In the Time of Butterflies - discussion part 1

The three Mirabal sisters who were killed, as pictured on this historical web site.

Okay, I am starting discussion for "In the Time of the Butterflies" a little early. And I think I'm going to spread it out over a couple days, since we still have a few more days of October left. Here are today's discussion questions. Check back tomorrow for more.

1.) First off, did you enjoy the book? What was your favorite part? What was your least favorite part? Who was your favorite sister?

Book talk this Tuesday!

Hope everyone is enjoying "In the Time of the Butterflies"! I'll be back on Tuesday to start our discussion and I can't wait to hear what you all think.

On another note, has anyone ever read “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”? The movie is being screened at the Savannah Film Festival this weekend. I was curious about it after I read it was based on a book written by the former editor in chief of Elle France, who suffered a rare stroke to the brain stem at age 43. He was in a coma for a while and when he awoke, all he could move was his left eye. Somehow, he arranged a way to communicate with blinks and wrote this book. It is all about the freedom he found living in his imagination for the remainder of his life.

Sound pretty incredible, huh?! Anyway, let me know if you've read it. I'll be sure to tell you how it goes when I'm done with it. It is pretty short, but I've got a few other things to finish reading first.

Time of the Butterflies

Heads up - I will be leading our discussion for Time of the Butterflies on:

Tuesday, Oct. 30

And just to get you pumped for reading, here are a few reasons why I like it:

**** It is narrated by four sisters - each sister has her own section.

**** After I finished it, a light switch went on over latin literature for me.

**** The story is strong, emotional and inspiring - and that's all I'm going to say about that without giving the rest away.

This is a great excuse for me to purchase a book I've wanted in my library for at least 7 years now.

October Book

This months book is.......

In the Time of the Butterfly's by Julia Alvarez.

Hooray for celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month!!

Melissa will lead the discussion for this book at the end of the month and then starting November we will have a calendar posted for what book, who is leading the discussion and what day we will have the discussion started.

New Book Club Blog Format

Some people have expressed a desire for more interaction and better organization for our online book club. Since this is our first foray into the world of book club blogs, we are still working out the kinks.

We want to start a calendar. It will include what the book is for the month, who will lead the discussion, and when the discussion will start.

Email me at cjwaldorf@hotmail.com with what your book suggestions (title and author) are by Oct. 15. It can be 1 or 20, I don't care. I'll pull titles out of a hat. Like we have done in the past, who suggests the book will lead the online discussion. I will try to keep it fair so that one person isn't doing all the discussions. Unless you don't care that you are doing it month after month. In your email, let me know what your preferences are. Please put book club in your title of the email so I know it is legit.

We also want to encourage discussion on the blog about anything else. Authors you love, other books you are reading and want to know if someone else has read or to turn us on to it, any kind of news, like the recent deaths of Madeleine L'engle and Robert Jordan. Anything book related or writing related or something fun to think about.

If there are any other ideas, let us know.

Thanks and Happy Reading!!

October book suggestions

My book picks for this month are mixed, 1 like Melissa said delving into Hispanic Heritage month and one completely unrelated.

East of Eden- John Steinbeck

The Color of My Words- Lynn Joseph

The second suggestion is one I haven't read, but sounds really good...especially for those of you who are writers.

Book Picks

My book pics don't have anything to do with Hispanic literature, but I am impressed that you knew that Melissa.

Villette by Charlotte Bronte

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Both are books that I still haven't read. Blame it on moving and pregnancy, but I really thought I would have gotten to those by now.

discusion . . .

Hi all - I wanted to apologize for not getting my discusion up for the book up earlier. With my baby going to the hospital this weekend, it threw everything off. The funny thing is that I had it written already, since I wanted to do it while it was all fresh in my head. Unfortunately, when I published it a few minutes ago, it appeared as if it was published the day i wrote it, so you'll have to scroll down to get to it. I hope you enjoyed the book.

October Book Call!

Alright, post your October book choices! While I was pondering what I would submit, I searched on the internet to see what is being celebrated this month. Did you know it is National Hispanic Heritage Month? So even though I'm not hispanic, I think I'll celebrate by submitting book choices from a couple favorite Hispanic Authors:

1.) "In the Time of the Butterfly's" by Julia Alvarez

2.) "Night of the Radishes" by Sandra Benitez

I'd love to hear some of your favorite books from hispanic authors - even if they aren't your choices for this month.

Book Club Confession

I have a little confession, I a little disappointed in the bookclub. I was wondering if we going to discuss the book this month or not? I know people have been busy, but that probably won't change anytime soon. I joined wanting to expand my own reading realm and to get other people's opinions. Half of the people in the bookclub don't comment on the books and it shouldn't be left up to 2-3 people to lead everything. If it needs to be 2-3 people that's fine. Also, if people can't contribute, then go to a book a quarter or comment on the books you are reading on your own. It is just a little disappointing to have the ball dropped. I love the idea of a bookclub, but it requires work and input by all people. I have a lot of stress going on in my life, like all people...but having the bookclub is a nice normal way to get away and do something not as stressful. If fitting this in is too much, don't do it. Also, I hope this doesn't upset anyone, especially since I wasn't a founding member or anything. My filter isn't as strong as it use to be due to the stress, but this has been on my mind a lot and I wanted to see if this month was any different. If anyone feels the same, speak up and let's work together to make this what everyone wants it to be. A place to read and discuss books openly and everyone expand their own personal library.