Breakfast Club

You look good for 100!

2012-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

When you start a book club, you never know how long it will last. You always hope that people will want to come and discuss a book each month; you hope that people will want to get together, and comraderate with each other; you hope that the art of reading isn't dead. Every month, we get together, and validate that this is all still very true, and holding steady very well.

As a group, there are approximately 13 of us, that get together each month, and give each other's selections a try. This makes me happy, and proud, to be part of such a great group of readers. Knowing that they are willing to try, if they want, a book that they might not want to read, but eventually will love. Or, it can be the opposite. They will read a book they really don't like. Either way, it's a learning experience, and we enjoy doing it.

That said, we celebrated in December our 100th book!!!

The book was "The Lock Artist" by Steve Hamilton.

The book was a mystery of a boy who was an excellent lock picker, a theif if you will, that didn't speak. It was interesting to read the book in the idea that he didn't say anything on the outside, but so poetic with what he did for a living...steal.

It was a nice choice for our 100th book. Everyone seemed to like it. It kept your interest, and it had a good story. Two things that are sometimes important when you are reading. ;)

It goes to show you that you can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends locks...wait...oh nevermind!

**** out of five

Triva buffs: What was book 50?

Listen...do you want to know a secret?

2012-02-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

I have something to tell you. It's not a secret. It's something that I have been wanting to tell you for a little while. It's...it's...a confession.

PLEASE READ THIS!

Ok, read anything, but this book really opened you up to how our legal system can, and does work. It's literally about a confession from someone who committed a crime, but did they really commit the crime? Were they forced to confess and are completely innocent?

The pieces are put together as the book progresses, but it really comes to a big conclusion towards the end.

I think the book club enjoyed this book. Whether or not they truly liked a legal thriller, it seemed that it opened everyone's eyes up to a new perspective, and it REALLY got us talkings.

**** of of 5

It's About Time...Tick Tock

2012-02-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

How do you classify a miracle? How do you decide how long it may last? You can't. This is a story of a miracle that takes as long as you want, and lasts as long as it can give.

It's all about second chances, or first chances if you will. It's really putting things in perspective in the long run.

The book club liked it I believe. Jason Wright became a two-peater in the book club, with the first choice being "Wednesdays Letters."

Believeable to a certain point. But it feels like that was Mr. Wright aims for. It feels he writes like a little above ordinary.

*** out of 5

Phil+Cinnamon Rolls+Book Club+ Porch= :)

2011-11-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ok Mary Ann, you picked the deep and dangerous Dr. Phil for a book club choice. That's fine. But, nothing tops the rolls. Wow! And, for the third time triva buffs, book club was held at a different location. Mary Ann was kind enough to invite us into her home, and onto her enclosed private "RESTAURANT" if you will, ok it was a porch, but still. It was very nice, and very different, and it was a real TREAT! Both the different location, and the HOMEMADE cinnamon rolls. Smiles all around.

For the book, it wasn't a pure favorite. We discussed it, but I don't think everyone read the whole thing completely. We all read sections of the book. It was ok what we read, but it was as if the doctor was trying to get into OUR heads. We don't need shrunk while reading...thanks Phil.

Seriously though, some parts were interesting. We learned some from reading. It was just a lot of technical, mumbo jumbo. It was ok, but not sure if everyone loved it. Not sure if Mary Ann liked it 100% and it was her book. This was book 97.

*** of five

Meeting date: September 17th, 2011

Backseat Drama

2011-11-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Karen's choice was book 96, and it didn't dare to disappoint. Before we went out and watched Matthew what's his name potray Mickey Heller, we all read Mickey Heller BEING Mickey Heller. It is Mickey Heller right?

Anyway, I personally had not read a Michael Connelly novel before, and I enjoyed this character. I loved his attitude, and his slight sarcasm. He made for an interesting person. I think the club seemed to enjoy him as well.

He's not a conventional lawyer, as he practices law from the backseat of an actual lincoln car. I will let you read the book to learn why. From the backseat or not, he is an interesting lawyer as well. Fighting to get the job done, it throws out the question of whether or not you would want Mickey to be your personal lawyer.

We all liked the book. Kim was nice enough to pass around the movie to those who wanted to watch the movie AFTER they read the book.

**** out of five

Meeting date: August 20th, 2011

Just Me...and my...Emma!

2011-11-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Readers...books like this don't always come around. This book is a sleeper book. It's a really good book, at least I think, that sinks you in once you start reading it, and if you don't think about it too much, it a book that SLAPS you in the face at the end. Which, let's face it, who doesn't like good slap?

Whoa..whoa...not a literal slap, a figurative slap. Without giving things away, I didn't see things coming. If you read it, hopefully you won't either. You become attached to Emma, and you feel for all the characters in the book.

Honestly, that is all I am going to say. I don't want to spoil it for everyone. Go and read Me and Emma. You will like it. Book Club did! Thanks Marilyn for picking.

**** of of five

Meeting Date: July 16th, 2011

We're not Dead Yet!

2011-11-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Susie brought us book 94, with the John Newberry Award winner "The Graveyard Book." Written by Neil Gaiman, a firm supporter in libraries, it tells the story of a book who is raised in a graveyard by the inhabitants found within it.

I think this book at first had our readers wondering as to what the book was about, with a title like "The Graveyard Book." However, after reading it and discussing, I really think that most enjoyed the book, but found it to be a little out there, as in not realistic because of the raising of the child from a graveyard. But, I think it held most becuase of the mystery factored in.

***1/2 out of five

Meeting date: June 18th, 2011

Why Have 1st through 12th grade?

2011-11-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

Book 92 brought us Cheri's choice, in what she did for a good many years. She was a kindergarten teacher, and of course all she needed to know she learned there...right?

In a charming book by Robert Fulghum, he tells stories of simple life in things that we could ultimately learn when we all enter kindergarten.

These are short stories, that Cheri had us pick a few that we enjoyed reading, and that we coudl relate too. The consensus was that we all liked reading about the people in the book, and the stories were relatable. Some did not read every story, which you didn't have to read them all. You could pick the ones that sounded the most interesting.

Have you thought some things were common or uncommon?

*** out of five

Club date: May 21st, 2011

Not Just Anybody...You Know I Need Someone

2011-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Yes fallowers, if any, there hasn't been a blog post since April. I am sorry for that. You get behind on things, and the blog seems the first to go. With the new and improved, moving along with technology, we are hoping you do as well, and read the blog posts, or remotely enjoy them. I am going to do a run down of the ones that we have read since April, and hope it catches everyone up.

April book choice was choosen by Sally. It was Kathryn Stockett's book "The Help." Which, if you haven't read this book, please do. The consensus was that it is a truly touching book. If you haven't seen the movie, again please do. Most of the club went and saw the movie, and really enjoyed the movie as well. Great performances by some great actors and actresses.

Anyway, back to the book. The story is about African American maids in the 1960's, when segragation and color were hitting it's peak. The white woman in the book wants to tell the story of the colored maids who work in the town, and tell their side of the story. The hard part is trying to get the woman to tell there stories, without getting caught, and anyone finding out. If so, they could get into a lot of trouble.

Book club would reccomend this book, and it would also reccomend the movie. Some didn't like the book fully, but mostly all enjoyed reading this touching story.

**** four our of five

Book # 92: No! I Don't Want To Join A Bookclub

2011-04-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know anbout you, but I certainly want to join a book club. In fact, I am a member! And just because the title of this book is titled the way it is, does not mean that it's ani-book club. It is just a statement from a 60 year old woman, who doesn't know what to do with her life.

It does throw out the question to everyone, that we all can relate to. "What do you do when you reach a point in your life, and you want to do something else?" So, just because it's about a 60 year old woman, doesn't mean I myself, being male, cannot relate to it.

This was the second "post-Fat Man's," "Manhunt" being the first held at Our Hometown Restaurant. This one was held at The Library.

The consensus was that the book was good. All could realte to the book. It brought humor and enlightenment for those close to or over the age of 60. It made the ones who weren't there yet, apprecaite those in the age brackett.

By the way, Manhunt was well recieved last month. People seemed to enjoy the historical value of Manhunt, and the interesting things it brought up. Such as, how people could get so close to the president back then. How the president was protected. How things are different now. We also learned that John Wilkes Booth had a connection to a local town near us...Brookville, Pennsylvania! Ask a book club member about that one.

The talley is one for Hometown Restaurant, one for the library.

Book Club Trivia

2011-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

The first book that was discussed at bookclub was "East of Eden," at Fat Man's, and was book 1.

The last book to be discussed at Fat Man's was "The Great Gatsby" and was book 89.

Good Bye Old Friend...The Meeting Place

2011-04-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

All of our book club was sadden by the news that our meeting place of over 88 times, would cease to be there after the January meeting.

Rumors ciculated around that they were closing due to illness, and that the ship would close it's doors in February before the book club meeting.

After the shock and awe subsided, the question in everyone's mind is...Where do we have bookclub now? After having it for so long at Fat Man's, and it's convenient location of right across the street from the library, it was just a surprise to all.

Where do we have bookclub? Why we have it at the only other restaurant that is available for breakfast, Our Hometown Restaurant. They were gracious enough to let us come and try it there. It wasn't too bad. Everyone just needs to get used to the fact that we have to have it somewhere new. And new it shall be.

The new option is, that the person who picks the book, also picks the location. So far we had the discussion after Fat Man's closing at OHR. We then tried the library as a position for the meetings. So, we then came up with an offereing, like I said, that whoever's turn it was to pick a book, will also pick the location. It seems like a good comprimise for now.

BOOK #90

2011-01-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

"You shot me down...bang, bang. I hit the ground...bang bang. That awful soung...bang bang..."

Starting the home stretch to book 100 with a bang, book 90 gives us the idea of the 12 day search for Lincoln's killer. In Manhunt, a book by James Swanson, it gives you an interesting story, and an account of the search for John Wilkes Booth, after that fateful night he shot the president of the United States. Booth went on the run after shooting the president, and Swanson takes you on an exciting journey, as the people in the book, and you, go looking for Lincoln's killer.

Some interesting things to think about as you read this book:

-How did Booth shoot Lincoln so easily?

-How did he just jump down from the box seats after shooting Lincoln, and get away like he did?

-Why did he believe that he was "supposed" to, or chosen if you will, to kill Lincoln. He believed that he was doing the United States a favor. Says who?

So, please take the journey with us, as we follow the people, and the killer, who got rid of some say one of the greatest presidents we have ever had. Booth killed our 16th president. Find out some answers.

Gatsby Roundup

2011-01-18T15:23:00.001-08:00

The book "The Great Gatsby" was discussed on January 15th, 2011 at Fat Man's.
10 people were present at the meeting. A hearty discussion was had about the book. I was surprised at how much of a discussion it did bring. I was proud of the fact that it did bring up some good points. Such as:

-Why is it a classic?
-Why do they teach it in school?
-What are the elements that make it a great book?

It seemed a consensus that it was a well recieved piece of literature. It was a snapshot of that time, the roaring twenties. It's a stamp on our lives for that time.

Give it a try, and you'll be "Roaring" your way down the literature cannon.

What's up next?

WATCHING?

2011-01-04T12:34:00.001-08:00

Are you reading this Voundilee?

If so, send us a message...=)

BOOK #89

2011-01-04T12:14:00.001-08:00

This is an introduction to the next book, who picked it, and why, etc. The book is to your right-------->

The Great Gatsby is my choice for the next book club. This book has been stuck in my top 5 books ever since I have read it.

It has stuck with me of the writing style, the put togetherness of it, and even the story. I love it, and think it's brilliant, when an author writes on the average of 200-250 pages, and makes you care about the people, and are intigued with the story they are telling. F.Scott Fitzgerald, again to me, does this wonderfully in "The Great Gatsby."

I wanted to also go back to our roots in book-club. When the club first started, we read about 5 classic in the first 10 books about. Then we steered away from picking classic, and have stayed mostly in contemporary reading. So, I'm bringing CLASSIC back. Read along with us, and let us know what you think. Other things will be posted with this book such as: questions, ideas, and even the summary of that weeks book-club, and an announcement of what the next slection is. So, stay CLASSIC book club. Happy Reading!!!

BOOK #88

2011-01-04T12:08:00.001-08:00

I literally was wishin' and hopin' the book didn't have to end. It was a feel good Christmas story, told from Wally Lamb, author extrodinaire. Which Sharon informed us that all his book titles are song titles.

It had humor, and a good-heartedness to it. It was a good book to read during the holidays because of the message, and the easy to realte to of it.

I would read this book during the holidays, or even give it a try off of season. You will fall in love with the characters, and you will definately relate to the people that are in the town. Different mind-set or not.

BOOK #87

2011-01-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

As all books with the book-club, there are books that I don't think I would ever pick up, or be exposed to if people wouldn't pick them. This book is one of them, but I am glad that it was picked. It's an interesting book about friendship through the years between two women. They start a club, by sending recipes with their letters. What's cool about this book, is that it includes all the recipes they talk about, and you can actually make them all. I know because Sharon, one of the members, made the very first recipe for us in the book. And...it was YUMMY! It was interesting to read the friends letters and recipes (I didn't read All of them but...). It felt as though you were getting a personal look into the lives of the ladies.

You can put anyone in the roles, females, males, and it will still ring true to everyone. You need to be there for people, and try to stick through it no matter what. Do you have friends like that? Do you have recipes that you might share?

BOOK #86

2011-01-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Stealing is never the answer. So why call it the book thief? By reading the book, it will make sense to you. It's a suspend reality book, that has an unusual character telling the story. I won't tell you who does, because when you find out, (to me) it's a really cool concept. I've read many a books, and never found a person telling the story like the one in this book.

It gives you depth, and a history lesson. This happens during WWII and the Holocaust area. You get an idea of what is happening at that point in history.

Keep your eyes peeled, and the words handy, because this is a journey that you don't want to miss.

BOOK #85

2011-01-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

If you like a romance mixed with a little intrigue and msytery, then have we got a book for you. "Ticket Home" tells the story about a brother that comes home from the war, after everyone, including the woman you love, thinks you are dead.

There is more to the book than just a love story. The mystery behind the book, if you aren't a good detective, will surprise you.

I myself enjoyed the mystery part, but the romance I could have done without. =)

If you are looking for an interesting read, and something that will keep your attention, then I would give "Ticket Home" a try. It may be your "ticket" to a good read.

BOOK #84

2011-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't take this book in a pool, or for the pier for that matter. But, I would sit in my living room, and read this. This book really seemed to keep everybody wondering one simple question..."What would you do if a person you loved, and was thinking about leaving, had an accident? Would you stay with them?" You read about what happens to all of the people in the book, by someone having one accident. The one accident causes a chain reaction. The writing is really very well done, it keeps your attention, and you either agree with the ending, or you don't. I'm not quite sure if I agreed with it or not, but you will have to read it for yourself to make your own decision. Does she stay or does she go?

BOOK #83

2011-01-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

In a first for our book club, we have never had a book title be a number. It's the only one to date.

In my personal opinion, I really enjoyed this, and as "odd" as the book might be a little, I think most did like this one too.

It takes place during slavery, and the slave 47. They are just a number...so most think.

Strage and unusual things happen in this book, that kind of suspend your belief, but it does make for a book, a pageturner, and a Young Adult book that will teach you some history, and some mystery.

BOOK #82

2011-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

In this day and age, writing letters are almost a thing of the past. It's an old past-time. When you are able to sit down and send an email in a matter of seconds, or spend that 43 cents to mail a letter, which one wins out? Usually the email.

I enjoyed this book, because it went back to the root, or the lost art form of letter writing. Letter writing is much more personal and intimate. This is what kind of makes the book. Reading the letters, even though in printed book font, felt as though you were reading their personal ideas, and finding out what goes on in their lives.

It's a nice feel good read, and an interesting book, with an interesting outcome.

BOOK #81

2011-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

This book has an honor of holding a spot in our bookclub list, but Oprah was the first to get ahold of it. It tells the story of the hardship that Ellen goes through in foster care, and that sets up her side of what goes on in her life. Ellen "Foster" gets her name from that since she goes to live with her "foster" family. A tale that will keep your attention from beginning to end.

BOOK #80

2011-01-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

A simple, yet adorable story of a mouse, in love with a princess. Despereaux has lots of heart, and it teaches us that no matter how small you are, or in Despereaux's case, what you look like, you can accomplish great things.

The book is suited for all age ranges, and it's a tale that you can share with the whole family.

BOOK #79

2011-01-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Book 79 with about a dog that filled people with some hope, and a whole lot of love. "Amazing Gracie" tells about an adoption of a dog, and how it leads to them making special treats for the dog, and it continues to travel widespread about the treats.

A good book for dog lovers, or anyone who enjoys a feel good story.

Come Back When You Can't Stay So Long...

2011-01-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

So, this is the return of the book club blog. Welcome back. Or hello for the first time. By request, it's back. It's almost been a year absence, but hopefully it will stay regular again.

Wanted to say hello to book club member Voundilee. She is a reader of the blog, and so is Paul, her husband. Hope you guys are staying warm down in Texas. The library also wants to thank her for the card that she made (when I say made, I mean PAINTED!) and sent to us.

I will post a little something about each book that was read, but not like a normal post. I will start with the new cycle books, which started last month in December. The term "new cycle" refers to going back to the orignal person who started picking, and it starts again.

The book posting will start where I left off last year, with book 79.

CAT STORIES

2010-02-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

As of now, no cat stories to report. Maybe after the meeting there will be a few.

~FEBRUARY'S CHOICE~

2010-01-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

HELLO KITTY....KITTY

2010-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Send in the cats! The book selection for the month of February brings out the love in all of us, but espically cats. For February, we will be reading the book "Dewey." It's the book about a lovable cat who ends up in the book deposit, and continues to stay with the library.

This would be what "Marley & Me," did for dogs. If you are a pet lover, a cat lover, a lover of loves...ok, too much, then you should like this book.

It will be on February 20th, 2010 at Fat Man's 9:00am.

Information on the book, and other things to follow.

Also, cat stories for postings on here are also welcome.

HAPPY READING!

TEA PARTY

2010-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Every time the club gets to together, it's a party. This particular time, January 16th, we got together and discussed "Three Cups of Tea." It was very informing about how Afganastan is shown in a more interesting light. I believe that the book was saying that we should try for things that involve peace, rather than violence. And if the people would see us, or others in the world, as trying to help their people out, then they wouldn't want to give into violence as well.

Greg Mortinsen tries to promote peace by doing things positively. By doing so, he gets a better idea across.

Most people enjoyed the book once they started it. It was a little hard to start, but once you got into the book and started learning, it was better.

I think the consensus is to read it. You learn about a different culture, and you also broaden your ideas of what a few people can do to change something around them.

2010-01-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new decade, and a new book selection. For January, the next selection in the book club is "Three Cups of Tea," by Greg Mortenson. It tells the story of how he is trying to bring education into the Afganistan culture, I believe espically with the woman.

An eye opening book, and hopefully lively discussion for it. Do you think everyone deserves and education? Do you think that it should only be men? Woman? Interesting things to think about with this read.

Yes Book Club There is A Book Selection

2009-12-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

To get into the festive spirit, it seems tradition to be to pick a Christmas book for the month of December. This year is no exception. First made into a motion picture script and moive, it then was made into a novel by an author named Valentine Davies.

It paints a picture of a little girl named Virginia, who wants to write Santa, and is a somewhat believer in Jolly Old Saint Nick. Those of you who seen the movie know, and those that haven't seen the movie...read the book FIRST! Then see the movie. I don't want to give things away.

Also:

Book club went well with I believe 12 attending the Outsiders book discussion. I was surprised that many had not read The Outsiders before, but I was happy to bring the book to the surface for them all.

The "Insider's" Scoop

2009-10-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

For the month of November, I have the pleasure of picking the next selection in book club, and it is also our 75th book. Yep, can you even imagine that? 75 books ago, was about 6 people, sitting around, talking about the book of the month. Now, it's an average of 12 people, and the discussions are lively every time. I am very happy with the group.

Back to my book selection. I have decided to do another first in our club, not only for myself, but for the club as well. In all of my selections, I have never picked a woman author. I thought, since it's book 75, why not make it something different for me, and different for the club. It's different for the club, because we as a book club, have never read a young adult novel. But what a young adult novel to pick?

Why not pick, the first ever "catagorized" young adult book. That's right readers. We are doing "The Outsiders," by S.E. Hinton for November. I do enjoy this book. It's not in my top three favorite young adult books, but definately in the top ten. You have to have the first young adult novel in your top ten favorite young adult novels. It's a must.

So, I am excited to share this book with book club. My favorite genre of books is young adult, and I am pleased to be the first one to select a young adult book. I hope everyone enjoys it. Discussion questions, and other things such as movie info are ahead, so you can read along with S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders." As always...HAPPY READING!

THE MOVIE

2009-09-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USUDlMBR-dQ

Take a sneak peak at the movie by going to the link for "The Time Traveler's Wife" starring Eric Banna and Rachel McAdams.

"Time" for Discussion Questions!

2009-09-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

1. In The Time Traveler's Wife , the characters meet each other at various times during their lifetime. How does the author keep all the timelines in order and "on time"?

2. Although Henry does the time traveling, Clare is equally impacted. How does she cope with his journeys and does she ultimately accept them?

3. How does the writer introduce the reader to the concept of time travel as a realistic occurrence? Does she succeed?

4. Henry's life is disrupted on multiple levels by spontaneous time travel. How does his career as a librarian offset his tumultuous disappearances? Why does that job appeal to Henry?

5. Henry and Clare know each other for years before they fall in love as adults. How does Clare cope with the knowledge that at a young age she knows that Henry is the man she will eventually marry?

6. The Time Traveler's Wife is ultimately an enduring love story. What trials and tribulations do Henry and Clare face that are the same as or different from other "normal" relationships?

7. How does their desire for a child affect their relationship?

8. The book is told from both Henry and Clare's perspectives. What does this add to the story?

9. Do you think the ending of the novel is satisfactory?

10. Though history there have been dozens of mediums used for time travel in literature. Please cite examples and compare The Time Traveler's Wife to the ones with which you are familiar.

Have Wife (and book) Will Travel

2009-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

This book seems to be an interesting read, as it surrounds a couple who loves each other very much. She has to love him, for putting up with what happens.

A different concept of a book, it does make you stop and thing what if this were happening to me. It couldn't, and is not humanly possible. But, we all know in the literary world, all things are possible.

A woman is married to a man, who can time travel back and forth though different periods of his and her lives. What would you do if you couldn't control yourself from traveling back and forth through time? Would you want to? How would you live with something like that? Many thoughts like these and more, come up while reading and trying to comprehend a book like this one.

Part romance, and part fiction, it really challenges the spirit of how much can you love someone, and what lengths will you go to hold onto that love. If you are ready to suspend disbelief, and sit back, and have a good read, this book is for you.

The book will be discussed on October 17th, 2009 @ 9:00am, at Fat Man's. Please join us. Look for book info, discussion questions, and other fun stuff up until the new book club date.

CLIVE ALIVE!

2009-09-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Clive Cussler's book was alive and well on September 21st, as ten of us came together to discuss "The Chase." It seemed to be a book, everyone said they might not have read, or that it was a nice break inbetween the crying books, and the not so happy. It was one last trip for the summer until you have to get out the fall coats, and put away the cargo shorts.

It was a interesting read, and it kept you going throughout. A few, they read it in a couple of days. Someone said it was the beat of a moving train. It started out slow, and then kept getting faster and faster.

It seemed to be a book that would please anyone who wanted a fun adventure book. The only thing that seemed to be negative about the book, is that he could have cut things out about the cars. If you have read the information on Clive Cussler, or read any of his books, you will know that he loves classic cars, and likes to insert the cars into the books.

It was a book that was enjoyed. Not a whole lot to discuss on it, but what was said was very positive. If you read this book, and you like it, a sequel of sorts will come out in December, and will have the same character in it.

Book club rating: ***1/2 out of *****

2009-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

In just a week we will discuss Clive Cussler's book "The Chase." Here is a video with information about Clive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2qZoY5a704

SEPTEMBER'S ADVENTURE!

2009-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

The next selection and September's choice for book club is "The Chase," by Clive Cussler.

I don't recall, in our 73 books chosen so far, that we have read a real "adventure" type of a book. Mystery is thrown into Clive Cussler's books, and we have read that, but the new part is the idea of an adventure thrown in as a bonus.

Made famous by his Dirk Pitt character, Clive as written numerous books with that character in them. He's also written Numa Files books, Oregon Files, children books, and more. He is also a Doctor.

This is from the web site www.clive-cussler-books.com

Clive Cussler introduces an electrifying new hero, the tall, lean, no-nonsensedetective Isaac Bell, who, driven by his sense of justice, travels early-twentieth-century America pursuing thieves and killers . . . And sometimes criminals much worse.
April 1950: The rusting hulk of a steam locomotive rises from the deep waters of a lake. Inside all that remains of three men who died forty-four years before. But it is not the engine nor its grisly contents that interest the people watching nearby. It is what is about to come next….
1906: For two years, the western states of America have been suffering an extraordinary crime spree: a string of bank robberies by a single man who then cold-bloodedly murders any and all witnesses, and then vanishes without a trace. Fed up by the depredations of “The Butcher Bandit,” the U.S. government brings in the best man they can find – a tall, lean, no-nonsense detective named Isaac Bell who has caught thieves and killers from coast to coast. But he has never had a challenge like this one. From Arizona to Colorado to the streets of San Francisco during its calamitous earthquake and fire, he pursues what is quickly becoming clear to him is the best criminal mind he has ever encountered, and the woman who seems to hold the key to the man’s identity.
Using science, deduction and intuition, he repeatedly draws near, only to grasp at empty air, but at least he knows his pursuit is having an effect. Because his quarry is getting angry now, and has turned the chase back on him. The hunter has become the hunted. And soon, it will take all of Bell’s skills not merely to prevail…

ENJOY SEPTEMBER'S BOOK! HAPPY READING!

CHIT CHATTIN ANN

2009-08-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

The book club on Saturday August 15th, met and discussed Ann Brashares' book "The Last Summer (Of You & Me)." The consensus seemed to be that the book was well written, and liked, but it was on the teeter of non-believable for some.

It was said that the mid 20's girls, didn't act the way the girls one reader knew. True. Some don't, but I felt that the characters were all too familar, and that they were realistic. Girls growing up with no parental supervision, and having the money thrown at them, would deffinately act that way.

The writer of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" series, did ok for her first go round with an adult book. The young adult books are percieved well in the literary world, but do have that ho-hum suspend reality of disbielf, sort of what "Summer" had.

I believe that the club enjoyed the book as a whole, but a few things were bothersome for them, such as another book dealing with death; the little unrealistic parts; the book themes as well. I do think that all in all, we enjoyed reading the book.

*** OUT OF 5

AUGUST'S SELECTION

2009-07-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Breakfast Club will be reading "The Last Summer (Of You and Me)" for August. It's written by the author of the popular young adult novel series "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," Ann Brashares. This is her first adult novel, and if it's anything like her others, it will be a good discussion book.

The book was chosen by someone who has never chosen before. It's always fun to pick your first book, and your second book, and your third book...ok, you get what I am trying to say.

As a reminder, book club for August will not be on the fourth Saturday of the month, but the third. Usually for August, during the Homecoming, we have the book club the fourth Saturday. But, it will be held on the regular third Satuday on August 15th.

Here's what amazon.com posted what the book is about:

Riley and Alice, two sisters now in their twenties, and as fiercely different as they are loyal, have spent every summer at their parents’ modest beach house on New York’s Fire Island. Each year, they return to the house and community they have known since they were children—and to Paul, the boy next door. But this summer marks a season of change: budding love and sexual interest, an illness, and a deep secret force all three to confront the increasing complexities of their lives and friendships.

HAPPY READING!

These are what the books for May, June, and July look like

2009-07-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Merry Month of May...and June....and...well...July

2009-07-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

So I apologize for the delay, summer has kept us all busy with different things. Espically summer reading, and added traffic to the library.

May's book selection was Fatherhood
June's book selection was A Child Called It
July's book selection was The Last Lecture

May's book was all about Dad. Fatherhood gave a good discussion on father's and parenting in general. Even if you don't have kids, you can appreciate the things that you might have done to dear old daddy.

June's book gave a good discussion on how foster care operates, and how do we treat each other as human beings. It brought an emotional connection, but it is always appreciated when the book is chosen for a specifc purpose. It's appreciated when it's not.

July's Last Lecture just happened on July 18th. The person who picked it had a personal connection with book. Her husband was diagnosed with Cancer, and the book had came out a few month's before. He tried to read it, and got through about half of it. He decided that he wanted to write his own letter or "lecture" if you will. He ended up not getting a chance to finish it, but he did get some done. She shared the letter with us, and that was nice that she wanted to share it with us all.

There wasn't a person who said that they did not like the book. It is a great feel good book, that there is something that everyone can relate to. Thanks for the book choice MA.

What's in store for the "Last" book of this "Summer"? See the next post.

COSBY MONTH OF MAY

2009-04-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

It took almost 70 books to have our first ever "celebrity" author added to the infamous list of bookclub. All the other people have been famous for being authors. Bill Cosby was famous before he became a writer, more so being a comedian.

It's exciting to add him to the list of book choices. For the month of May, the book club will be reading "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby.

~Bill Cosby started out with doing stand-up comedy rountines. Millions of fans would come out to see such shows.

~He got his own television show, appropriately called "The Cosby Show." Oddly enough, his last name was Huxtable on the show.

~He was given an honorary doctrine from college, and some refer to him as Dr. Cosby.

~His most recent book is called "Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors."

~An important fact about Cosby, is that he was born in Pennsylvania.

The month before Father's Day, this book will surely bring back memories of your childhood, and make you appreciate your own father. If you are a parent, you can appreciate some of the stories he tells of being a parent. They don't make comedy books as well crafted as Bill Cosby's books, or should I say they aren't as popular as they used to be. The only people that come to mind with book popularity and are comedians, would be people such as: Jeff Foxworthy or Chelsea Handler.

So, I invite you to read "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby for the month of May for The Breakfast Club.

The next meeting date is: May 16th, 2009 - Fat Man's - 9:00am

HAPPY READING!

Inhale & Exhale

2009-04-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 18th, 2009 the book "Just Breathe" was discussed by our bookclub. I myself was not there, due to a commitment, but heard some of the following:

The concensus seems to be that the book is an interesting read, about a woman trying to deal with a divorce among other problems. She is also a cartoonist.

It was said that everyone liked it except a few. And I am not sure the reason why it wasn't liked by those members. Everyone can't always like the books.

Since I wasn't there, and we don't have a secretary persay, that's all I know. It was a enjoyable and readable book. If you are in search of a good read, the ladies will enjoy. I am told that it isn't very "man friendly" but that doesn't mean we can't read it...right?....am I right ladies?

APRIL'S CHOICE!

2009-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Susan Wigg's book "Just Breathe," will be the selection for April 2009. The club will take place on April 18th, 2009 at Fat Man's.

Amazon.com writes this about "Just Breathe:"

Bestselling author Wiggs (Snowfall at Willow Lake) keeps her romance reputation going with this feel-good story of a wronged woman who gets out on her own and gets going. Sarah Moon, a comic-strip writer, is happily married to Jack Daly—until she comes home to find him entwined and naked with a business associate he had badmouthed to her just hours earlier. After five years of marriage, including months of infertility treatments because of Jack's cancer, infidelity is the last straw, and Sarah pack ups and leaves Chicago for her hometown of Glenmuir, Calif. Sarah uses her comic strip, Just Breathe, to vent her frustration and relieve her stress. The character, Shirl, is undergoing fertility treatments, getting a divorce and moving back in with her mom. (Comic strips open each section of the novel). And in Glenmuir, lo and behold, Sarah's dreams come true. She finds out she's pregnant, and begins a friendship with her high school nemesis, Will Bonner, who's now the town fire captain and a single dad whose lonely daughter reminds Sarah of herself as a young girl. Wiggs takes serious situations and weaves them into an emotionally wrought story that will have readers reaching for the Kleenex one moment and snickering out loud the next.

More information to come about the book with discussion questions, and other stuff hopefully.

As always...HAPPY READING!

THANKS LESLEY!

2009-03-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday, March 21, Lesley Kagen let us call her, and she talked to us from the comfort of her Wisconsin home. A very down to earth person, she is informative in her ways of explaining different things relating to the book field, publishing world, and her own experiences.

Thanks to her pushes, the cover of "Whistling in the Dark," was going to have blond girls, and no where with a red head. She faught to have the picture changed, and with some gusto, they listened to her. She said that people do look at the cover, and notice the tinest detail in the pictures associated with the books themselves.

As for the actual title, Lesley said that we are alsomt all the time "Whistling in the Dark," as in we don't always know whats going on around us all the time, or if ever.

Her book was a fascinating read, that it went along as a sort of mystery, but never did I feel as though I was reading one. She classified her book as "Literaray fiction." Which is sort of blend of genre's of books if you will. She is not really writing a mystery, not really a romance, not really a drama persay, but something that hauls the labors off all different kinds of books.

We all enjoyed listening to her talk about how hard it is to go into the writing business. It's a labor of love when it comes to something like that. It's amazing that, she told us about 14,000 books ( around that number) come out every week. And for her books to really get off the ground is fascinating. They all believed at Penguin, that her books weren't going to become that popular, so they thought. After a fan following, her books became popular, and they way it sounded, they were sorry that they didn't believe in her.

She said it all depends on every last detail. From the book cover, to what is said in the book.

A very interesting book, and an interesting woman to hear talk to us. She is knowledable about what she does. You can tell that she enjoys writing her books and bringing them to life.

We want to thank Lesley Kagen for taking the time to let us call her, and talk to us about her book. It was informative and entertaining for us all. If you are interested in having Lesley speak at your bookclub, contact her. See is shes available. It's something worth having her do if you want.

Next up on the list, it's April's book!

A Few Things to Think About the book from LitLovers.com

2009-03-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

1. Sally combines childish innocence with a surprisingly mature discernment of life. You might talk about those opposite qualities—the ways in which they evidence themselves in the book. In fact, just talk about Sally as a character.

2. Do you find the adult characters as interesting—or as well drawn—as Sally and her sister?

3. You might talk about Kagen's portrayal of a 1950's close-knit neighborhood—the kind of community we yearn for as offering a safe haven for growing up. Yet, in Whistling, beneath the surface lurks a darker world. For those who grew up in that era, it seemed a safer world . . . or is that being innocent, naive, like Sally?

4. Were you surprised by the ending?

MARCH'S CHOICE

2009-03-05T15:28:00.001-08:00

For the month of March, the choice is "Whistling in the Dark," by Lesley Kagen.

The book is described as the following:

"Funny, wise and uplifting, Whistling in the Dark is the story of two tough and endearing little girls...and of a time not so long ago, when life was not as innocent as it appeared."

What happens with the girls? You will have to read along with us to find out.

I am pleased to say that Lesley has agreed to talk with us as did Susan Richards, and Kate Jacobs. It will be a tri-fecta of writers, which will be exciting to all of us. I hope.

I will hopefully be back with discussion questions or other tid bits. As always readers...HAPPY READING!

Hello Kate Jacobs!

2009-03-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

Well readers, we got another treat in February. Kate Jacobs, decided to call into our book club on the February 21st meeting. It was a Saturday morning, at 9:30am Eastern time. Kate was calling from California, which we all know is a three hour difference. So, as she told us, we became her first morning book club. Awesome for us, which we are more memorable that way.

A lot of the book clubbers had questions for her, ranging from how she started writing, to "Friday Night Knitting Club" itself. She talked about herself, her books, and what she might do in the future. Which, if you didn't already know, "Friday Night Knitting Club" is in talks or is being made into a movie with Academy Award winning actress Julia Roberts. Very exciting.

We want to thank Kate for calling in and talking with us. She told me that I was one of only 4 men who have contacted her, over her thousands of emails and letters from women. I am proud to be one of the four. Thank you Kate! She also graciously told us that she would send us autographed book places to our book club, since she talked to us. Very nice, and very cool. As I say, it's an extreme pleasure to have an author talk to our little book club. We are much appreciated by that.

The club seemed to enjoy the book for the most part. They said it was a little confusing to start at the begining, but it got better as the book progressed. In any case, it doesn't matter if you are female, or in my case male. The meaning behind the book is what really hits home. Read the book, and you will see what I mean.

Again, thank you Kate Jacobs!

♥FEBRUARY'S CHOICE♥

2009-02-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

For the month of February, we will all become familar with a hobby that I have no idea how to do, but I know some of our member's do. They know all about Friday nights...no...kidding...they knit. The next selection in the club is "Friday Night Knitting Club," by Kate Jacobs.

This is what's being said on her website www.fridaynightknittingclub.com:

Praise for The Friday Night Knitting Club
"An absolutely beautiful, deeply moving portrait of female friendship. You'll laugh and cry along with these characters, and if you're like me, you'll wish you knew how to knit."—Kristin Hannah, author of Firefly Lane

"If you are looking for an inviting group of gals to spend a few winter evenings with, pull up your afghan and snuggle in with The Friday Night Knitting Club…[It] makes you yearn for yarn, even if you're not a knitter."—USA Today

"This book's great—worth reading now."—Glamour Magazine

"Knitters will enjoy seeing the healing power of stitching put into words. Its simplicity and soothing repetition leave room for conversation, laughter, revelations and friendship—just like the beauty shop in Steel Magnolias."—Detroit Free-Press
"[A] winning first novel…impossible to put down."—Booklist

"If you like to write or read or knit, your first reaction to The Friday Night Knitting Club may be pure jealousy…Readers will come to root for nearly everyone in the sweetly diverse cast of characters."—Concord Monitor

"What begins as an unlikely hodgepodge of women soon evolves into an unbreakable sisterhood as the characters learn from each other's differences and bond over their love of knitting."—Vogue Knitting
"A Steel Magnolias for the 21st century."—Kirkus Reviews

"Poignant twists propel the plot and help the pacing find a pleasant rhythm."—Publishers Weekly

"A really great story."—Marie Claire

"Celebrates the power of women's independence and is essentially an urban counterpart to How to Make an American Quilt."—New Statesman

So come and read about knitting, friday nights, and a good book. The club will be knittin' away at our book, will you?

The next club will take place on February 21st, at 9:00am at Fat Man's. I will post about the book later.

As always, HAPPY READING!

BIG THANKS TO SUSAN RICHARDS

2009-02-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

January's selection was "Chosen By A Horse" by Susan Richards. For the first time our book club got to speak to the author of the book at the meeting.

When searching for information for the book club in January, an email on her website came up. I quickly sent an email to Susan Richards, and asked her for advice, information, words of wisdom that she wanted to give. Sure enough, I got an email back about an hour later the same day, with her saying a few words, and that it would be ok to call her if we wanted. She would be available in the morning for us to talk to on our Saturday mornings, so I wrote her phone number down.

On Saturday, January 17th, we had a lively discussion on the book about a woman's love for a horse, and her life. It was a positive book, that delivered a feel good vibe, but at the end delivered a slight blow, as it wasn't a happy ending, but it is unfortunately a part of life. All in all, the club really enjoyed the book.

We have two members who own horses themselves. It was said that what Susan said was true. The members said highly, that the horse chooses you, you don't choose the horse. One member said that she talked of things, that she herself had only thought of in her head. That she didn't tell anyone, but that it was like she knew what she was thinking. With our horse experts, and our animals lovers, they gave big thumbs up.

After discussing the book, and answering the discussion questions which are available online, it was time to dial up Susan. As never as I was, never calling an author before, I was all ready to try something new. I took my cell phone, dialed the number, and put it on speaker phone. Before you knew it, she was on the other line from Florida, taling to us. I thanked her for taking the time to hear us, and talk to us personally. It's not everyday that an author allows you to call you at home, and talk with a group of readers about your book.

***ATTENTION AUTHORS: Please let your readers and book clubs call you. It is the most gratiflying experience to talk to the person of the book you have just read.***

After letting Cheri (the one who picked her book) talk to her personally, and all of us asking the questions to her, it was time to say goodbye. She was most gracious, and wonderful to talk to. We at our book club, would like to thank Susan Richards, for taking the time to talk with us. It meant a lot, and we are most thankful!!!

After talks about horses, pets, and life in general, the book club came to a close. It was, however (I think) the longest club clocking in at almost 11:00am. WOW!

The rating was more than likely **** 1/2 out of *****. A nice feel good, discussion book. And if you are lucky, and you want to try and have Susan talk to you, she might take your call.

Stay tuned for the next book club book, coming up for FEBRUARY!

January's Choice 2009 -NEW BOOK FOR NEW YEAR

2008-12-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

Was your New Year's resolution to read more? How about joining a book club? How about eating more breakfast? If any one of the resolutions would do for you, then come join our gang for reading & breakfast.

It's a new year, and a new book. For the month of January, we will be discussing "Chosen by a Horse," by Susan Richards.

A synopsis from barnesandnoble.com reads:

"The horse Susan Richards chose for rescue wouldn’t be corralled into her waiting trailer. Instead Lay Me Down, a former racehorse with a foal close on her heels, walked right up that ramp and into Susan’s life. This gentle creature—malnourished, plagued by pneumonia and an eye infection—had endured a rough road, but somehow her heart was still open and generous. It seemed fated that she would come into Susan’s paddock and teach her how to embrace the joys of life despite the dangers of living."

"An elegant and often heartbreaking tale filled with animal characters as complicated and lively as their human counterparts, this is an inspiring story of courage and hope and the ways in which all love—even an animal’s—has the power to heal."

This is a book for animal lovers, lovers of the human spirit, and readers all together. Enjoy January's selection. It's a new year, a new book! Happy Reading!

MEETING DATE: January 17th, 2009 Fat Man's 9:00am

Richard Paul Evans Christmas Collection Thoughts

2008-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

The club met on Saturday, December 20th at Fat Man's to discuss the "Richard Paul Evans" Christmas collection. The collection included "The Christmas Box," "The Gift," & "Finding Noel." All popular titles in amongst Evan's works. It seems no matter he writes, it speaks to all kinds of people, in all different ways. With catching quotes at the beginings and throughout the book, Evan's makes it feel like the "Where's Waldo" of quote hunting. But, it makes it for a feel good read, something some people like around the holidays.

Ruth, the person who picked December's book, asked us to read one, two, or all three of the "Christmas Collection." After we read it, we were supposed to write down a quotes that stuck out to us, and memories that the book struck up for us. Like good little readers that we are, we all did so, and it made the discussion more interesting. Going around the table, and hearing what memories it brought up, and what quotes people liked, made you think "Oh, I liked that one too." Sometimes, we picked the same one that others had picked.

As a whole, I think that people liked "Finding Noel" the most, followed by "The Gift" and then "The Christmas Box." They were all good reads, but some struck people as a better read than others. People liked the books for there feel good potential. They were just easy reads for the holidays, and it seems that that is what everyone wants to read while it's a semi-busy time of year such as Christmas and New Years. Most of them got through all of the selections, but some did not get to read all of them, and said they will go back and read what they missed.

If you are looking for a feel good read for the holidays, or in general, any of these or other selections for Richard Paul Evans would suffice. I would say the ratings for the books would be as follow:

CHRISTMAS BOX *** out of *****
GIFT **** out of *****
NOEL ***** out of *****
(based on the three of what we read)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Check to see what the next selection is. It's coming soon...

Coming up 12-20-2008

2008-12-16T16:29:00.001-08:00

Get your questions, your ideas, and thoughts ready. Book club is this Saturday, December 20th! Last book club of 2008.

DECEMBER'S CHOICES

2008-11-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the CHRISTMAS season, yes...I said it...CHRISTMAS!!! The person who picked next decided to pick three of Richard Paul Evans Christmas books for December. In an interesting twist again, as she has in the past, we are reading one, two, or all three of the books for December. We then are to write down a meaningful quote from what books we read, and a story that might reflect what we are feeling after reading it.

“Whatever the reason, I find that with each passing Christmas the story of the Christmas Box is told less and needed more. So I record it now for all future generations to accept or dismiss as seems them good. As for me, I believe. And it is, after all, my story.” (richardpaulevans.com)

“The Bible says that God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. My story is about one of God’s weak things. His name is Collin, a frail, beautiful little boy with a very special gift.” -The Gift (richardpaulevans.com)

“There are stories, Christmas stories that are stored away like boxes of garlands and frosted glass ornaments, to be brought out and cherished each year. I’ve come to believe that my story is a Christmas story. For it has forever changed the way I see Christmas.” (ricahrdpaulevans.com)

----

So all the members, and whoever wants to read with us, these are the three books that you should focus on. Pick one up. More stuff to come...HAPPY READING!

Philp Gulley Field Trip

2008-11-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

In our very first field trip, book club went to Punxsutawney. No, not to see the groundhog, but to trek to the Presbyterian Church. In case some of you missed the picture, this is us with Philip Gulley. He gave a very nice, and funny talk about his book series "Home to Harmony."

He is a master storyteller, and is wonderful at what he does. We wish that more members could have came, but that's ok. The four of us had a good time with one another. It was a nice Sunday April evening with a good author, good friends, and listening to what we book clubbers love the most...books!

Thanks to CC for organizing the trip. We hope to have more in the future. In the words of the great Willie Nelson, "...I can't wait to get on the road again."

The trip was April 20th, 2008. SB, KR, MB, & CC

THOUGHTS ON THE TREE

2008-11-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, November 15th, we discussed "Family Tree" by Delinsky.
The consensus was that it was an enjoyable, and thought provoking book. The book isn't just about race, or skin color, but also about trust, and your history, and events surrounding one another.

In an interesting discussion brought on by a member, it was asked our personal stories of contact with interracial relationships, or family lineage. It brought a wonderful discussion by our members as to how we are affected by race in our personal lives.

I got from the members that it was a book worth reading. We welcomed a hopefully new member to our book club, and we weclomed one back as well, which we are happy to see return. You know who you are, if you read this, or if anyone reads this. We are happy to see you out and about, strong, and still full of life. It will be hard, but we know you will be better as time passes. =)

Anyway, overall, I think it was about a ***1/2 star book. It's reccomded that you go out and read it.

Coming up: Book club's first field trip, and December's "choices"

NOVEMBERS BOOK CHOICE

2008-10-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

The book club choice for November is "Family Tree" by Barbara Delinsky. This is Mrs. Bechtel's choice. She has said that she looked extensively into what book she wanted to pick for us to read. For you Non-Fiction lovers, the book could have been "Mayflower" but it was more or less deemed to dry for November. Ok, so it might not be that dry, but it was in depth, and was thought that it might not be the right book at the moment.

Wanting a ~Thanksgiving Feel~ for November, it mentions on the book blurb, that someone's family members come over on the Mayflower, and the book is about families, which Thanksgiving is a family time.

A woman gives birth to a child, and then people, herself included, start questioning the babies features. She is a white, MARRIED woman, but the baby's features are African American. Her husband questions her actions, as to whether or not she had an affair. She denies it, but is she hiding something?

Grab a copy of "Family Tree" by Barbara Delinsky, and join us for what will seem to be a lively discussion on trust, families, and knowledge of a person.

The next book club will take place on November 15th, 2008...9:00am...Fat Man's.

Book discussion questions, and other posts to come. Happy Reading!

THOUGHTS ON BIFF

2008-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

As I was fretting on whether or not it was a good idea to pick "Lamb" by Christopher Moore, I believe the general consensis is that it was liked.

Telling the story of Biff, Christ's childhood pal, is a daunting task Moore takes on. Her does it with get research and readings into the Bible. The one general thing that people said they could live without, myself included, was the language. It would make a surperior book, just TONE DOWN THE LANGUAGE. My only thought as to why the swearing was added, was that his following are used to the language that he uses in his other books. It was also mentioned that teenagers speak that way.

It was down the middle whether or not people cared what happened in the missing years. Some were curious, and others never really thought about it. Moore tells an interesting tale as to what MIGHT have happened in those missing years. To me, it was an interesting thoughts as to his view on the missing years. The beauty of the book is, it is FICTION. No one will ever truly know what happened in those years.

I had a few GREAT supporters. They seemed very interested, and glad that they had read it. One person was a real advocate for me (CC). She was very happy to have read it. Other members were fine with the story.

It was the first time that the book club has touched on religion. Who knows if we will go back to that topic. They say the two things that you are not supposed to talk about are politics, and religion. Ok...so who is going to be the one to pick something political. I picked something religious.

Another notch in my book belt. Hoped everyone enjoyed "Lamb." On with the next book choice for November.

OCTOBER'S BOOK CHOICE

2008-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

LAMB: The gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal by Christopher Moore

In order to lighten the mood of the last two books which were "Manic" and "A Map of the World," I have decided to pick something that is humorous. I have read about a hundred pages into it, and I think it's very funny. You have to put aside the fact that it deals with religion in a humorous way. I believe that if God didn't want humor, he wouldn't have created it. It's a fun and funny look on the gospel, religion, and life of God through the eyes of his "best friend" Biff. It is also educational, giving facts from the Bible that we already know.

I hope you enjoy reading this book. The next book club is October 18th, 9:00 am, Fat Man's. Keep watch for posts about the current selection.

Thoughts on MAP

2008-09-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Breakfast Club discussed the book "A Map Of The World" on September 20th, 2008 at Fat Man's.

The general agreement was that the book was a good pick all in all. At times, not so much a happy book. It sparked up good conversations. One idea was what kind of a person the mother was who was supposed to be watching her best friend's children, didn't pay attention to them, and let the child drown.

Another topic was the idea of how a small group of people, clics if you will, can be so terrible, and not the ideal thing that makes things better. Like people gossiping and spreading runors about the mother, who is a nurse, doing wrong by others children in the school. It's sad that these clics do exisit, and the discussion said that they are all over.

Attitudes about the mother were questioned. Attitudes about before the accident, after, in jail, and in general.

Two members really liked the book, and said it was a good character piece.

My opinion is that it was a good book. It was difficult reading it, because I kind of kept thinking, "this could and more than does likely happen somewhere, at somepoint."

CLUB RATING: *** out of *****

Map of The World Discussion Questions

2008-09-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

We get very little objective sense of the characters in A Map of the World in relation to each other and their environment; their accounts are extremely subjective and heavily tinged with emotion. How do you respond to this interiority?

1)How well do you feel you know Alice? Howard? Theresa? Does Alice come across the same way through Howard's eyes as she does through her own? How consistent is your impression of Howard?

2)Do you trust Alice and Howard's versions of the events of the novel? What do you imagine they seem like to the people around them?

3)What is the function of Howard's narration? Does his perspective change your feelings about Alice and what happens to her? Is it clear why he doubts her?

4)What do we learn about Alice from her interaction with the other prisoners? What does she learn about herself?

5)At the point of the novel when Alice is arrested, she is still completely overwhelmed and incapacitated by Lizzy's death and her role in it. How do the accusations against Alice and her time in prison change her and help her to deal with what happened to Lizzy?

6)Do you feel as though things are resolved at the end of the novel?

7)Which character in the novel do you respond to the most?

8)Compare the characters of Aunt Sid in The Book of Ruth and Aunt Kate in A Map of the World. Do they serve the same function for Ruth and Alice?

Map of the World Movie

2008-09-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

CURRENT BOOK SELECTION-SEPT 2008

2008-09-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Map of the World is our current book selection. Please read this book, and if you would like comments to be sent to the book club, please comment by September 17th.

My thoughts, and possible our members thoughts to come.

Welcome to our book club page

2008-09-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to welcome everyone to the page. It's not that spectacular yet, but with a few adjusments, and a little bit of learning, I am hoping to get there. First off, this is a welcome. A welcome to our current book club members. Without the support of everyone, the book club wouldn't take place.

Also, this is a welcome for other people who may stumble upon the blog, and might want to read some of the things that we have read. Even see how things go. They can become a virtual member of our book club. They can see what we are reading, read the book, and then comment. It is encouraged. If you would like to do so...by all means PLEASE DO! I can take the comments to book club, and share with the members at the meeting.

The blog will be thoughts on the current book, and hopefully if our members want to participate, write something about their favorite books, the books we HAVE read, or whatever is on their mind. I will be posting what the club has said, as an insight to the site. Also, my thoughts on different books, the current club selection, and other fun stuff.

I hope you enjoy the web site/blog. Keep reading, and don't be afraid to comment. We like comments for our books!