Thursday, June 25, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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