentil soup as Darby preferred to call it.) I have to say that Carla's version sure tasted a lot better than the pea soup Rosa made everyday in our story. Janie topped off the evening meal with melt-in-your-mouth brownies. Thanks, as always to everyone who contributed. I, having barely finished the move into my own new "digs", was not able to get it together to even bring wine.
We were missing Terry & Denise. But congratulations to Terry on another new great-grand child. Denise was having problems with a car battery.
This month's book was "The Book Thief" written by Markus Zusak and offered to us by Barb last month. The quote on the front of the book, "BRILLIANT and hugely ambitious. It's the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING" (the New York Times) was absolutely on the money.
Diana said, "It was the perfect book." Carla A said "Zusak now surpasses Pat Conroy for me in his use of poetic prose." Laura said, "Death's voice as our narrator was absolutely authentic." "Darby said that Death was omniscient and omnipresent in the lives of each of the characters and was a unique perspective." Diana loved Zusak's use of adjectives and adverbs - Darby said it was "cinematic" in its telling.
For me, I could compare it favorably to "To Kill a Mockingbird". Both stories are about girl's coming of age in poor and difficult times and set against the historical background of prejudice and violence. "The Book Thief" is set in around the late 1930's through about 1942, in Germany during WWII. The rise of Hitler and the attempted extinction of the Jews. Well, primarily the Jews. In reality, it was the attempted extinction of anyone and anything that was not Nazi Germany. Both books draw you in and mesmerize you with the characters and the language.
Death, our narrator, as you would rightly assume, hovers over this story but not in a scary, black-hooded, scythe carrying way. Death is poetic, and artistic and compassionate. He simply has a job to do and he does it without question. Most of the time. When he does dare to question he realizes it is futile and only crazy making. He cannot change who he is or what he is destined to do. But, he does his job with elegance and grace and is ever so gentle with the souls he carries away.
Death watches the unspeakable horrors of war and the mentality that would drive millions into work camps and gas chambers right along side the beauty of the sun rises and and sun sets, the stars that burn your eyes and the people who risk life and limb to go against this atrocity.
Liesel is our Book Thief and like Scout, she is a tomboy. Her best friend is Rudy and together they keep each other company, play soccer and steal food and books. They are each others constant companions and saving graces. Liesel is abandoned by her mother, a supposed communist, who sends her into foster care to save her. She ends up on Himmel Street (translated Heaven) but it is anything but. However, her foster parents are kind (in different ways) and her "Pappa" teaches her to read in their basement using his house paints to draw letters and pictures on the basement walls. They shelter a Jew. For me Pappa was the equivalent of Atticus Finch. Quiet, unassuming, weary but kind and with a deep sense of justice. A gentle giant.
Books save Liesel's life both literally and figuratively. The first book she "steals" is found in the snow at her brother's graveside. She found the book but didn't return it to its owner. It was called, "The Grave Digger's Manual" and it was the first book she learned to read. It was also the first time she met Death. In the end, she was reading in he basement when the bombs fell and that is what saved her life. I think, for many of us in book club, books have saved our lives in one way or another and we connected deeply to Liesel's story.
There is so much more to this story. The characters are believable and compelling. This war story is told not about the Jews, the Nazi's or even the Americans. But from the perspective of the ordinary German citizen who had no beef with the Jews. They were living hard scrabble lives just trying to get by and many of their decisions were not just a matter of right or wrong but a matter of their life and death.
Life is hard, war happens, people are tortured and people die. But as long as even one man, without thinking, steps out of the crowd to hand a piece of stale bread to a tortured and persecuted man, there is hope for all us. Humanity is ugly and it's beautiful and Death has shown us the best and worst of people in this deeply emotional story. Death is "Haunted by Humans" and rightfully so. The book gives a message of hope through words of love and friendship. The book rated a 4.6 with an "I absolutely loved it with all my heart and soul".
What a great book to start our New Year!
February's Book Club will be a PAJAMA PARTY at Lis' with breakfast foods as our menu. We will do another variation on our Valentine's from last year. This year everyone BRING your Valentine's with you. If you are unable to attend, then please send yours with someone. The Valentine's can be made, store bought cards, notes, whatever. Sign them - or don't, it's up to you. And next month's book is called The Invention of Hugh Cabret by Brian Selznick. There is a waiting list at the Library, Border's has it and used copies are available on Amazon.com starting at $7.
Ladies, Happy New Year and to a great year of celebrating 10 years of this amazing group!
I'll show you something.
The Book Thief
I'd like to start the narrative of our first book club in 2011 by telling you what color the sky was as we made our way to Arnora's new "crib". I'd like to but I can't. Because my nose was buried in the book as I feverishly tried to finish. Thank God, Carla was driving or that maneuver would've been tricky. I turned the last page just moments before we arrived. The sun had set by that time and I cannot tell you if there were stars or not because I could not see them for the tears in my eyes. A few minutes later I was standing in the living room gazing at the enormous picture of our "Calendar Girl" photo hanging above the fireplace surrounded by candles and flowers. A beautiful altar in praise of beautiful women and I was so surprised and happy to see it that I just couldn't stop laughing! And as we all know, "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"
This was Arnora's first time to host book club and she did an excellent job welcoming us and making Natalie's version of German sausage rolls. Lou brought the flowers and wine this time. Carla G made German potato salad (yum, my favorite version), Barb brought "mac & cheese", Lis brought sauerkraut, bread and chocolate. Pam brought cheese and apples, Diana brought bread and she and Darby both brought Champagne to toast the new year. Laura brought beer and Carla A brought sauerkraut and pea (or lentil soup as Darby preferred to call it.) I have to say that Carla's version sure tasted a lot better than the pea soup Rosa made everyday in our story. Janie topped off the evening meal with melt-in-your-mouth brownies. Thanks, as always to everyone who contributed. I, having barely finished the move into my own new "digs", was not able to get it together to even bring wine.
We were missing Terry & Denise. But congratulations to Terry on another new great-grand child. Denise was having problems with a car battery.
This month's book was "The Book Thief" written by Markus Zusak and offered to us by Barb last month. The quote on the front of the book, "BRILLIANT and hugely ambitious. It's the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING" (the New York Times) was absolutely on the money.
Diana said, "It was the perfect book." Carla A said "Zusak now surpasses Pat Conroy for me in his use of poetic prose." Laura said, "Death's voice as our narrator was absolutely authentic." "Darby said that Death was omniscient and omnipresent in the lives of each of the characters and was a unique perspective." Diana loved Zusak's use of adjectives and adverbs - Darby said it was "cinematic" in its telling.
For me, I could compare it favorably to "To Kill a Mockingbird". Both stories are about girl's coming of age in poor and difficult times and set against the historical background of prejudice and violence. "The Book Thief" is set in around the late 1930's through about 1942, in Germany during WWII. The rise of Hitler and the attempted extinction of the Jews. Well, primarily the Jews. In reality, it was the attempted extinction of anyone and anything that was not Nazi Germany. Both books draw you in and mesmerize you with the characters and the language.
Death, our narrator, as you would rightly assume, hovers over this story but not in a scary, black-hooded, scythe carrying way. Death is poetic, and artistic and compassionate. He simply has a job to do and he does it without question. Most of the time. When he does dare to question he realizes it is futile and only crazy making. He cannot change who he is or what he is destined to do. But, he does his job with elegance and grace and is ever so gentle with the souls he carries away.
Death watches the unspeakable horrors of war and the mentality that would drive millions into work camps and gas chambers right along side the beauty of the sun rises and and sun sets, the stars that burn your eyes and the people who risk life and limb to go against this atrocity.
Liesel is our Book Thief and like Scout, she is a tomboy. Her best friend is Rudy and together they keep each other company, play soccer and steal food and books. They are each others constant companions and saving graces. Liesel is abandoned by her mother, a supposed communist, who sends her into foster care to save her. She ends up on Himmel Street (translated Heaven) but it is anything but. However, her foster parents are kind (in different ways) and her "Pappa" teaches her to read in their basement using his house paints to draw letters and pictures on the basement walls. They shelter a Jew. For me Pappa was the equivalent of Atticus Finch. Quiet, unassuming, weary but kind and with a deep sense of justice. A gentle giant.
Books save Liesel's life both literally and figuratively. The first book she "steals" is found in the snow at her brother's graveside. She found the book but didn't return it to its owner. It was called, "The Grave Digger's Manual" and it was the first book she learned to read. It was also the first time she met Death. In the end, she was reading in he basement when the bombs fell and that is what saved her life. I think, for many of us in book club, books have saved our lives in one way or another and we connected deeply to Liesel's story.
There is so much more to this story. The characters are believable and compelling. This war story is told not about the Jews, the Nazi's or even the Americans. But from the perspective of the ordinary German citizen who had no beef with the Jews. They were living hard scrabble lives just trying to get by and many of their decisions were not just a matter of right or wrong but a matter of their life and death.
Life is hard, war happens, people are tortured and people die. But as long as even one man, without thinking, steps out of the crowd to hand a piece of stale bread to a tortured and persecuted man, there is hope for all us. Humanity is ugly and it's beautiful and Death has shown us the best and worst of people in this deeply emotional story. Death is "Haunted by Humans" and rightfully so. The book gives a message of hope through words of love and friendship. The book rated a 4.6 with an "I absolutely loved it with all my heart and soul".
What a great book to start our New Year!
February's Book Club will be a PAJAMA PARTY at Lis' with breakfast foods as our menu. We will do another variation on our Valentine's from last year. This year everyone BRING your Valentine's with you. If you are unable to attend, then please send yours with someone. The Valentine's can be made, store bought cards, notes, whatever. Sign them - or don't, it's up to you. And next month's book is called The Invention of Hugh Cabret by Brian Selznick. There is a waiting list at the Library, Border's has it and used copies are available on Amazon.com starting at $7.
Ladies, Happy New Year and to a great year of celebrating 10 years of this amazing group!
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