Monday, December 14, 2009

December Challenge!


OK ladies and gents. I know that December is super busy, but a friend just stopped by this week to read me the original version of The Gift of the Magi by O Henry. It's short and I promise tears, but totally worth it! What a beautiful story told in such wonderful language. I'm so grateful for the joy a friend shared with me. May your Christmas be filled with wonderful memories and smiles.

Monday, December 7, 2009

January Book: A Curse Dark as Gold



Our book for January is A Curse Dark as Gold, by Elizabeth Bunce.  I have read it before and loved it!!  I hope you all will as well.  And hopefully, since you have extra time, you will be able to get it from your library, although it is one I would like to buy and add to my personal library.  I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and happy reading :).

PS. Are any of you on Goodreads.com?  If so, I would love to add you as a friend there so that I can see what you are reading when it isn't a book club book.  Let me know, and I will add you.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Mrs. Mike Discussion Questions

Hey everyone!!! I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend and you were able to enjoy all the turkey and pumpkin pie you wanted. I know I did. A little too much.

Anyway, it's time for the discussion of Mrs. Mike by Benedict & Nancy Freeman. I looked online to see if there were any reading guides for this book, and struck out. Nothing. So, I grabbed some generic questions and I'm hoping you can just adapt the questions to the book as best as you are able. (I'm lousy thinking up questions myself.) Anyway, I'm going to post the questions now, and come back with my own answers later on tonight. Two of my four kids have been sick today, so I'll come back after they are in bed to answer.

  • What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
  • What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?
  • Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?
  • How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
  • Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? 
  • What was your favorite part of the story? Least favorite?
Okay, there you go everyone. Sorry I am so late in posting this, and I will be back with my answers later tonight. I am excited to see what you all thought of this book!

Any takers?

I'm just getting organized for the next few months and giving us all a headstart on books, especially for those whose library systems aren't very fast. So do I have any takers for January, February and March? Thanks for those who have been participating. It's so fun to have so many comments!

Monday, November 23, 2009

A Turkey Day Poem for Your Thanksgiving Day




Oh I'm glad I'm not a turkey, a turkey, a turkey.
Oh I'm glad I'm not a turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
They stuff you and bake you and then they all taste you.
Oh I'm glad I'm not a turkey on Thanksgiving Day!
(from my daughter's kindergarten poetry folder!)

Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget our discussion for Mrs. Mike!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

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.

Friday, October 30, 2009

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. :)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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.

Friday, October 2, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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.

Monday, September 28, 2009

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~

Thursday, September 17, 2009

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!

Monday, August 31, 2009

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!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

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

Thursday, July 23, 2009


Wow this book was nothing like I expected it to be. This is the first Richard Paul Evan's book I've read and I want to read more. I really enjoyed it. The story was beautiful. It was a quick read (which is great when you have four kids in the background.) It was inspiring and interesting and gave me all kinds of wild and crazy ideas to look forward to someday fulfilling... So, on to the questions...

1. Sunflowers appear throughout the story, from the name of the orphanage (El Girasol)to Christine's wedding decorations to symbols found in the ancient Temple of the Sun in Machu Picchu. What does the image of the sunflower represent? What does it mean to Christine in particular?

2.Describe Christine's transformation from the beginning of the story to the end. In what significant ways does she change? When Christine and Paul leave Makisapa Lodge
after she recovers from her illness, the walk through the jungle no longer frightens
her. "She knew she was not the same woman who had marched into the jungle the
week before" (283). Why is Christine not afraid this time?

3.Paul successfully weathered the simultaneous lawsuits brought against him by the
families of two patients who died in the ER under his care. Why then did he give up his career as a doctor and leave the United States to travel around South America? What draws him to El Girasol and then compels him to stay on as director of the orphanage?

4.Why does Paul share the story of his mother, who is dying from ALS, with Christine?
When Christine returns to the orphanage at the end of the story, why does she repeat
to Paul the phrase ("Love is stronger than pain") that he used when telling her about
his parents? How does this sentiment apply to their situation?

5.In the Epilogue, the narrator who began the story reveals that Paul and Christine have married and settled in a Dayton suburb with Pablo and Roxana. What was your
reaction to finding out that Paul chose not to continue running the orphanage? What
purpose does the narrator serve?

6.When Paul learns that he is to see Christine again as a result of Jim's accident, he writes in his diary, "Fate has a way of cutting corners" (195). Do you believe in fate?


7.If you were the New York Post what would you write as a comment to your readers about this book?

8.How would you compare this book and it's message with that of Three Cups of Tea?

Spinach & Sunflower Salad w/ Orange Vinaigrette

The perfect salad for entertaining -- a kaleidoscope of colors with textures ranging from sweet to salty and silky to crunchy. Dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead and refrigerated.

5 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon sunflower oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 cups spinach, washed, dried, and trimmed
½ cup beets, drained, sliced or julianned
½ cup mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup caramelized sunflower kernels



Combine vinegar, orange juice concentrate, oil, oregano, and salt in a small bowl and whisk briskly.

Pour dressing over spinach and toss until spinach is coated. Equally divide spinach onto 4 salad plates. Arrange beets, oranges, cheese, and sunflower kernels evenly on each salad.


4 servings

Per serving -- Calories: 207; Total Fat: 14 g; Carbohydrate: 13 g; Sat. Fat: 3.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Protein: 9 g; Sodium: 355 mg; Calcium: 210 mg

Friday, July 3, 2009

the sunflower


For July we will read the Sunflower by Ricard Paul Evans and discuss it toward the end of the month! Happy 4th of July!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

I don't know why but I can post comments when it appears right after the post. So annoying. Just put me in the next open month!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Am I supposed to pick a book? I can't remember if I am on the schedule....someone let me know please. Thanks Crystal

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Guernsey Discussion!!

Hi all, I know I am a few days early. Don't stress - I just wanted to take a break from unpacking and get this done while I was thinking about it.

I really hope you had a chance to read this book, as it is now one of my very favorites. I really did love everything about it. Oh, I am going to put my answers in the comments section, just so I don't ruin it for any of you who haven't read it yet. Here are my questions for you . . .

1. What was your experience reading a novel composed entirely of letters? Are there types of information or emotion that letters convey more successfully than other forms of expression?

2. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How is he different from the other men in Juliet’s life?

3. In what ways are Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? Do you feel like Juliet replaced Elizabeth? How did Elizabeth change those on the island?

4. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? Are there ways in which fiction can provide the means for more fully understanding a historical reality?

5. Which member of the Society was your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own? Do you agree with Isola that "reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones"?

I can't wait to hear what you thought!!! And if you can't find it at the library, I would spend the $7 on the paperback, since it is one you will want to keep.

PS. Go here to enter a for a free bookclub trip to Guernsey.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Book for June . . .


Hi all! Just a reminder about our book for June, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer. It is such a wonderful book in every way, that I really hope you all read it. It really is that great. And, if you can't find it at the library, it just came out in paperback, and I would suggest buying it, as you will want it for your personal library.


And I was thinking, since we are a little behind schedule, why don't we have the discussion for this book on the 28th of June? It would really help me out, since I will be in the middle of moving to North Carolina in the middle of the month. Hope that works for you all!


Happy Reading!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Usually a library fan, however...

I need to vent and this seems like the appropriate place, as I'm sure you fellow book lovers will relate.

Normally, I love the library - I go for fun and enjoy finding new treasures. I also love to put things on hold or grab the latest recommendation from a friend on Good Reads.

For the past few years, I've lived in areas with wonderful libraries. It has never been a problem to get a book. I am now living in a town in eastern Idaho where I assumed the library system would be just as convenient and book-lover friendly. Not at all.

For a town with the slogan "America's Family Community" their library system needs some serious work. Here has been my experience - I want to read a book. I try to check it out - never can get it the day of as it is always checked out. So I put it on hold. Already three holds. WHY? Because the entire Library district only owns one copy of every book.

Don't get me wrong - I am lucky to live in a place with a library. It just amazes me that for classics and popular books you have to wait two-three months to read it. And with the library fines around here, you think they could do better.

Anyway, that is my vent. That is also my reason for taking forever to read book club books. I am just now reading Christy - only two months later.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

FINALLY - Three Cups of Tea discussion

Please share your answers in the comment section. And please respond to others answers.

Questions
1. Please share what you learned from Greg Mortenson's experience.

2. What did you think of how the story was told? And what was your favorite part?

3. How has the sacrifice of Korphe and other villages made you reflect on your own education?

My Answers:
1. I'll be honest - I"m STILL not done, but a little past halfway. Although, you only have to read the first couple chapters before you are awed by Greg Mortenson. So far, it has made me think more about how I can help those around me. Also, I think Greg is a great example of learning others culture and not imposing your culture and belief system. It also amazes me how passionate he became about building the schools. Would I be willing to live out of my car in Berkley? I'm not so sure...

2. The story telling was a little slow, but I think that is because the author wanted his readers to understand the beauty of the region, their pace of life, and all the trials Mortenson endured. That being said, the pace is a struggle for me to get through, but I love reading about a part of the world I know little about. I've never thought much about K2, but the authors use of Mortenson and others experiences to paint a visual picture makes me want to go there! Crazy, I know!

And my favorite part (so far) is when Haj Ali gives up 12 rams (or half of Korphe's income) to the bully Haj in order to keep the school. He was so wise! It really shows that it isn't your formal education that makes a person wise, rather how they respond to life's challenges.

3. I totally take my education for granted! All my life I have, and I probably still do. Yet now I'm more grateful for our public school system, my teachers and the effort of my parents to make sure my siblings and I attended college.

What do you have to say?? I promise I'll read and comment back.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Three cups of Tea discussion

Honestly.... I'm not done yet!

So if you don't mind, I'd like to postpone our discussion until May 14. And then if there is anyone else who is a little behind, we can all have more time.

In the mean time, let's also start on our May book. I'm so excited to read it! Once again, not in my library so I have to do some hunting, but it sounds good enough to motivate me.

Where are you in "Three Cups of Tea?" I'm about 1oo pages into it. The main guy just returned to the USA to raise money for the bridge.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April's book: Three Cups of Tea

The book for April is Three cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. I've had several friends read this book and come back with raving reviews. It is a true story about an American establishing schools to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Review on Amazon:
From Publishers Weekly
"Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Coauthor Relin recounts Mortenson's efforts in fascinating detail, presenting compelling portraits of the village elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials, ambitious school girls and upright Muslims Mortenson met along the way. As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win many readers' hearts."

Stay tuned for our book discussion at the end of the month. Happy Reading!

Current Book Schedule:
May
"The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Society," by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
(h0sted by Lisa)

June
the Sunflower by Richard Paul Evens
(hosted by Jessie)

July
"(___Telling us next week____)"
(Hosted by Michelle)

August
Need a volunteer

September
Need a volunteer

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Bizzzness


It's time for some bizzzness, ladies. For some reason, this picture seemed appropriate... Don't ask.

Christy discussion
Before we move on, please don't forget to post about Christy. I'm still waiting for my copy to come in at the library! SO LAME! I had this problem last month, too. Because I can see this becoming a regular problem for me and my little library branch, I'd like to request that we build a six month schedule.

6 month schedule
To build our schedule, please post what month you would like and what book you will choose. I know it is hard to choose books in advance, but it would be helpful for those of us who need to order from Amazon or have a huge lead time for their pokey little library.

You are welcome to speak up for months beyond our 6 month range and choose a book when we get closer.

New Members
Lisa gave me a list of her friends and their emails to add to our blog. If you would like to do the same thing, feel free to email me. We love new members! If you are a new member, we want to know who you are.
Please leave a comment telling us: a. your name, b. whereabouts your from, c. how you found us, d. what you are currently reading and e. what type of books you enjoy.

New Poll
There is a new poll question for you in the right hand corner.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

extra challenge!

Hey, not that there is a lot of extra time in a day, but I thought it would be fun to compare two books by the same author with a similar storyline. Robin McKinley has written two books following the storyline of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty is one of my all time favorite books and the second, I just found this week at the library. Rose Daughter, I thought was a sequel to Beauty, but it's not. It's another version and I thought it would be a fun challenge to read both versions and see what your thoughts were on the two. It's not an official book group book, just a side challenge for anyone interested.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

questions for Chisty

OK Ladies, I'm due anyday and bored so here's to boredom.

I loved this book. I'm a huge fan of the pioneer lifestyle anyway and love the reality that this book gives to that. I love that Christy feels like she is going back in time and through the experience opens her eyes to see not only the reality, but the beauty. I love the growth and personal development.

1. Which character did you find yourself drawn to?

2. Which character transformation did you enjoy most?

3. What theme struck you most?

4. Ask any question or comment as you wish!

5. Did you agree with the twist in the end?

I'll put my comments in the comment spot so I don't ruin the story for anyone eles?

Friday, March 13, 2009

A book club post for your kiddies

My cousin's wife has this adorable blog - Sarah Jane, Illustrating Childhood - where she shares her art and lots of fun ideas for kids. Her latest post featured a web site where you can actually download old record books. Do you remember listening to book on record as a child? I loved following along to my Disney story books. Sleeping Beauty and Snow White were always my favorite.

I love that someone has taken the time to make so many children stories available online. The site is called Kiddie Records

Check it out! I know it is one I will bookmark.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Oo La la!




Everyone thank Lisa for our chic new look. I love it! Thanks so much for taking the time.

I'm still working on getting Christy from the library, but I hope the rest of you are enjoying reading it now.

Does anyone have any friends they would like to join the book club? Just email me their email address and I can send an invite. If you don't have my email, just leave a comment.

Thanks again, Lisa!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Discussion on the Book of Lost Things

I hope you all enjoyed the book. I sure did, even though i really have to admit that it freaked me out a lot of the time.

For those of you who may not have had a chance to read it, it is a dark fantasy about David, a boy living in England during WWII, who crosses over into another world while following the voice of his dead mother. He finds himself in a world where fantasy and fairy tales are real, but that are dark and twisted versions of the tales he heard as a child. And although he meets a few people to assist him on his way, most of the characters are dark and creepy.

I found that the book was very well written. As I read it, I kept thinking, "This is what Greggory Maguire's books should be like." I loved watching the internal and external struggles David had throughout the book, even though at times you wished you could close your eyes. In fact, the only reason I didn't completely love the book, was because it was so creepy, it gave me nightmares and I had to stop reading it before bed. It really was a great read though.

My questions are as follows:

1. What was your first impression of David? How did your impressions of him change throughout the book?

At first David made me a little nervous. He was so stricken with fear that his mother would die, that he had become obsessive trying to do things to keep her alive - even though all the things he did were actually superstitious and would not actually help her. After his father married Rose, David made me annoyed, as he had become a very selfish version of himself. It actually wasn't until the point in the story where he followed Roland into the fortress, that I began to like him as a character. I think the realization that his mother was really gone, helped him grow and heal.

2. Did you have any idea how dangerous or powerful the Crooked Man was?

I have to admit, the Crooked Man was the reason I had nightmares while reading this book. Something about the way Connolly wrote him really terrified me, even though for the most part of the book, he was lurking in the shadows. Part of that might have to do with the fact that he was the only one from their world who could cross over into ours. However, even with that, it wasn't until the end that I realised just how evil he really was.

3. Connolly did a fantastic job of weaving in different fairy tales into the story, however distorted he made them. Which was your favorite example?

I would have to say that the section about the 7 dwarfs and Snow White was my favorite, mostly because the dwarfs were the only lighthearted part of the book. They were so clever and funny, it was a nice break from the rest of the book.

**I would love to know a few of your questions if you want to add them when you answer mine. I hope you all enjoyed it :). And I am excited to read next month's book Jessie - I have never read Christy before.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

March Book!

Just to get you thinking about it. Our March Book is Christy by Catherine Marshall. I am excited to read this one. I read it ages ago and loved it. It's a good growth book!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Book of Lost Things


This is our book for February. It is set during WWII, but is a dark fantasy. I am only a few chapters in, but it is very intriguing and a little creepy. Should be fun :).

Saturday, January 24, 2009

February Book???

Hi all, I was trying to narrow down my choice of our book for February. I am torn between this great book I borrowed from a friend, The Book of Lost Things, by John Connolly, or Exodus, by Leon Uris - a wonderful historical fiction novel about Israel and the 1948 war. What are your thoughts? They are both longer, although Exodus is around 600 pages, and the other is just under 500. Let me know what you think, and I'll let you know the final decision asap :).

PS. I just read the most wonderful book for my local book club, A Curse Dark as Gold - so good!! You would all love it. Hmm, I guess maybe we could do that one too. Let me know.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

great book series

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Brandon Mull and the Fablehaven series, but they are awesome. I have enjoyed them so much! They are filled with fantastic creatures and very clever in their delivery. Not to mention engaging! Anyway, I just thought I'd share!