Book Club Du Jour

Jerusalem, by Simon Sebag Montefiore and The Dovekeepers, by Alice Hoffman

2012-01-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

I have been reading Jerusalem for some time as it is a pretty intense, but interesting book. In the meantime, I read The Dovekeepers, by Alice Hoffman, and found these two books relate in certain ways. The second is a fiction retelling of the seige of the fortress, Masada, and is mesmerizing. Masada, and the tragedy that happened there, is also mentioned in Jerusalem. Good reads both!!

Quotation from Henning Mankell's Sidetracked

2012-01-20T10:33:00.001-06:00

I read this descriptive quotation about Alzheimer's Disease in Henning Mankell's mystery, Sidetracked. Kurt Wallander is talking about his father and this insidious disease.

"No one knows how fast it will progress," said Wallander. "But he will be leaving us. Sort of like a ship sailing farther and farther out toward the horizon. We'll still be able to see him clearly, but for him we'll seem more and more like shapes in the fog. Our faces, our words, our common memories, everything will become indistinct and finally disappear altogether................."

How true....

The Time In Between, by Maria Duenas

2011-12-26T11:41:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading another historical novel with a terrific sense of place! The Time in Between, by Maria Duenas, takes place in Spain and Morocco during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. This novel, already a best seller in Europe, tells the story of "a seemingly ordinary seamstress who transforms herself into a prestigious couturier and then into an undercover agent for the Allies during World War II." I really enjoyed learning the history of these times as well the wonderful sense of place!

The Frame or Sense of Place

2011-12-21T10:41:00.001-06:00

The Frame or Sense of Place is one of the factors that appeal to persons while reading a book. Recently I read stories that took place in Sweden (The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell), England ( Forbidden Places by Penny Vincenzi) and Scotland (The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin). I used to think it was the storyline that appealed most to me. Now I think the Sense of Place has a great deal with why I enjoy certain books, too, as I love the speech, landscape, and customs of those countries where these stories take place!

Brown Bag Book Club

2011-12-19T14:37:00.000-06:00

A few years before I retired from our county library system, I started a new book club where participants discussed books they were currently reading. (It was different from the standard book club where everyone read the same book.) I am happy to report that the Brown Bag Book Club is still going strong! They now meet in a local coffee shop and have changed the name of the group to reflect that. The new name is the Black Dog Book Group.

I meet monthly with the 10 participants for coffee, tea or lunch and have a wonderful time hearing what others are reading. Being part of this group has really broadened my reading!

Sense of An Ending, by Julian Barnes

2011-11-12T11:59:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading, The Sense of An Ending, by Julian Barnes, the 2011 Man Booker Prize Winner. It's a short book and can be read in one sitting if you desire. I opted to read it over several days and must admit, I was confused. By the time I came to the ending, I was lost. So today I checked Amazon.com reviews and clicked on one titled **Spoiler Alert***. After reading it, I am happy to report I was right in detecting the ending of the book!! All in all, I think The Sense of An Ending is a very good read.

The Most Dangerous Thing

2011-09-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

In her latest work, The Most Dangerous Thing, Laura Lippman
quotes several times from my favorite poem, Maud Muller by John Greenleaf Whittier. My favorite quotation is "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been." My children and grandchildren have heard me quote those words many times!

Reading My Life Away

2011-08-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

When I was a teenager, my Mother used to say I "was sleeping my life away" when I hated to get up in the morning. Now I am lazy, have a huge stack of books on my night stand, and think I am "reading my life away." I just finished reading Julia Garwood's new book, The Ideal Man. Next on my list is Laura Lippman's The Most Dangerous Thing. Not a bad thing!

Conquistadora, by Esmerald Santiago

2011-08-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy reading historical novels, you will like Conquistadora, by Esmeralda Santiago. This epic novel begins in 1493 with the invasion of Borinquen, an island in the Caribbean, by the Spanish. It resumes in the 1800s where the island in now named Puerto Rico. Ana and her husband and his family sail from Spain to revive the sugar cane plantation they inherited from an uncle. This story follows the trials and travails of Ana as she works to make it a success.

I enjoyed this novel as I love history and stories about successful women. And I enjoy learning as I read: did you know that Cuba, Brazil, and Puerto Rico were the last countries in this hemisphere to have slavery???

The Art of Travel Inspired Novel Writing, by Francine Prose

2011-07-21T18:25:00.002-05:00

Enjoy this interesting article by Francine Prose, noted author, in the August edition of Travel + Leisure magazine. It's her take on writing about the "sense of place" and getting it right. Included is Transporting Fiction, a reading list, with Ms Prose's choices of novels where the setting is key.

Midnight in Paris: A Woody Allen Film

2011-07-15T07:45:00.000-05:00

Have you read all the latest buzz about Woody Allen's new film, Midnight in Paris? If you haven't seen it yet, go!! It's a wonderful film with time travel elements taking you back to 1920's Paris with Hemingway, Fitzgerald and others. Read the book, The Paris Wife: A Novel, by Paula McLain, for more about those authors and their lives in Paris, too.

One Day by David Nicholls

2011-07-13T16:04:00.001-05:00

One Day, by David Nicholls is a great summer read! It's the story of an unlikely relationship between two people, Emma and Dexter, that spans twenty years. Each chapter is about events and complications that happen on July 15th--of each year whether they are together or not. Nicholls has been compared to Nick Hornby for his witty dialogue and more. For fans of Brit Lit. (Movie starring Anne Hathaway as Emma is opeing August 19. I definitely will see it!)

State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

2011-07-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Ann Patchett's new book, State of Wonder. I placed a hold on it at my local library some time ago and when it finally arrived, I could not for the life of me recall why. Reading the cover and thumbing through the book, I knew there was no way I wanted to read a book about scientists in the jungle of South America with snakes, insects and more! But as luck would have it, I was stuck at home with a sprained ankle + and had nothing else in my TBR stack. So I plunged in and and was hooked! Yes, there were lots of the previously mentioned critters (plus good and bad natives) along with the scientists in the employ of an American pharmaceutical company. To tell you why they were there would give away the surprise...but it is a very good read!

Best Books About Traveling

2011-06-25T07:29:00.000-05:00

Love traveling and/or reading about traveling? Check out Budget Travels list of the 25 Greatest Travel Books of All Time. Just click on the title above for the list. (thanks to an avid website reader and avid traveler for this tip!)

Also take a look at the Travel Booklist on my website: www.bookclubdujour.com

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2011-04-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

The trailer for the ever popular book club read, The Help, is out. The film will open in August and most of us can hardly wait to see it.

Short Stories

2011-04-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

I'm on a new kick these days -- reading short stories. They are good reads because you can finish them in one sitting if you'd like, and you never lose track of the storyline! On the down side though, if you get attached to the characters and/or the storyline, it ends all too soon. I loved Lee Smith's Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger and Jeffrey Archer's And Thereby Hangs a Tale. One collection has a Southern flavor and the other is British and International. Great reads both!

Black Dog Coffee House Book Club

2011-03-25T16:58:00.000-05:00

I met with my old Brown Bag Book Club this week at a new venue. They are no longer meeting at the Library but have adjourned to the Black Dog Coffee House where there is a private room and lunch and drinks to order. Ten members attended and shared information about the books they recently read. I picked up lots of good ideas for my reading list. A good time was had by all!

The Informationist

2011-03-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

The Informationist: a Thriller, by Taylor Stevens, is getting lots of buzz right now. It's being touted as a "readalike" for those popular books by Swedish author, Stieg Larsson The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo etc. I'm #17 on the HOLD list at my local library. Hmmm, perhaps I should buy a copy???

Love Those Irish Authors!

2011-03-06T09:46:00.000-06:00

March is when we celebrate St. Patrick's Day and is a good month to read works by Irish authors. I just finished Cecelia Ahern's new book, The Book of Tomorrow, and am now engrossed in Minding Frankie,by Maeve Binchy. Love those Irish authors!

Women's History Month

2011-03-02T15:22:00.001-06:00

In 1987, Congress declared March Women's History Month. Your group can celebrate this month by reading a fiction or non-fiction book about women such as O Pioneers! by Willa Cather or Cokie Roberts' book, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Of course, there are many, many more historical and current titles about strong women you and/or your book group might find good reads. Just celebrate women and their contributions!

Book Club Picks: Give 'Em Something To Talk About

2011-02-23T17:44:00.001-06:00

Lynn Neary of NPR radio suggests a few books for your book group or for you to read on your own. I haven't read any of these picks from 2010 but did place two of them on hold at my local library. They do sound like good reads to me! (Click on the title above to read the article and see her suggestions.)

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

2011-02-07T22:11:00.000-06:00

How fun! As I was reading Juliet the other night, I was also watching Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet starring Leonard DiCaprio and Claire Danes. It was told in modern times and was pretty violent.

Juliet by Anne Fortier

2011-02-05T13:51:00.001-06:00

I am currently reading Juliet, by Anne Fortier. It combines history, mystery and romance along with a terrific sense of place, Sienna. The protagonist, Julie, meets up with the descendants of the original families in the Romeo and Juliet story and fears that the notorious curse, "A plague on both your houses!" still works. It's a fun read!

MASTERPIECE Book & Film Club

2011-01-25T18:31:00.002-06:00

Have you heard of the MASTERPIECE Book and Film Club where members gather to read the literature and critic the film? There are so many great pieces of literature made into film. Rudyard Kipling's My Boy Jack and William Boyd's Any Human Heart are just a few. As a Masterpiece Theater viewer, I would love to join a group such as this!

World War I Great Reads

2011-01-20T13:21:00.001-06:00

Among the many books whose "sense of place" happens to be World War I in Britain and Europe, several authors have series that stand out. My favorite is the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Maisie is a former nurse who served in France and came home to open her own detective agency. Another author, Charles Todd, has two series whose characters dealing with this topic: Ian Rutledge (a former soldier now with Scotland Yard) and Bess Crawford (a nurse still serving at the front). All are excellent reads for those interested in series concerning this time period and the horrors inflicted on the men and women serving in this war.

The King's Speech

2011-01-18T13:17:00.001-06:00

I saw The King's Speech last night and loved it! Colin Firth was wonderful as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush was good as well. If you haven't had a chance to see it, make it a priority. I'll bet Colin Firth wins as Academy Award for best actor to go along with his well deserved Golden Glove award!

Old Filth

2011-01-15T10:16:00.000-06:00

I kept seeing references to Jane Gardam's book, Old Filth, and have finally decided to read it. I am now halfway through the book and cannot imagine why I haven't read it before! It is a good read and gives insight into life in England and the British colonies in the 20th century.

Fourth Volume in Dragon Tattoo Series

2011-01-14T10:12:00.002-06:00

Steig Larsson's longtime partner, Eva Gabrielsson, says she wants to finish the fourth volume in the Dragon Tattoo series. According to the National Post, "her memoir, Millennium, Stieg and Me, will be published next Wednesday in France, Norway, and Sweden; an English-language translation is forthcoming." The memoir tells about their life together and writing partnership.

Water For Elephants Buzz!

2011-01-07T06:47:00.000-06:00

I can hardly wait for the movie of Sara Gruen's novel, Water for Elephants, when it opens on April 22nd! It stars Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson and will be a real blockbuster, I'm sure! There has been lots of buzz in People and Entainment Weekly magazines lately, too.

(For those who don't know, this book was on the New York Times Best Sellers list for a long, long time and is still a very popular read for book clubs.)

A NEW BEGINNING FOR 2011

2011-01-06T11:09:00.000-06:00

I am looking forward to a "new beginning" during 2011 and will try my best to keep my web site and blog updated. And that is one of my New Year's resolutions! So....stay tuned!

Even though I have not been actively updating this site, I have been reading, reading, reading. Right now I have on my night stand novels and mysteries that take place in the British Isles; works by authors Stella Rimington, Philippa Gregory, Joanna Trollope, and Charles Todd. Perhaps I should travel there, too, since I love that "sense of place"!

Questions and Suggestions from Readers

2009-12-09T20:54:00.002-06:00

Recently received an e-mail from a reader asking for information about starting a book club for a specific audience. Included were some really good points that I might include in my 2010 update of the web site!

Yes, beginning in January 2010, the Book Club Du Jour web site will hopefully be updated! I appreciate any ideas, suggestions and comments from my readers!

Lists of Best Books of 2009

2009-12-07T09:32:00.002-06:00

I feel inadequate this morning! I read all the time so why are none of the titles I've read showing up on any of the Best Books lists??? Must be because I'm a "mainstream" reader of literary fiction and mystery genres! OK, there are a few that I have holds on at my local library so someday I will be able to say I've read some from the Best Books of 2009 lists. Not going to change my reading tastes though!

From the Rainy Day Books newsletter

2009-11-23T09:51:00.001-06:00

"Books can make you laugh, keep you in suspense on the edge of your seat, take you back in history, help you be happier & healthier, and encourage you to live a better life in a better world. Books make great gifts for yourself and others because: "one size fits most", "batteries are not included", they can be read at take-off and landing, they are "fat free", "non-toxic", transferable and recyclable. What more can we ask of a Book ........."

Her Fearful Symmetry - A New Genre For Me!

2009-11-14T09:00:00.003-06:00

Just finished reading Audrey Niffenegger's new book, Her Fearful Symmetry. It's a ghost story that takes place in and around the Highgate Cemetery in London and is pretty implausible in my opinion! That said, I kept reading until the end as I liked the characters. (The twins, Julia and Valentina, reminded me of that other set of American twins from TV who are now designers!)) And I guess I was fascinated by the idea of ghosts inhabiting our space after death. I never got around to reading The Time Traveler's Wife so have no comparison!

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

2009-11-06T09:19:00.003-06:00

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, seems to be the popular book club choice of the year! It takes place in Jackson, MS in the 1960's and follows the lives of black maids and the white women they work for. As of today, I am 123rd on the holds list for the Large Print editon and 536th for the regular print!

Silver Bay, by Jojo Moyes

2009-11-04T14:46:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading Silver Bay, by Jojo Moyes, one of my favorite British authors. This book, which takes place in Australia, was not available for purchase here in the USA so my local library borrowed it for me from a library in Ontario, Canada. It's about what happens when developers from England want to build a major resort in Silver Bay and how the whalewatchers and others fought the project. Of course, a little romance included! It was a great read!

Man Booker Prize for Fiction

2009-10-23T09:55:00.002-05:00

The winner is Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. I just finished reading The Little Stranger and really enjoyed it!

Writing in The Observer this weekend (4 October 2009), Robert McCrum says,
"A lot of commentary, mine included, has focused on the "historical" nature of the shortlist, from Hilary Mantel's Tudor spellbinder Wolf Hall to Sarah Waters's psychodrama of austerity Britain (and homage to Josephine Tey) The Little Stranger. What no one has said, so far as I know, is that every one of these books is a cracking good read, a novel you can lose yourself in, with the childish gratification that good storytelling provides."

OPRAH'S NEW BOOK CLUB PICK!!

2009-09-19T13:29:00.001-05:00

From Oprah.com:

"Say You're One of Them is an awe-inspiring collection of stories that challenges you to look beyond the headlines and see an Africa full of both joy and despair. Detailing the violence and poverty facing the children of modern-day Africa, this is a book you won't soon forget."

This short story collection is written by a first time author and Jesuit priest from Nigeria, Uwem Akpan.

My To Be Read Pile!

2009-09-04T10:28:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I picked up 7 books I had on hold at my local library. Decided not to take 2 of them so others can read them first. Now I only have 8 books in my TBR pile on my nightstand. Will I get them read before the 3 week due date??? I doubt it! Why do my holds arrive in large batches like this???

My friend says, "You were in the first round of holds filled and the books were all published on the same date? That could be it--"

Fresh Fiction...for today's reader

2009-08-21T10:21:00.003-05:00

An addition to Blogs I follow....... I found mention of this blog, Fresh Fiction...for today's reader, on my Library website and think it will be fun to read! It will help you keep updated with reviews of books you've heard mentioned on TV and radio.

Crime Watch: News and Musings on New Zealand and International Crime/thriller Writing

2009-08-16T12:09:00.002-05:00

Just found this great blog with information about all the New Zealand mystery writers plus more! If you like mysteries that take place in foreign countries, not just Europe, check out this blog! I plan to read some of these works. (Could it be I'm interested since my brother and his family live in NZ??)

Favorite Literary Blog

2009-08-12T20:38:00.002-05:00

I really do like following all the blogs I've listed on this page, but have to admit my favorite one is Booklist Online's Book Group Buzz! Perhaps it's because everything is so timely and there are usually discussions I can relate to. Could be, too, it's because I'm acquainted with some of the blog authors!

Find Your Great Summer Book

2009-07-26T10:08:00.004-05:00

In an article in Real Simple magazine, Sara Nelson has compiled a list of Great Summer Books to read. I love her catchy headings to describe each each of her picks i.e. If You’re Dipping in and out of the Pool where she suggests Love is a Four-Letter Word, short funny and poignant essays by 23 authors. There are many others to choose from as well!

Dorothea Benton Frank and Family Dinners

2009-07-21T14:32:00.002-05:00

In Dorothea Benton Frank's new book, Return to Sullivan's Island, she describes a dinner at the family home on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. It's crazy how all the Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews react to each other and the big commotion that follows. We had a big family dinner last Sunday and the scene from the book was still on my mind. Thank heavens my children and grandchildren were more civilized and loving toward each other! Bless their hearts!!

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

2009-07-12T09:20:00.002-05:00

From Reading Group Choices Newsletter....For those of you who enjoyed reading Eat, Pray, Love, watch for the movie version!

According to Variety, Richard Jenkins, who earned an Oscar nomination for his performance in The Visitor, has signed to star opposite Julia Roberts in the film version of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. Variety noted that "Jenkins will play a Texan whom Roberts' character befriends at an Indian ashram. Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner are producing through their Plan B shingle." Filming begins in July on location in New York, Rome, India and Bali."

Nothing to Read!

2009-07-06T21:22:00.002-05:00

I have finished all my library books, plus two advance copies of novels given to me by a friend and former co-worker. Until I can get to the library and pick up my books on hold, I'm re-reading genealogy books about my ancestors from Johnson County, KY! At least they are interesting.

The Uncommon Reader: A Novella

2009-06-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

I saw The Uncommon Reader: A Novella by Alan Bennett on a list of good reads for book groups so decided to give it a try. It's about the Queen of England and what happens to her and the country when she happens upon the City of Westminister traveling library and begins reading. It was enjoyable and a real change of pace from my previous reads!

Your Book Group and the Movies

2009-06-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

If your group is reading, or has read, any of these books why not go as a group to see these upcoming movies???

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (June 26)
Julia & Julia which is based on Julia Child's My Life in France and Julie & Julia by Julie Powell (August 7)
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (October)
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (December)

My Latest Read, Gone Tomorrow

2009-06-23T20:08:00.002-05:00

Just finished reading the latest book by Lee Child, Gone Tomorrow and really enjoyed the suspense, as usual! This is the new book in his Jack Reacher series and I have read them all as I find them fascinating.

Now I'm switching gears and will read Sandra Dallas' new book, Prayers For Sale. It takes place in 1936 during the Great Depression in high country Colorado and is the story of two women and their unlikely friendship. I do read all over the board!

Favorite Web Sites

2009-06-21T11:22:00.002-05:00

I've gathered a few of my favorite web site links in one spot for all to see. They range from sites where you can locate discussion questions for your favorite titles, to a site to list titles you've read, to a book forum and more. All very interesting sites, I think! You can locate this list along with the blogs I follow on the right side of this page. Check them out, too!

Too Near the Edge by Lynn Osterkamp

2009-06-11T18:29:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading Too Near the Edge by Lynn Osterkamp (2007 IPPY Silver Medal Winner for Best Regional Fiction) and really enjoyed it. It takes place in Boulder, Colorado. This book kept me guessing to the end as to "who done it". Enjoyable read!

5 Hot Summer Thrillers by David Montgomery

2009-06-10T10:29:00.001-05:00

Clicking on the above title takes you to an article in The Daily Beast written by David Montgomery, noted reviewer. I've read one of his suggested titles (loved Lisa Scottoline's book!) and have holds on the others at my local library. What a way to spend the summer!

More on the Elgin Marbles

2009-06-09T16:02:00.003-05:00

What a coincidence!! This morning I posted about a fiction historical novel I just finished titled Stealing Athena by Karen Essex concerning the Elgin Marbles, and in this afternoon's mail was a copy of Newsweek with an article on that very topic! It was very interesting, too, telling of the Greek's new museum where they hope to house the marbles permanently or as a loan. Check it out online if you don't subscribe to that magazine.

Stealing Athena

2009-06-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

I just finished the most fascinating book! If historical novels are your thing you will enjoy reading Stealing Athena by Karen Essex, a story about the "rescue" of the Elgin Marbles which now are in the British Museum. The story is told from the points of view of two women and in two eras: Mary Nisbet, wife of the Earl of Elgin and Aspasia, the mistress of Perikles of Athens.

I have wanted to know more about the Elgin Marbles after seeing them in the British Museum. And now from this fiction work, I learn how they ended up there. Greece is pursuing return of these magnificent works.

“Bye, honey. I’m going to book group.”

2009-06-04T21:31:00.003-05:00

Check out this article in Book Group Buzz: A Booklist Blog written by my friend, Kaite Stover!! It's a great overview of the newest fad in book groups - those for men. If you men out there, (or if your husband or boyfriend) aren't in a group yet, get one started. Guarantee you'll enjoy it!

BUSY, BUSY SUMMER!!

2009-05-30T08:43:00.002-05:00

Not much time for reading so far this Summer. :( I've been busy helping my some of my college-age grandchildren organize a garage sale for $$$$ and then we stay up late playing "Grandma's Rummy" so am too tired to read when I get to bed! I'ts been fun though!! I can read later.

Traveling and Reading

2009-05-23T21:23:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a six day trip to the Caribbean and am sorry to say, I forgot to take a book to read! We were just too, too busy doing other things. I would have loved having a book in hand for time spent waiting for our flights in airports or while flying, but didn't happen! Read USA Today, People Magazine, and the airline magazine instead!

Travel and Reading

2009-05-17T10:14:00.001-05:00

When traveling, check if your destination has a paperback exchange. Many resort hotels or cruise ships have books for you to borrow while traveling rather than packing a stack of books for reading. Bring paperback books on your travel for lighter weight and so you can leave them behind for other readers. By the way, have you heard of BookCrossing.com? Just register for free on their web site and then leave the books you've read wherever you go!

Alzheimer's and HBO

2009-05-15T20:44:00.002-05:00

To go along with the wonderful documentary about Alzheimer's Disease on HBO this week, why not have your book club read books with AD as a theme? These two titles, one fiction and one non fiction, both deal with it: The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean and Measure of the Heart: A Father's Alzheimer's, A Daughter's Return by Mary Ellen Geist work very well together. They could be read and discussed at the same meeting or one after the other. If you're not in a book group read them anyway, especially the Geist book.

NYT Best Sellers LIst

2009-05-12T08:44:00.001-05:00

Out of sixteen entries on the New York Times Best Sellers List this week, I have read only six of them. Guess no matter what is popular, a person only reads books that appeal to them. (In my case anyway!)

Elizabeth Berg's Home Safe

2009-05-06T10:54:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading Elizabeth Berg's latest book, Home Safe, and I really like this quotation.

"one of the best things about books is that they are an interactive art form: that while the author may describe in some detail how a character looks, it is the reader's imagination that completes the image, making it his or her own. That's why we so often don't like movies made from books, right? We don't like someone else's interpretation of what we see so clearly."

So true!

Your Own Reading List

2009-05-04T07:54:00.003-05:00

For many, many years I have kept my own personal reading list by year and then divided by month. (I don't include short annotations!) It's fun to go back through the lists to see what I've read. Also a good tool to have when a person is trying to recall the title and/or author of a certain book that just escapes you! The past couple of months I've not gotten around to posting my reads and have had a hard time recalling them. Thank heavens I post most of the titles on this blog so could retrieve them! (I'm reading David Baldacci's First Family now.)

Another Great Read!

2009-04-30T19:22:00.002-05:00

I do read all over the board! Finished Lisa Scottoline's new mystery, Look Again, and am now engrossed in the second book by Kate Morton, The Forgotten Garden. Morton's first book was The House at Riverton. This Australian author is becoming more and more popular with each book!

Lisa Scottoline's Look Again

2009-04-27T09:52:00.003-05:00

OK, so I finished this book before I left for Texas and had to read American Way magazine on the plane! Look Again is a good read keeping you guessing until the end. (The major plotline of the story reminded me of a book my granddaughters read years ago, The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline Cooney.)

Lisa Scottoline's Look Again

2009-04-23T15:15:00.002-05:00

I'm heading to Texas tomorrow to visit my son and children! I'll be taking this book along to read on the plane. It's so good, at the rate I'm going, I may just finish it before I leave. I've read all Scottoline's books and they just keep getting better!

Read Any Good Books Lately?

2009-04-18T19:25:00.002-05:00

I just finished the latest mystery by Jacqueline Winspear, Among the Mad, and really enjoyed it. This is the sixth in the series featuring Maisie Dobbs, a psychological sleuth. Next on my list is Life Sentences by another of my favorite authors, Laura Lippman.

Jodi Picoult

2009-04-15T11:41:00.003-05:00

Click on the title of this post to see an article on Jodi Picoult and her work in the latest edition of Newsweek. She is a very profilic author and very popular with book groups. Her most popular book is probably My Sister's Keeper, a story of "savior siblings" but they are all great reads!

The House on Mango Street

2009-04-12T10:40:00.005-05:00

A new edition of The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros has been published for the 25th anniversary of this classic read. It's told through the eyes of 12 year old Esperanza Cordero growing up in Chicago. What a great read! If you like stories written by Hispanic authors, take a look at this booklist: http://www.bookclubdujour.com/Booklists_Hispanic.html

Ian Rankin

2009-04-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

Just finished Ian Rankin's new standalone book, Doors Open, and really liked it! I do miss Rebus, his protagonist from many previous novels, but found this new book about a heist in Edinburgh's art world a good, good read. It's told from the point of view of the "bad guys" which makes a couple of them very sympathetic, at least in my eyes!

Hot New Reads!

2009-04-09T19:48:00.001-05:00

According to Early Word: The Publisher/Librarian Connection, two books are projected to be big hits with readers: A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick and Crazy Love, by Leslie Morgan Steiner. The first title is a gothic fiction tale and the second, a memoir. Take a look at them for your book club! I already have holds on both at my local library!

April is National Poetry Month!

2009-04-07T10:52:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post to read one of my favorite poems I've had since high school. I've quoted a couple of lines from Maud Muller to my children and friends through the years. Hope you enjoy it too!

For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: "It might have been!"

Words of Wisdom

2009-04-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

A fun bit of wisdom sent by my niece, Terri.

We do not stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing.
Never Be The First To Get Old!

April is National Poetry Month

2009-04-03T12:17:00.003-05:00

April is National Poetry Month!

In response to a work of poetry being read at the inauguration of our new President, why not have your book group read a poetry collection for your next meeting? There are many, many wonderful collections available and would be a great change for your group. Maya Angelou is one of my favorites!

Autism Awareness Month

2009-04-01T08:28:00.002-05:00

April is Autism Awareness Month. If your group wants to read and discuss a good book dealing with this major health crisis, try The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. It was chosen by the KCMLIN United We Read project a few years ago and proved to be a very popular read with book groups. Elizabeth Moon visited the area and was a wonderful speaker telling about her experiences with autism and writing the book.

Winter in the Midwest!

2009-03-30T09:00:00.005-05:00

We had a blast of wintry weather here in my hometown on Saturday. This was a great weekend to stay inside and read! My favorite book of the moment is Louise Erdrich's short story collection, The Red Convertible. These stories reflect on her Native American heritage and are very good, as her writings alway are.

Kansas City Star's FYI Book Club

2009-03-28T10:32:00.002-05:00

This month KC Star Book Club members are reading and discussing Kansas author Laura Moriarty's book The Rest of Her Life. I read it previously and really enjoyed it. It's been a book club favorite, too. Next month they'll be reading Old School by Tobias Wolff which happens to be the KC area Big Read pick.

Angels & Demons

2009-03-26T21:08:00.002-05:00

Just saw a commercial on TV tonight for the movie, Angels & Demons, by Dan Brown. Some folks say that was his best book but I wouldn't know as after reading The DaVinci Code, I could not read any of Brown's other works. Yes, I was one of those people that did not care for the book! I read for the storyline and there was just too much confusing information that I skipped lots of pages!

Christian, the Lion On YouTube

2009-03-23T13:15:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you've seen the story of Christian, the young lion two guys bought from Harrods in London, raised for five months and then set free in Kenya. And then their reunion??? Look it up on YouTube if you haven't seen it! It's great!! Now the memoir written by those guys, Ace Bourke and Jack Randall, has been reissued. It's supposed to be full of cute baby pictures, too! (All this according to People Magazine!)

People Magazine

2009-03-23T07:33:00.002-05:00

In this weeks' edition of People Magazine there's an article about Amazon's new Kindle product. It's really an innovative way to read a book and small enough a person could use it to read in bed or on a plane. Don't know if I would want to spend the $$$ to get one though when I can borrow books from my local library!

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2009-03-21T09:21:00.002-05:00

My latest read, Olive Kitteridge, is pretty interesting. It consists of thirteen stories all bound together by the presence of one character, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher of Crosby, Maine. I'm reading it quickly as I am anxious to start the next book in my TBR pile - Handle With Care, by Jodi Picoult.

Tea For Joy

2009-03-17T19:06:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, the 17 th of March, I loved all things Irish. Now today I'm back to all things British which includes authors as well as decorating and more. I found this cool blog today and have to share it with you! Just click on Tea For Joy. (To explain my fascination - my ancestors came from Scotland and England to Ulster to work the plantations. From there they migrated to America and settled in the hills of Kentucky.)

Love That Irish Literature!

2009-03-17T14:51:00.002-05:00

Today is St. Patrick's Day and along with all the celebrating, don't forget all those great Irish authors. I love Irish literature! Along with Irish authors, I love stories about Ireland. So today eat, drink, and read!

More Very Valentine

2009-03-15T08:55:00.003-05:00

I am really enjoying this new book by Trigiani! And what I like most about it is the descriptive language regarding food and shoe making and more. (Valentine and her grandmother carry on the family business of making custom wedding shoes and her new love, Roman, is a chef and owner of an Italian restaurant.)

Adriana Trigiani

2009-03-13T19:32:00.003-05:00

I really engrossed in my latest novel, Very Valentine, by Adriana Trigiani. Trigiani is the author of the Big Stone Gap series plus a few other standalones. So far, this is my favorite of her novels! It takes place in Greenwich Village and in Italy so readers' really get a "sense of place" of those areas. If you love all things Italian, you'll love this book!

Suggestion From a Faithful Reader

2009-03-11T14:23:00.002-05:00

A great idea from a faithful reader in Texas aka my son. "As we approach summertime, start looking for the kids' summer reading programs for free gifts from establishments like AMC Theaters, Barnes & Noble, and your local libraries. These are great incentives to keep the kids reading after school is out for the summer." And I might also add, keep them reading until they grow up and become book club members or even authors!

Some Midwestern Best Book Club Choices

2009-03-10T15:37:00.003-05:00

On Tidbit Du Jour today (www.bookclubdujour.com) I posted the list of popular book club choices from Rainy Day Books in Fairway, KS, a very popular independent bookstore.

1) Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos, 2) People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, 3) Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell, 4) The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz, 5) The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh: A Woman in World History by Linda Colley, 6) The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller, 7) The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan, 8) Escape by Carolyn Jessop, 9) Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth, 10) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Fiery Barrows and Mary Ann Fiery Shaffer.

I'm happy to see several books I've read on this list: People of the Book, The Senator's Wife, The Guernsey Literary.... I have a hold on Olive Kitteridge at my local library. And I just could not make it through Sing Them Home. Guess I was not in the mood for a big thick book!

My Stack of Books TBR

2009-03-09T21:07:00.002-05:00

My stack of TBR books on my nightstand is pretty skimpy right now. I have one book my daughter brought over for me and all the rest are ready to be returned to my local library. Thank heavens I have three books waiting for me on the Hold shelves! Got to have books to read.

Back To My Real World!

2009-03-07T10:21:00.002-06:00

I returned Thursday from my wonderful few days in Florida. Had so much fun walking, shopping, sunning on the beach, eating lots of seafood and visiting with my friends! I even bought a new jacket to wear on chillier days at home. Getaways are always a good energizer! Now back to my real world.

Gone to Florida!!

2009-03-01T19:24:00.003-06:00

No blog posts for a few days as I'm "gone to Florida" for rest and relaxation! I am taking along two books, Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy and Lauren Willig's fifth novel in the Pink Carnation series, The Temptation of the Night Jasmine. I really do love reading stories from the British Isles!

Omnivoracious Blog

2009-02-28T10:59:00.003-06:00

Omnivoracious, a blog from the books editors at Amazon.com, has lots of really good information. It was just suggested to me recently and I don't know how I missed it! Of course, there are so many good blogs out there it's easy to miss some unless someone calls your attention to them!

Maeve Binchy on YouTube

2009-02-26T19:23:00.005-06:00

I picked up my long awaited copy of Maeve Binchy's new book, Heart and Soul, at my local library yesterday. Then I happened to see the note on a blog about her being on YouTube. What a fun and new fangled way to publicize your book!

Book Club Du Jour

2009-02-25T12:10:00.003-06:00

Just in case you arrived at my blog by other means, here's my web site address for where you can find lots of good information for book clubs! I always welcome ideas, thoughts etc for inprovement!

www.bookclubdujour.com

Kansas Author

2009-02-24T10:35:00.002-06:00

A new popular Kansas author is Laura Moriarty from Lawrence. I've read her first two books, The Center of Everything and The Rest of Her Life and really liked them. Today, in an article in the KC Star, I saw mention of her newest novel coming in August 2009, While I'm Falling, so placed an advance request for that book at my local library. I'm anxious to read it! Her books are very popular with book groups, too.

Academy Awards

2009-02-23T07:40:00.002-06:00

WOW! Slumdog Millionaire really did well last night at the Academy Awards! It was adapted from the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup. If you want to read the book it is available on Amazon.com. The DVD is also available for pre-order.

Kate Winslet won the Oscar for Best Actress starring in The Reader which was adapted from a novel of the same name by Bernhard Schlink. You can order it on Amazon.com as well.

Academy Awards

2009-02-22T08:15:00.002-06:00

The Academy Awards are tonight and it will be exciting to see who wins the Awards! The only nominated film I've seen this year is Slumdog Millionaire and I really liked it. (Irrfan Khan who plays the part of police inspector was recognizable from The Mighty Heart and The Namesake, two other good films.)

Nora Roberts and Her Literary Inn

2009-02-20T11:16:00.003-06:00

According to an article in USA Today, Nora Roberts has opened a "Literary Inn" in Maryland. "The whole idea was the rooms' themes had to be linked to literary couples who ended up with happy endings," says Roberts." What a great idea! Sounds like a fun place to visit!

Alzheimer's Disease

2009-02-18T11:03:00.003-06:00

A fiction book with an Alzheimer's Disease theme was just reviewed in the New York Times Book Review on February 15, 2009. The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey "imagines life as faced by a man with Alzheimer's." I just placed a hold on this book at my library as this topic is of major interest to me. It should be a good read.

For good information about this terrible disease go to www.alz.org.

New Interesting Blog

2009-02-13T10:50:00.002-06:00

I've just added a new very interesting blog to my blog list. It's
got lots of good information! The name is.....BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!
Great resources for serious readers who like to have fun… Check it out!

Amazing Coincidence!

2009-02-11T20:51:00.005-06:00

I picked up People magazine to see what books were being reviewed and what do I find but another book about sisters! True Colors by Kristin Hannah features three sisters who start out "thick as thieves" and as they grow up to find their relationship in trouble due to sibling rivalry. Sounds like a good read so I placed it on Hold at my favorite place for books - my local library!

Same Themes?

2009-02-10T08:23:00.002-06:00

Have you ever wondered why two new books you read are somewhat alike? For instance, I'm reading Alice Hoffman's new book, The Third Angel, and while other aspects of the novel are different, it has the same major theme as the one I just finished, I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass. Both feature a younger and an older sister in conflict with each other as one is perceived to be the favorite daughter. Hmmmmm (They are both good reads!)