The Maltese Falcon

Just finished it this morning. Thank you grandma and grandpa for giving us such an interesting book to read! I liked the novel because it was unlike anything I had read before. Pretty sure the only detective novels I'd read in the past were Nancy Drew.  And after you've read 3 of those you  can pretty much predict the rest of them.
Now The Maltese Falcon was anything but predictable.  I read the first part of the book at the beginning of the month and had to go back to have little reminders of who Miles and Thursby were.  All I remembered was that there had been murders unsolved.

Typically female characters come off strongly as "good" or "bad" but Brigid was one all on her own.  At first I completely believed that she was in danger and some crap story about her sister was true.  And then she just gets crazy.  All of her lying easily twisted her into someone that should not be trusted (trust, a big theme of the novel) but just because Spade couldn't trust her was that a reason not to work with her?  Apparently he didn't think it was that important and continued on with the case.

What I'd be most interested to know is if Sam Spade really did have ulterior motives for finding the falcon.  Would he have done the "right thing" and turned it in to be on display in a museum? Or would he have been part of the deal and sent it along the black market like it had been for centuries?  We'll never know but I'd like to think that he had a scheme that included a little interest for himself.  The shady detective is an interesting character, and much more human.

In all I really enjoyed this book and I'd be interested in reading more of Hammet's work in the future.

The Maltese Falcon

Elle, thank you for choosing this book and also explaining why you chose it. I think that having a personal story to go along with your choice really added to it.

I don't know that I have ever read a book from this time period before, and I really enjoyed it. Like Elle said, it was a little slow-going at first. But things pick up and you just have to keep reading to find out what happens. I liked that fact that it kept you guessing until the very end. Everyone was so secretive and deceptive that you really had no idea who were the "good guys" or the "bad guys".

I was a little disappointed with the ending because Miss I-don't-know-how-to-pronounce-her-name-O'Shaughnessy ended up being one of the murderers and was turned in by her -(should I say lover?)- just so he could save his own skin. I guess I see Mr. Spade as a shallow man. I also had a hard time imagining what he would actually look like. What does it look like when your face is made up of a bunch of V's?? Aside from that, I did appreciate the vivid descriptions of all the characters in the book. What a diverse group of people the author imagined up!

Here is my favorite quote from the book:

Effie Perine: "What about Miss O'Shaghnessy?"
Sam Spade: "I missed her too, but she had been there."
Effie Perine: "On the La Paloma?"
Sam Spade: "The La is a lousy combination."
Effie Perine: "Stop it. Be nice, Sam. Tell me."

. . . Maybe you didn't think it was that funny, but I laughed!


My plan is to now watch the classic movie starring Humphrey Bogart and see what I think of it. Maybe they have it at the library . . .

P.S. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!

To Get You Excited

Here is a little introduction to December's book and why I chose it

My grandparents are my librarians. They make suggestions to me of what I should read and tell me about what they are reading for their two book clubs every month.  In fact it is because of their love of reading that I was most interested in joining this book club.  

When I was home in August they gave me a copy of this book (in fact, this is the cover on my copy) and they highly recommended it. I've had a little struggle getting into it but I'm 60 pages in now and the story is really picking up. It's one of those books that you just have to keep reading to understand what is going on.

Here is some praise for The Maltese Falcon 

 "The Maltese Falcon is not only probably the best detective story we have ever read, it is an exceedingly well written novel" -The Time Literary Supplement London

"Hammett's prose is clean and entirely unique.  His characters are as sharply and economically defined as any in American Fiction" -The New York Times

Enjoy!

The Last Lecture

Confession time. I didn't want to read this book. In fact I heard about Randy Pausch and thought, well that's really cool that he's making a difference but I'm really not that interested.  So I put it off. And then I thought to myself, Bekah really wanted to read this book and we've committed to read the books that the others want to read and I'll be sad if no one wants to read The Maltese Falcon with me. So I got a copy. And started reading it. And put it down. Then on Sunday I thought, you know, I'd really like to do it. Just sit down and give this book a fair chance. And I read half of it in one sitting. 

I like the way the book is written in small chapters about good memories and accomplishments. Life goals, and struggles with the future for his family.  Its just like snapshots into a human and it is wonderful.  I get sick of Mitch Albom because I think he has realized that he can write inspiring bestsellers and they seem forced. Randy knew that he wasn't doing this for the money, he wanted a way to preserve himself for his children and I think he really succeeded. 

I have appreciated reading this book because it makes me want to work harder at journaling and I have made an effort of that. I've been writing more on my blog about personal things and small stories of my day that I want to look back on and smile and laugh at.  

I think that we can learn a lot from people who know that they are preparing to leave the Earth.  They have a different perspective on living than anyone else and it can't be faked. Live life today. Enjoy the moment. Read books with your friends and share your feelings on them! Great choice Bekah. 

The Last Lecture

What a great book! And what a great book to read during the Thanksgiving season. Not only did this book mention giving thanks on several occasions, but it also made me grateful for my life and my health and strength.

I was amazed by how bright and optimistic Randy was as he approached his death. I guess it just came naturally to him. I'm sure that there were many rough days, but he didn't sit around and feel sorry for himself. I loved that he packed every opportunity he could into his last few months of living.

What a feat to be able to achieve pretty much all of your childhood dreams. I don't remember having a lot of childhood dreams, let alone ones that were achievable or that I even wanted to still achieve later in life. But having the motivation, determination, and persistence to make it all happen just seems amazing. I see in Randy a lot of qualities that I don't have that I would like to develop.

Randy is so full of good advice! I guess I don't have a lot to say about it; he said it all! And I tried to pick a favorite part or piece of advice but found that I couldn't. It was all so good. I just renewed this book at the library so that my mom can read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, and I wouldn't mind reading it again in the future. I think that it contains words of wisdom that we all need to be reminded of every now and then.

Did anyone read Infidel?

I started this book back in July or August and and just barely finished it yesterday. Like the Zookeeper's Wife, it took me awhile to read this book because of all the facts to take in and all the people to keep straight.

I found it both interesting and sad to learn about the conditions under which people still live in the world today. You would think that by the beginning of the 21st century, we would be a more civilized people, and yet there are still people who are doing barbaric things to one another. I can't imagine growing up under the circumstances that Ayaan did; being beaten by teachers and family, being persecuted because of your gender, and having no religious freedom. When I read the part about excision, I literally got sick. I didn't even know such a thing existed.

I think that the underlying theme of hope in this book is that even one person can make a great difference, even if they come from humble circumstances. Ayaan went through so much hardship and saw so much pain throughout her life, and she is still dealing with it today, along with death threats. It made me think of the Savior and his birth, where he grew up, how he died, and how he is by far the most influential person to ever live.

Zookeeper

I read this book a while ago, but I kept forgetting to blog about it.

I thought it was so great to get another perspective of WWII. I've done a lot of reading on the other locations during WWII, but not Poland. It was very educational. I was amazed at the true life heroism. Mandy and Kim, I like what you said. It's hard to understand how courageous people can be. I continued to be impressed by the valor and compassion this little family had.

Also, off of what Mandy said, I too was waiting for something dreadful to happen, but through it all they're family remained whole. That's truly incredible.

I must confess, I wasn't crazy with the writing style, but mostly because I just kept getting confused. There were SO many people coming in and out that I couldn't keep track of who was who! Which I'm sure would have been a problem for them as well. The other thing I struggled with was the timeline. It kind of jumped back and forth and I got really lost at times.

Overall, excellent read. There were so many lessons to take from this book. I tried to apply little things, just in thoughts and actions. When studying about WWII and the atrocities of the war it makes me vow to never judge a person based upon a stereotype or outward appearance. I think that's always something we can apply.

November's Book

Hey ladies I'm back and ready to read.  Sorry for being MIA.

But I've been enjoying reading The Last Lecture I hope you do to.  I look forward to your responses.

Love Bekah

The Zookeeper's Wife 2

It took me a while longer to read this book than I expected, but I have finally finished it!

Wow, what a story! This book made me wonder how many other stories similar to this one exist about others who so heroically risked their lives for others during WWII that have never been told. It made me realize the importance of keeping a journal and how valuable our history and records can be. Think if Antonina hadn't kept a journal; we wouldn't have the intimate insights that she gives as the life of a woman who suffered through the hardships of the war.

Mandy, I like what you said about courage. It seems that in many instances Antonina, Jan, and even little Rys all acted courageously in the face of danger. I can't fathom waking up each day not knowing if you are going to make it to the next. Bombs exploding nearby, airplanes flying overhead, everything you once knew being destroyed. Imagine standing bravely with your life on the line without even flinching. It was amazing how calmly Antonina acted in those situations and how quick she was to think of just the right thing to say. I don't know that I could have behaved so courageously, but I guess we never know what we are capable of until we are called to rise to the challenge.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the story, their personalities. I especially enjoyed reading about Magdalena, the sculptor, and the way music was used as a way to communicate messages. How grateful those people must be to Jan and his family for simply "doing their duty" (as Jan put it). And to think that all but a few of the 300 that were housed at the zoo and villa survived the war.

I also enjoyed learning new facts about WWII. I had no idea that the Polish people were treated so awfully, and that it was not just the Jews and Gypsies who were so cruelly treated and murdered. The fact that someone's mind and ideas could be so twisted as to think that the human race needed to be cleansed. . . . And not just one person's mind, but many. Ideas are a very contagious thing, and the influence of one evil person can be far-reaching as we have learned from history.

I was extremely impressed with the author. I liked her writing style very much. Her descriptions made everything in the zoo come alive. Her use of words was perfect. What a gift to be able to write like that!

Great book choice Mandy! I am excited for many more good books ahead!

The Zookeeper's Wife

Okay, I hope all of you like history...because I do and that's partly why I chose this book for us to read. I also just kept seeing it at the library and in book stores and I was curious to find out the story.

Antonina and Jan are heroic! Their defiance and their bravery in the midst of WWII was incredible! They were such good people at heart. It would have been so much easier for them just to hole up and wait out the war, but they offered their home and their assistance to others when it was desperately needed.  They also risked their own safety not to mention the safety of their son. I kept thinking "how can this family end up 'happily ever after', I mean we're talking about WWII here...and in Poland!" Anyway, I was pleased even at the end of the book.

I loved the author's descriptions. I felt like I was at the zoo, listening to the animals, or watching through the window as Antonina played her defiant tune on the piano to warn her friends of approaching danger. I also liked how she described a lot of the plants...but that was probably just me noticing that part(by the way there are many linden trees in Rexburg).

The thing I found myself contemplating the most throughout this book was courage. Would you or I have the courage to do what Jan and Antonina did if we were in a similar situation? I don't know, but I hope so. It disgusts me how humans can get so wrapped up in ideas and ideals that they forget how sacred and important life is. Anybody's life. 

Did anyone else have any thoughts about courage as you read? I look forward to reading your comments and opinions!

Help, I need somebody

Elle Elle thank-you SO much for letting me borrow your book The Help, which I will be able to get back to you someday.

Such a great book! I'm thoroughly enjoying this little club we started. It helps me know which books to read and boy are they good.

I love historical fictions and I thought this was an awesome first novel. All the characters in the book were so well developed and you felt special ties to them. It seemed like she had every kind of character. The strong willed can't have anyone tell me what to do, the leader of the pack, the meek follower of the pack, the strong one that doesn't recognize her own strength, the quite compassionate, the ditzy blonde...incorporating all different types.

I absolutely loved seeing the growth in Skeeter. I loved seeing who she was in the beginning of the book. An unsure,awkward follower of the crowd. She just tried to fit in. When she finally realized she didn't need to follow she really blossomed and turned into a strong, confident woman who could accomplish the unthinkable.

I liked all the relationships in the book all the friendships that were stronger than anything. This was also a book I could not put down. I had to know what happened.

I was a little disappointed with the end. I know it was a good way to end it, but I wanted more. I wanted to know what happened with Skeeter and Aibileen and even the crazy blonde.

Excellent book really opens your eyes the things that happened in our history and helps your realize how far kindness can go.

Hunger Games...

I think I enjoy books and movies when you have no idea what they're about until you read them. I was number 37 for this book at the library so my loving hubby found an audio book that we listened to on our drive to Oregon. When we arrived there at 2 in the morning, I had to keep listening.

When we got home from our trip we downloaded the other two audio books and listened to them in the evenings or while doing things around the house. Oh my goodness, such intense books I couldn't have waited between them. I had to find out what happened. I won't ruin it for any of you, but the ending was very well done. And she got the guy I wanted her to :)

This book was really amazing. I want to be able to dissect it and really understand the meaning like I used too, but oh man it was SO good! It's extremely sickening to even think about, children killing children for amusement. Like some sort of extreme survivor. I can't even fathom that it happened - the arena in ancient Rome.

Suzanne plays on all of our human emotions: fear, love, sympathy, greed, arrogance, patience...everything! She exaggerates our actions and it really makes you take a look at yourself and who you are and areas that you need to improve.

At the end of the series there's an excerpt from the author and she explains where she got the idea from and what she wants us to get out from the book. I recommend you look into it. It really helped me.

All I can really say is WOW


(and of course there making a movie coming out 2013)

'The Hunger Games' 3

Summer has been so busy lately that I've neglected to read our books for the past couple of months. Thanks to Kimberly for letting me borrow her book this month or I probably wouldn't have been able to get my hands on it.

'The Hunger Games' was definitely an exciting read. I stayed up late every night last week because I just couldn't put it down. Once I finished it I stayed up even later with thoughts running through my head. I couldn't sleep. I even convinced Wesley to read this one, and he rarely reads novels. Now we are reading the second book 'Catching Fire' together. It's been fun.

Here are some of the thoughts that kept me awake all last week:

First of all it made me think of war and the brutality of it. It never leaves anyone the same, no matter the circumstances you experience it in (whether watching, or being in the thick of it or even just living close to those who have loved ones involved).

I also thought a lot about government and choices in this life. We are so blessed to have them. I can't imagine living in a world where so many things are controlled by someone so distant and withdrawn. The Hunger Games are all about power and keeping the lower classmen in their place. How sad it is that the government officials place so little value on the human life that they force people to murder for their own entertainment. It's a sick idea really, but not far from wars that take place today when you think about it.

Katniss was always so brave and at the same time lucky. She could have died so many times. I was touched by the acts of mercy/kindness in the arena. It shows how human they all were even in the midst of the horrors they were living. I think that in that kind of a situation it would be difficult to remember that you were really human, and that you could control what happens to you even though there are those who would make you think otherwise.

This book did NOT make me hungry!

I didn't even notice that The Hunger Games was on this list! I've been a terrible slack girls. I'm reading a lot but neglecting to look at our list. I did read this book however about a year ago. It's not one that I would say that I like, but it is an exceptional book. It has similar themes to 1984, Animal Farm...blah blah blah all the classics (not hating on those) that young people aren't likely going to pick up or read for fun.  This book series however brings up the issues of what is ethical in a government.
I just finished Catching Fire last week because the third book Mockingjay will be released on Tuesday and I'm interested to see how Suzanne Collins wraps it all up. I've been talking a lot about the books with my friend Erika and the girls she works with and we're all pulling for Gale to make a comeback.  Katniss's relationships are the light and fun part of the book to keep it from being overly depressing.  Only we're pretty sure that Peeta is going to die. Cause really who can't help but love the childhood best friend and want him to get the girl?
But back to the main story.  The bond between Rue and Katniss is a sensitive subject.  In the games each person fought for themselves, but they were really more powerful and better at surviving when they formed allegiances. I thought to myself how I would survive in the area. Quite likely I'd probably just be knocked off in the bloodbath.  The mindset that all of the characters were "raised" with is so much different than mine though.  Katniss killed animals for survival all of the time and when it came down to life in the arena she was ready to do what she had to. I cried one time when I killed a fish. Literally broke down. Yep. I'd be dead fast.
Well without having read the first book recently I'm just going to leave my thoughts here and I'm excited to see what everyone else thinks!

The Hunger Games

I haven't seen any posts on July's book, Infidel, so I am assuming that no one read it?? I was on a waiting list (surprise, surprise) and so I am reading it right now. It is very interesting, and often sad, to discover the way that people live in other countries. We are so blessed! I am only about 1/3 through it, but I would recommend that you all read it if you ever get the chance.

So . . . The Hunger Games! I had heard about this book quite awhile ago from an old roommate. She raved about this book, so I decided to give it a try since we usually have similar tastes in literature. I will admit that I did not expect a recommendation of such a - shall I say barbaric? - book from her. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed it because I think that my tastes can sometimes be a little more rough around the edges when it comes to books that include action/violence.

I found myself immediately sucked into the story. I found it so creative and intriguing. I began having dreams related to the book; sometimes during the day when my mind would wander, I would imagine up unlikely "what if" scenarios in which I would have to use my strength and brains to survive. Suffice it to say, it didn't take me long to finish this book and go on to read the second one in the series, Catching Fire. . . If you thought that the first book was incredulous, just you wait! I guess the third book in the series is coming out at the end of this month and I look forward to reading it some time in the future. While I was reading this book I couldn't help think to myself what a cool movie it would make.

Hope that those of you who are reading it are enjoying it! I look forward to reading your thoughts on it.

The Screwtape Letters

This book is very interesting to me, but often difficult to understand. I read it shortly after graduating from high school and remembered it being confusing and hard to comprehend. I thought that this time around a few years later it would be more clear to me, but to my dismay it wasn't. It is so hard to think of everything backwards and get into that kind of mindset. I can't imagine what it was like for C.S. Lewis to write this book; to write something from the perspective of a devil. But his insights into human nature and the way the devil works are so keen.

I especially liked the part about humility which I quoted in my own personal blog awhile ago. I also remember liking the part in which he describes how women grow up with distorted images of what the world tells them they are supposed to look like. I believe he described it as looking like boys (aka no curves). It has recently occurred to me that we are supposed to have curves. It is normal, and it is the way that we were created. And, get this, guys like them! Maybe you have known this for awhile, but it is a new revelation to me which helps me accept myself the way I am and realize that I can be attractive.

Anyways, I wanted to quote my absolute favorite part of the book, so here it is:

" . . . the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one -- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts . . . "

This is so true! Of course we aren't tempted to go out and murder someone in a fit of rage (hopefully), but it is the small and seemingly insignificant "little" sins that will slowly lead us away from God and before we know it, we will find ourselves out in the "Nothing." Let us beware of the things which do "easily beset us" and avoid them so we are not taken in by the devil's snares!


P.S. Sorry my post is a month late, but I didn't get a hold of the book until the very end of June.

P.P.S. The book I chose for August, The Hunger Games, is very popular so you will want to get on a waiting list at the library as soon as possible!

The Screwtape Letters

Very interesting. It was so hard to really understand the book. Just understanding how C.S. Lewis could get in the mind set to write it. That baffled me. Reading his little excerpt at the end he explained how hard it was for him, that he just had this dark mood around him while writing it.

Anyhow, he addresses some topics that are all around us and I know I don't always recognize them as being temptations from devils, but I believe they really are. I read it a while ago - I have plenty of time to read on the bus on the way home from work. So I'm trying to recall all my thoughts.

The part that I liked most was when Screwtape was talking about the way they torture women with the media. He said how they doctored the photos of women to look far too skinny resembling the figure of a boy. A figure that a full-bodied woman can never achieve.

I think that has always been a struggle for me. The media portrays this all around us and I know how modified everything is, but it's so easy to succumb to those worldly tendencies and compare ourselves. And to not feel thin enough or pretty enough or whatever enough. It is a torture. We just need to recognize it for what it is. It is Satan's way of getting between us and our father in heaven.

It's an interesting book, not my favorite because it's just so weird to think about. I think he did an amazing job and I liked the outcome in the end. It's just so odd.

If you have time I'd love to know what you think.

The Scarlet Pimpernel was excellent! Very entertaining!

I must admit, I guessed the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel long before it was actually revealed. However, I was still enraptured, and excited to discover the outcome of the novel.

I enjoyed the characters very much, but was always frustrated with Lady and Percy Blakeney's relationship...to be so passionately in love and to let pride injure that love...what a shame! I agree with what Hannah said about communication being key in a relationship.

I look forward to seeing the movie next!

We seek him here, we seek him there

I absolutely loved the Scarlett Pimpernel. I never knew there was a whole series!

Seeing the movie first though, made it not as exciting. I already knew Sir Percy's secret identity, but the whole time I just kept imagining his lazy eyes and inane laugh and I always got a kick out of it.

I don't know what else to say, except that man it is good. I loved loved loved the ending.

Oh and communication is key for successful relationships.

Anyhow, I thought it was absolutely amazing!

One of my favorite quotes,

"she was impelled by an all-powerful fatality, which so often seems to rule the destinies of men"

So sorry...

Due to the fact that Wesley and I don't have internet in our home, I have fallen behind on the book club. I'm sorry! I didn't get the memo about the book Pursued, and I'm afraid I won't have time to get that one read right now. I was also unable to acquire the Scarlet Pimpernel at the local libraries so I have just ordered it online which means my post will be coming a little late. However, I'm excited to be reading it, and I'll post again as soon as I can.

Oopsie!

So I finally got a copy of the scarlet pimpernel. Shane and I were driving to Jerome for me to finish my hunter's education so I figured I'd read on the way. The car was locked so I put my armful of blankets and the book on the trunk and asked Shane to grab it when I went in for something else. We're on the highway past Pocatello when I start looking around for the book.

Just my luck, he never saw it and left it on the trunk as we drove away. So yesterday I spent 30 min walking down the road to find it, to no avail. Hopefully someone found it and took it to the library? But now, I'll have to see what I can do about getting a copy...

Finally - Pursued!

Ok, I know it's the end of May, but I have now finished Pursued and thought that I might as well still write my thoughts about it. By the way, I hope you are all enjoying The Scarlet Pimpernel!
I would have to agree with pretty much everything that Hannah said about the book. But all in all, it was still a fun read. Kind of one of those no-brainers you can just pick up whenever for entertainment. It kept me guessing until the end, and I just kept reading so that I could find out how it was all going to play out. I had read several books by this same author back when I was in middle school and high school, so I kind of knew what to expect from this book. I think I would have enjoyed it more back then, but that's ok. Like I said, it was still fun. . . .
It drove me crazy not knowing who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I found myself suspecting everyone and trusting no one. Especially when it came to Maggie's new-found family. It all got a little confusing with all the police and detectives thrown in there as well. I couldn't keep track of their names and which ones could be trusted. Maybe I wasn't properly imagining things in my head, but it didn't make sense how Llewellyn (By the way, how in the world do you pronounce that name?) escaped right through their fingers so many times. Was he that elusive?
I would love to go to England and visit all those places though and learn about the history and architecture. And I definitely wouldn't mind finding a place like Dragonwyck that I could explore! (I am a sucker for secret passageways.) That would be awesome. Mandy and I were talking, and we figured that I have over a year to find a job and save up so that I can go visit while she and Wes are living there. Sound like a good plan to me! Anyone else want to join?

Backwards

Due to numerous waiting lists at the library, I am just barely reading Pursued, but I have already finished The Scarlet Pimpernel. So I will post about that now and then post about Pursued later once I have finished. Sorry that my posts are going to be flip-flopped. . .
Let me just start off by saying that I love The Scarlet Pimpernel! I had read it once before in high school but I think that I enjoyed it so much more this time, even though I kind of already knew what was going to happen and who the Scarlet Pimpernel was. I understood things so much better this time, although I was still confused about many French words and sometimes would look things up in the dictionary. What a great story though! Everything you could ask for: mystery, adventure, romance, etc. The author was so great at describing things and using imagery. And she gave them all so much character and personality!
One thing that kills me throughout the book though is the lack of communication between Lady Blakeney and her husband. I loved that part when they were talking out on the lawn of their house after the ball. I just wanted them to let go of their pride and fall into each others' arms! Alas, they didn't but I am sure that there was plenty of that after the story ended.
I felt like I couldn't put the book down, and was always so anxious to find out what was going to happen next. So good choice Elle! Oh, and I also have acquired a copy of The Help and so I am going to read that as well after I am done with Pursued. And I am planning on watching the movie of The Scarlet Pimpernel sometime soon if anyone in the Rexburg area would like to join me.

Taking a break

Hello friends,
I have good news and bad news.  The good news. I got a lead in a musical, and I'm very excited.  The musical  is Bye Bye Birdie and I got the part of Rose.

The bad news is, I wont have to time read for a while, mostly because I need to memorize my lines and music. But please post your thoughts on the book.  I love the Scarlet Pimpernel.

As for the last book, I agree Hannah, was cheesy but I like reading a book sometimes that is predictable and you can just enjoy it without thinking too much.  Thanks for you thoughts.

Oh and Mandy...you will now be on the other side of the world reading with us. Thats really cool. We should read a Jane Austen book and then take a trip to England to see the sights....just a thought.

My thoughts on Pursued

I've been done with it for a while, but I didn't want to be the first one to comment - so thanks Bekah :)

It was definitely an intriguing read full of adventure, but it wasn't all that great in my opinion. It was just super cheesy and I know that's the kind of novel that it was, but all through out the book the heroine was predicting every move. It was kind of disappointing for her to be right...every single time!

The things that bothered me the most was that there were some errors like typos and stuff. But in the first little bit of the book, remember how she was being followed by the terrorist in the gray turtleneck and black jacket. Well then towards the end of a chapter it said that she was sure the guy in the black turtleneck wasn't chasing her. I don't want to be stingy, but at first I was kind of confused. I was like, what guy was that?

Anyhow, I'm probably just being to critical. It wasn't that bad. Maybe I would've liked it better to listen to it like you Bekah. That's a good idea.

I'll say something good about it now, I feel so picky. I liked how she didn't give you all the background of the characters at the very beginning. So, I take it that there's a book before this one? But I like the way the author slowly gave you the details behind all the relationships of the characters. At first it bothered me because I had no idea who anyone was, but it added some interest for the reader and it was a more interesting way to find out the details in chunks instead of getting the whole history all at once.

The book also really makes me want to go to England! (as long as there are no terrorist plots) I want to go pick Dustin up from his mission next year so bad!!!

Pursued - Lynn Gardner

I don't know if you have read it.  I understand if you haven't but if any of you did I would like to hear your thoughts.  Here is a quick review from www.ldsfiction.blogspot.com

"In an attempt to discover the truth about what really happened to her two brothers who were declared dead at birth, newspaper editor Maggie McKenzie has sig"ned on for more of an adventure than she bargained for.

What begins as a much-anticipated fact-finding trip to England quickly turns into a dangerous escapade as Maggie is forced to run for her life after she inadvertently gains possession of an innocent-looking flash drive. The tiny device contains details of a terrorist plot to destroy major London landmarks.

When she realizes that someone she knows is involved with the malevolent plot, it becomes time to make her solo mission a family affair—even though it seems that most of the family members she has met in England would like to see her gone.

Hold on tight with sleuth Maggie McKenzie in a pulse-pounding thrill ride through the United Kingdom as she discovers that when it comes to long-lost relatives, what you see isn’t always what you get."

I myself really liked this book.  It was just a fun read, and it kept my attention.  Since I really didn't read it but listened to it on CD I enjoyed it even more.  I hope you enjoyed it as well.

May

Hey everyone! With May starting...tomorrow...I just wanted to check to see if we're all interested in reading The Help this month. If you're still having trouble getting a copy we can do a classic book instead, probably The Scarlet Pimpernel. Check out Amazon though because they always have great deals on used books!

Check Up

How are we doing on the book?  If you need more time. No big deal.  Just comment so I know.

Thanks

Change of Plans

Hello Everyone,
Since it's been hard for us to get the book The Help, Elle and I are switching spots. 

New book Pursued--Lynn Gardner

I've been listening to it on CD it's been fun.

Good Luck

Proposal

Due to recent events, Mandy and I have come up with a proposition for our book club. . . Lately some of us have had a hard time acquiring the chosen book in a timely manner. For example, I went to the library last week to check out The Help but ended up becoming #22 on the waiting list instead. Since we would like all of us to be reading the book at the same time, we suggest that we come up with our books ahead of time. Perhaps we could create a yearly calendar and choose a book for each month for the rest of the year. That way we could be prepared and get on waiting lists early if need be. Bekah proposed that we create a rotation of sorts so that each person is able to take a turn choosing which book we read next. Let's share our thoughts and see if we can collaborate and come up with something that will work better than our current system.

New Book!!!

I love being apart of this book club. I say we take Elle's recommendation and read The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Have A Little Faith

I haven't gotten a chance to finish the book yet, but it's not because I'm a slacker I swear! Ha ha! I'm a big fan of Mitch Albom because of Tuesdays with Morrie and I'm glad that he references that part of his life in this book because it really shaped him to be the person that could write a eulogy for such a great man as Albert Lewis.
At first I couldn't figure out why Henry's story was incorporated. In fact, it didn't even sink in that he was the pastor until it said that his mother always said he would be a preacher. Its very interesting to see how extremely different lifestyles found their faith.
I feel sorry for my Atheist friends. How sad and scary is a life with nothing to depend on but humanity? When I am alone I need to pray until I feel comfort from my Heavenly Father and the peace that everything will work out if I am living righteously. I've been blessed with strong faith and there is a great quote from the Reb that I find encouraging for those who are lacking in faith, "It is far more comforting to think God listened and said no, than to think that nobody's out there."
I also really like his secret to happiness, "Be satisfied. Be grateful for what you have. For the love you receive. And for what God has given you. That's it."
Life is simple. We complicate it. I'm very excited to finish this book and I'm sure tears are going to come when the Reb passes, but I know that they will be tears of joy for his life, gratitude for his wisdom, and peace at his next stage in life. I bet he's a Mormon now... :)

Have a Little Faith---I need more

Ladies...I'll be honest I didn't finish the book. But I will. 

I think what I loved the most is the Rabbi's love for people.  The genuine compassion, and kindness; especially when he would participate in others religious services.  As for Henry, I think there are many times in our lives when we are in trouble and we tell the Lord that we will do anything to get through this and then once it happens we go back to our old ways.  Granted I don't think they are horrible things such as stealing and drugs.

I did enjoy this book and I look forward to finishing it.

Have a Little Faith...my opinions

I enjoyed the book, but at the same time it was a little difficult for me. I really liked how it was compiled, it kept it interesting and it really helped you fully understand all the characters (do you still call them characters if they're all real people?).

My favorite parts of the book were all the excerpts of the Reb's sermons. He was truly an inspired man. My favorite was the story about how the little girl was trying to get her mother's attention and she never looked up and her daughter kept asking for her to listen. The mother finally said, "Yes, dear I'm listening" to which the daughter said, "But your not listening with your eyes". The Reb was always finding inspirational ways to teach.

Another big eye opener was when Henry was in prison and opened the Bible to the exact scripture that he truly needed at that point in his life. As members of the church we talk about this all the time. I know that all people are blessed with the light of Christ. This example of Henry's experience was just further Testament to me that we have a loving caring father in heaven. This was also expressed through the comparison of Henry and the Reb, they had so much in common - such as their passion and faith - yet they were worlds apart.

Over all I think the book was good, I don't know if I'd call it great. My biggest, I guess beef, was that the whole time I was reading I was just waiting for Mitch to have some kind of change. I think he may have been impacted, but at the same time, maybe he just found something good to write about and make some mula. He never really seemed like he ever got it. He just acted as if he was an observer throughout the whole book, never really a participant. It was like I was waiting for him to have that grand aHa and decide to do things differently, but he never really did.

And truly this is more realistic, because so often in life we are given outstanding examples and experiences, but that doesn't guarantee and impact in our persona.

Anyhow, those were my jumbled thoughts.

QUESTION: Wouldn't it be awkward if some guy asked you questions recording you speaking for years, I would have a hard time with that.

**side comment - i feel kind of dumb, but I didn't realize that Henry Covington was black until I saw the picture in the back. The whole time I was reading I just kept thinking that's weird that an entirely black congregation had a white pastor...

have a little faith

Like Mandy, I also enjoyed this book. There were some great things to be learned from it. Although it seemed like a bunch of different stories and memories jumbled together, it made it easy to pick up whenever you had a spare minute or two and just read a little.

There are a few different thoughts I would like to share, and I hope that I can express them well . . .
First of all, I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and that people can repent and change their lives. In the case of Henry Covington, he had a lot to change and repent of but it was possible. I find his strength and dedication amazing, going from where he was to becoming a pastor and helping those who were like his former self. I know that these changes are possible and that we can always turn back towards God and that He'll be waiting for us with open arms.

While reading this book I think I gained a greater appreciation for other faiths, and for the people who live them so devoutly. There are many good people out there who have faith in God, and who live what they believe like the Reb. They may not have all the truth, but they believe in the same fundamental principles such as faith, prayer, service, and love. Although they are not members of this church, we can all learn from them and their examples.

I am reading another book right now which tells the story of a young Jewish man who converts to Mormonism. Just before he makes the decision to be baptized, he has a conversation with a good friend, an older man. The young man was concerned about why God would allow so few people to be members of the true church. The older man does a beautiful job explaining things to the young man. He said that he doesn't view the world as members or non-members, right or wrong, or good versus evil, but as incomplete and complete. When others join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it's not that they are necessarily giving up their old religion, they are just adding more truth to it; completing it. This young man was adding to his Jewish life and traditions by including new things such as Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon to the truths that he already knew. I had never thought of it that way, and I just wanted to share that thought with all of you.

I hope all of you are enjoying this as much as I am. This book club is serving to be a bright spot in my life right now as I am struggling to find employment and figure out what to do with myself. Thanks for your friendship and your examples of love and faith that you have been to me.

Have A Little Faith

I found this book a leisurely and delightful read. It also had many great points about faith and people of different faiths.

One of my favorite lines in this story read, "faith is about doing. You are how you act, not just how you believe." So True! How many times do we see examples of this in our lives...people claiming one thing but acting in completely different ways. Besides, we've always learned as Latter Day Saints that "faith without works is dead". I enjoy reading books like this about other people and their faith especially when I find that they believe in things that are so similar to what we believe. You can always tie things into the gospel.

One thing I noticed in this book, (there was actually a paragraph that talked a little about this) was that the different religious leaders were extremely devoted to their congregations. You could see just how much their faith meant to them and how it put them at peace with themselves. That is what having something to believe in does for people. I recently read an article in the Reader's Digest about happy people. One of the things on their list that makes people happy is religion...people who have something to believe in are generally happier than those who don't. I believe this is true, and I think that's one of the points Mitch Albom was getting at in this book. When you have faith you find joy!

New Book!

Next on our long list of books to be devoured is Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith". I've just picked it up from the library myself and am thoroughly enjoying the first pages of it. I think it is reasonable for all of us to finish it by March 22nd (Since Bekah is vacationing on distant sunny shores I decided to call the shots for our book club! Hope nobody minds). HAPPY READING!!!

What Are we Reading Next?

I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something. Have we started on a new book yet? If so, what book will we be reading?

My own thoughts...

I liked  this book because yes, it is about love and sisterhood (which truly is a great way to start our book club). One of my favorite parts was at the end when August tells Lily that the only purpose grand enough for a human life is "Not just to love - but to persist in love." That's so true. August was definitely my favorite character in the entire book. She was just so knowledgable, understanding, patient, thoughtful and striving for good. I liked that.

 I also liked the comparisons of the characters lives to bees and honey... interesting and clever.

 It was an interesting book regarding the Civil Rights movement as well. It is fasciniating to our generation that people treated each other with such contempt over a different skin tone and didn't think anything of it. I liked the part in the book where Lily mentions the world would be a better place if we didn't have skin tones at all. It would be nice if people everywhere and all the time could see people for who they are on the inside instead of what they look like on the outside.

However, the whole way through the book I found myself just wanting something to happen. It was all so discouraging and sad. I think it was a little slow. I didn't get into it like I normally do a book and found myself not truly enjoying the story line. I know stories can't always have those fairy-tale endings... but this book just seemed so depressing to me the whole way through...death, abuse, unjust accusations, suicide, abandonment, hurt. I guess it was kind of a story about overcoming now that I think about it. Yet, at the end of the story I found myself thinking, "they will still have so many hardhsips coming."

Also I thought that some of the descriptions were perfectly beautiful, while some of them I just thought, "what's going on here? What has this got to do with anything?" (For example when Lily and Rosaleen bathed in the river.) I really didn't think we needed so many in depth descriptions about their bosoms and thighs ect. I also did not like the swearing. I know it's the characters voice and it helps set a mood for the story and it gives us more of a feel for the character but I thought it was a little too much. She could have written those types of words once or twice in the book and it would have been vivid enough for me. There were a few pages where it seemed it was every sentence or paragraph.

All in all it was good. It's fun to think about and discuss things after reading. It makes a book so much more meaningful. I've realized I have a lot more thoughts about this book than I knew I had.

Happy Reading!

The Secret Life of Bees 2

I really liked this book too and loved how it was our first book and it was about sisterhood! Perfect! I'll admit that it did take me a little while to get into it, but once I did I could hardly put it down. There was so much depth to the characters and to the emotions and experiences they were going through, and they felt so real.

I loved the author's writing style. The imagery was great. I can perfectly imagine all the Daughters of Mary with their crazy hats. :) Or all of them lathering the Lady in Chains with honey.

I was so glad too that August let Lily and Rosaleen stay at the end. What a relief! I didn't know what they were going to do. I think I was holding my breath during the part when T. Ray found her at the pink house.

I also loved the relationship between Zach and Lily. I imagine them getting married in the future once things get better between blacks and whites. I think I might have even had a little crush on him myself; sweat dripping down his shirtless chest of oily, dark skin. :)

I'm glad to hear, Hannah, that you enjoyed the movie as well. My mom told me about it but I have been hesitant to see it now that I have read the book. The movies are never as good, but maybe I'll have to give it a try.

I thought quite a bit about my aunt Stacie while reading this book because it is one of her favorites, and because she is a beekeeper! I have seen her hives and I have helped with the honey harvesting process a little bit. We scraped off the outer layer of the combs to release the honey inside. You can't help but lick the extra drops off your fingers. :)

Isn't is so fun to think that we are all reading the same words and stories at the same time even though we may be far apart? I guess that's the whole point, but it really does keep a connection between us and I'm so glad! I can't wait to find out what is next! Love you all!

The Secret Life of Bees--Sue Monk Kid

I feel like this was a great book to start out with.  I loved the story and the character development. If there was one theme that I would pick out from this book would be the need to love and be loved.  I love that August taught Lily how to show love.  Who knew that you could learn how to love by taking care of bees, and who knew that you could come to love bees?

A couple of my favorite parts of the book are:
Playing in the sprinklers, that's where June was finally able to let down her guard with Lily.  (something special happens through recreational activities)
When all the sisters are in the kitchen together dancing, singing, and cooking while getting ready for "Mary Day"

I really grew to love May's character.  I almost cried when she died but I love that in the note she wrote "it's your time to live, don't mess it up"

You know times have really changed since the Civil Rights movement.  We were talking about it the other day at the dinner table and my little sister didn't even know what a negro was.  I can't imagine treating people like that.  Especially, to the point where people have such hate for people who look different than them.  I love the fact that August was willing to let Lily and Rosalee stay, and just loved them.  I hope I can have the chance to help someone like that some day.