Dear Neary Book Club family,
I am so glad that most of you joined us
on Monday, June 3. I always look forward to your company and conversation. I
chose this book because I wanted to read something that was not too
long, not too intense and still had a message. Did you know that
Mexicans and hillbillies were cotton-pickers? This was another reason
why I chose this book. I wanted to learn about their interactions on a
farm and what their roles were.
A
Painted House showed us the trials and tribulations of farm life. It
showed us that most times families stick together through thick and
thin. We realized that prejudice and class distinction exists even
amongst the poor. Except for the fact that technology has allowed us to
advance, things are not that much different. People still work hard and
want a better life for themselves and their families. We have many more conveniences
today, but I wonder do we really need them all. (I just wouldn't want
to do without running water and toilets for sure!!!!) I thought this
novel had some traits of good vs. evil. We discussed Hank being the
villain and the bully, and the Chandlers being kind and caring through
many of their actions. We all felt that it certainly must have been a
burden for Luke (the boy who narrates the story) to have had to keep so
many secrets. We all
enjoyed the book and thought it would make a good movie. Surprise,
surprise it already is !!!! That was my little secret until the end.
I wish you all a healthy and safe, fun-loving summer.
--- Maria R.
