A Man Called Ove

On Monday, December 12th, we met at Italiana's Restaurant in New City to discuss the book, A Man Called Ove.  I was thrilled to see everyone truly enjoyed the book and shared in such a lively discussion about what Ove's neighbor's describe as "a cranky old man." We learned that Ove is really a man with a huge heart that is metaphorically and literally "too big for his body." He lives by staunch principles and very strict routines, that along with a somewhat short fuse sometimes put him at odds with the people around him. He growls at his new neighbors for running over his mailbox, yells at people for bringing cars into his development, doesn't know why people just can't conform to the same habits and routines that he enjoys daily, and develops an endearing relationship with a stray cat whom he professes to hate.

Ove has a sadness about him, one that comes from sorrow in his life that we can all identify with, losing his parents at a very young age, losing an unborn child in an accident, and then the love of his life, his wife of many years, Sonja, to cancer.  The author, Fredrik Backman weaves his story back and forth through Ove's life to show the reader how the things that occurred in his life shaped this "cranky" somewhat curmudgeonly old man he has become.  But through the eyes of a new "foreign" neighbor, Parvaneh, and her family, Ove learns to open up, to find joy in the smiles of children, and to feel useful once again to his neighbors and friends old and new.  I think we all found a soft spot in our hearts for Ove, for the principles he felt so strongly about, for his basic "goodness"  in his heart, and for the feelings he was finally able to share with the people around him.

Thank you all!

Have a peaceful, restful and relaxing holiday and a very Happy New Year!

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2017!

Love,

Robin A

 

House Rules - At City Line Diner

Hello All,

On our November 14 meeting, we met at the City Line Diner in New City. I was so pleased to see everyone at our meeting. I was equally happy everyone loved the book. House Rules by Jodi Piccoult is a story about a teenager, Jacob Hunt, with Asperger's Syndrome. Jacob has an obsession with forensic science, and he is accused of the murder of his tutor. This was an emotionally powerful story that reminds us what it means to be different, and how one can be treated in the legal system.   Jacob's mother and brother also suffer the social and financial difficulties of the trial. 

Our discussion led us to how people with disabilities are treated within a family and in society. We also enjoyed the style of writing Jodi Piccoult used in this story, because it gave us the opportunity to understand the perspective of the major characters. Finally, we enjoyed a variety of meals from the City Line Diner. We can't wait to meet again .

Thanks --

and Happy Thanksgiving,🍁🦃 

Yvette 

Girl on the Train -- Movie Night

Six of us enjoyed the movie version of Girl on the Train tonight at the Clarkstown Mall, Bow Tie Cinemas.  The movie was definitely scary and mostly adhered to the book. I loved the new setting chosen - it did not take place in  England, but just across the Hudson in Ardsley and Irvington! At the end there was even a beautiful shot of Perkins Tower atop Bear Mountain. We missed all of you who couldn't make it - especially Yvette, who chose the Girl on the Train book.

Mary Velez joined us for dinner at Blu Fig, across the street from Bow Tie Cinemas. We toasted my favorite bully, Maria Pages! She told us the story of how she commandeered seats that were reserved for someone else when the book club went to see The Help! It was lots of fun to get together and enjoy each others' company. Till next time-- Nov. 14, for Yvette's choice, House Rules, by Jodi Picoult.

XXOO -- Robin

Year EIGHT begins with a FULL HOUSE!!

Hello All!

We were off to a great start of year eight. From what I understand, this was a great turn out. ALL the bookworms made it!!

We met at City Line Restaurant in New City, and had a room all to ourselves.  We discussed Mudwoman, by Joyce Carol Oates.  This is an interesting and intricate story about a woman who is slowly mentally decompensating. The writing, however, made the book what it was.  Oates used vivid description, timing, paragraph breaks, and parentheses in the writing, to describe and alert the reader to psychological changes in the protagonist.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the book, and even those who didn't  particularly like the story found it interesting. Most of the discusiion centered on what aspect of the central character's experience was real or imagined. As M.R.'s hold on reality became more tenuous, this became  increasingly difficult to establish.  The author's narrative techniques were discussed in order to explain the main character's life, and her perception of her life.  There was a lively discussion and everyone enjoyed the food, and left looking forward to a "movie month" in October.

----  Maria Rodriguez

Our Favorite Children's Books

Maria Rego's favorite book

To all my book worm buddies,

     It was joyous to me hosting this last meeting of year 7. So special because I was sharing a milestone with all of you. (Retirement is a big deal!!). I missed all who were not present but I know that often times things come into our lives that can't be helped.

     I hope that you will take the time to visit/re-visit my book Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. There are so many messages in the book and I am sure that you will connect with one or more. For me, I identified with Alice and found similarities in her journey especially in the past few years, and so I felt I had to follow her path.

     I grabbed onto the three things that one must do in one's life:
1) Travel to far away places
2) Live by the sea, and
3) Make the world more beautiful.
     I have been blessed, and feel that I have done those things. But life is ever changing and I will now make it my purpose to travel more, enjoy living by the sea, and be determined to make a difference in more lives.

     Thank you for being a part of my life because you have made a difference to me.

   
YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART!!!

Much love,

Maria

Our collection of favorite books!

I AM MALALA

The Taliban invaded Swat Valley, Pakistan, where Malala and her family lived. They wanted to force girls to stop going to school. Malala, a brave young girl, spoke out and was not silenced.  She continued to fight for women’s rights and for girls to attend school.   On October 9^th, 2012 Malala was only 15 years old, and was shot in the head by these vicious terrorists hoping to use her as an example.  Instead, “at sixteen she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest”, and the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Our book club ladies discussed the courage of Malala, and her incredible loving and supportive parents.

We discussed the value of educators and everyone shared their teacher superpower! We took a few moments to be silent and present and we lifted up all of our ladies that were missing from our book club group. Robin shared a little on food and health.  What a blessing this monthly gathering we have kept going!  I am honored, privileged to be a part of it. Thank you ladies for your inspiration, your beauty, your laughter, your insight, and your blessings. 

Look forward to our last book club meeting hosted by Maria Rego. Remember to bring in your favorite childhood book. 

Be Blessed,

Mary

ALMOST PARADISE at Bombay Grille, New City

I selected Almost Paradise, by Susan Isaacs, from a list of suggestions from our Suffern Library.  After reading the sample chapter, I wanted to know what would happen to Jane. Little did I know that it was 700+ pages! Susan weaved a multi-generational tale, which some of us found too long, and others thought added to the understanding of the main characters.


The characters dealt with alcoholism, parental neglect, sexual abuse, infidelity, brain-chemical illness, etc.  In the end, Jane ---------! I won't give away the ending, just in case someone wants to finish this tome! It was great discussing the book with all of you - also, thank you for trying out Indian (new to some bookworms) food! Our taste buds were on fire!
                  ---Myrna

The Hundred Foot Journey - Feb. 8, 2016

On Monday, February 8th we had the pleasure of meeting and dining at Italiana's to discuss the charming novel by Richard Morais, The Hundred-Foot Journey. This fictional book describes Hassan Haji's life journey, that takes him from India to Britain, and finally to France - where he becomes a renowned chef under the guidance of an unlikely mentor, Madame Mallory.  Though Madame Mallory is introduced in the book as his shrewd competitor, she eventually recognizes his untapped culinary talents, and is determined to provide him with opportunities to polish himself. The story deals with the issues of race, multiculturalism, and artistic creation of fine food.  

The story is lively and was made into a movie that is light and humorous. I recommend it! I saw the movie before listening to the book and found them both enjoyable. Both leave the viewer/reader/listener with a feel good sense!  

Thank you for coming out on the 8th! I Look forward to our next book club meeting--

Miggy

JOSHUA - A Brooklyn Tale

Happy 2016!

First, I would like to thank my mother and the ladies of Delray Beach, Florida for recommending Joshua, A Brooklyn Tale. As I read the book over the summer I thought it would be a wonderful consideration for the "Bookworms"!

I also have to thank Robin L. for reminding me about The New City Kosher Deli. There is nothing like a delicious bowl of chicken matzoh ball soup and overstuffed pastrami/corn beef sandwiches to cure all that ails you!!

This story traces the lives of the three main characters Rachel, Paul, and Joshua in Crown Heights, Brooklyn during turbulent times. As their lives become more intertwined we read about deep love, hopeless love, romantic love and about desperation and acceptance. Parental expectations weigh heavily on the decisions of each character.

I am so glad everyone seemed to enjoy this book!

See you on February 8th.

Happy Reading!
Jill