Okay, the book for this month is Mrs. Mike, by Benedict & Nancy Freedman. Thanks all for helping me choose... I'm excited to see what you think of this book.

For the book discussion at the end, I will probably post questions on the 30th of November unless there is a reason not to... I just know the weekend before is Thanksgiving weekend, and the days preceding that are going to busy for most of us, so let me know how Monday, the 30th sounds for you. If there are no objections then we'll just keep it to that day.

November Book

Sorry I have taken so long to post this ... but I have two books that I thought might be fun to read for our November book. The first is Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley. I know that we have already read two out of her books so far, so maybe it's a little much to read another, but it looked good and I have never read it before.




The other is Mrs. Mike by Benedict & Nancy Freedman. I haven't read this book in years, but it was one of the first that I read growing up, and has continued to hold a special place in my heart. I would love to read it again, but thought I would see how you all felt about either book. So, leave a comment, let me know what you think about which book you would rather read... I would love to read both, so I am good with either one. :)

The Scarlet Letter discussion....

Sorry this is a day late, had an unexpected childcare calling last night. It was fun, but was too tired to post when I got home. Anyways, I hope everyone enjoyed the book and had a wonderful month. Let's jump in...

1. For first time readers, what was your overall impression of the book? Was it what you expected or different somehow? For those reading this book again, did your opinion of the book change any? Was it more enjoyable or less this go around?

2. Can you identify with Hester at all? Do you condone her choices or condemn her?

3. What is your opinion on Hester's ability to forgive herself and society's ability to forgive?

4. Would you personally have named Pearl's father? Do you admire or admonish Hester for not giving the name?

5. What are you feelings on Hester's estranged husband Roger Chillingworth? How does that opinion change from the beginning/middle/end or does it stay the same for you?

6. Any final thoughts or your own question here?


I really enjoy the complexities in this book and will post my answers around lunch when all the kids go down for their nap.

October book is....

I haven't read this book since high school and at that time I had to, so I always enjoy revisiting books at different periods in my life. I enjoyed it back then and hope I can really delve into this time. I hope everyone is able to read this one and I look forward to the discussion at the end of the month. Let's shoot for Wednesday the 28th, that way we have a couple days for people to get their answers up.

October...

So, I've been out of the loop for about 6 months, but I think I'm back. I completely forgot I had even volunteered for anything. So if October is still open I'll do it, if that's ok with everyone? If that works we can either read The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne or The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Let me know and we'll go from there.

Finally! Q & A for Tom Sawyer!

I really loved this book! There are so many questions I could ask, but I thought I'd keep is short and sweet and give you an opportunity to add to the discussion with your ideas. I also asked Liam to help me with some of the questions so you get the mind of an eight year old helping out. Thanks for reading~ And Kyla will lead our October discussion and Michelle will lead out November. Thanks ladies!

1. Why do you think Tom and Huck are friends? (Liam's question)

2. Were you able to relate to the characters in the story? To whom did you feel you could relate most?

3. Twain is sometimes called a "realist" writer. Are Tom, Huck, and Becky accurate portraits of young people? Did you enjoy his writing style?

4.If you could eavesdrop on your own funeral, what would you like to hear?

5.Do you feel like there is any symbolism to the whitewash fence, the caves or the missouri river/jackson's island? If so what?

Bonus question* What astronomical occurance brought Mark Twain into the world and occured again the year he died?
~ Please feel free to add your own questions as well~

Discussion planned!

Hey! I'm really excited to discuss this book. I've been reading it with my son and really enjoying it! I'm setting the discussion date for the 26th of September. It's coming up. I would like to set up the next two months as well. Is there anyone who is interested in hosting October or November. We'll take off December as everyone is super busy around the holidays. Let me know if you're interested in hosting a month's discussion. Thanks!

Ay ay, Captain!

Dear J'aime bloggers,

Our new captain for the next six months will be Jessie. I am so excited for her to help us all get going and reading together. She will be working on the new schedule. Please let her know what month you would like. If you have any questions, feel free to contact either of us.

Take care!
Melissa ~ J'aime blog founder

Anyone for reading Tom Sawyer?

OR

I thought we might just get back on track and revive the book group with a classic. My son is reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and I thought it might be fun to read along! So how about it, we can discuss it around the 20th of September. Either that or The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James
Let's also pick someone for the next two months following...
October and November and I vote we break in December and start up again full swing in January. All in favor? Say Aye!

Who's next?

Hi all,

Just wondering who is picking the book for August? Or should we just start again with September. I was looking back, and Michelle was originally doing July, back before things got pushed back. And then Kyla and Crystal volunteered. Is everyone still up for it? And what books have you chosen? Hope all is well!

Lisa