The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

Hello Book Worms,

What a pleasure it was to host this month's book club. I truly cherish these times! I enjoyed this book because it was a story of a young boy with Aspergers Syndrome told from his perspective. It spoke volumes to me in how complicated we humans can be and how simple life would be if we adopted at times Christopher's view. It also revealed the heartache and hardship that parents go thru in raising a child with this affliction. I appreciated Christopher's humor and simplicity, yet having a superior intelligence. He was confident that he would get an A grade in the A levels Math test :-) I appreciated our discussion on the importance of understanding and accepting of all humanity. I love listening to your reflective insights. Ladies, I must add that this book club has added joy in my life. I thank you so much for your support during this difficult time in my professional life. I can't think of a better distraction. Your friendship is uplifting. God Bless you!!!! Con Mucho Carino Mary For next month, May 9th our book is I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman Looking forward to it!! Happy reading...

Our "Don't Touch" Book List

Well, we've decided to try to keep a list of possible upcoming books for discussion, so if you choose one of these on your own, BEWARE! You might end up having to read it twice.

Moloka'i
The Reader
The Space Between Us
Honolulu
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

March 14, 2011

The Memory Keeper's Daughter...Who was the memory keeper? We all keep memories, but sometimes they turn into secrets -- secrets we keep because we don't want to hurt others, or is it out of shame? When is it justified?

When we club members and friends meet we share our opinions and views about relationships and social issues. We learn things about each other that in my case, make me respect and appreciate each of you more. I can't wait for our next discussion...

Thanks,
Carmen

Cutting For Stone

We met in the Neary Library because it was Thursday - and so many book club members have Adult Ed on Thursday nights. It was our last meeting with Diana. Sigh....

The meeting was small, and more than a bit subdued. We all missed Miggy so much, and prayed that her father will improve rapidly. How she coordinated our food for the meeting and a questions list while in Florida, is quite miraculous.

We discussed Shiva and Marion's relationship as twin brothers. Did Shiva have Aspergers? Perhaps. Gennet, Stone, Hema and Ghosh also were discussed. Ghosh was a lovable character. We puzzled over the true meaning of Cutting For Stone. We shared some moments about the horrors of medical care in this country. We talked about Verghese as a physician - and our bad experiences with doctors that have their hands on the doorknobs to run to see their next patients, and don't give us the attention and time we truly need. Immigration was another theme. And we agreed that "Geography is our destiny".

Hoping all can attend the next book club meeting on March 14, when Carmen Cruz will host The Memory Keeper's Daughter.

Maria finished the last 2 pages!

Heart of the Matter - December 6, 2010

Our December meeting was small and intimate. We missed those who couldn't make it.
Well, we certainly got to the Heart of the Matter!  The common concensus was that Nick took advantage of Valerie. We discussed Adultery, and Tessa's  and Valerie's point of view.We all wished the author would have included Nick's point of view. We also discussed the difficulties Valerie and Tessa had fitting into there social circles. Everyone seemed to enjoy the book . We wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday!!!!!!

Millie and Yvette

Some heartfelt discussions!

Talking about adultery!

Yeah - to those of us who made it!

America's Dream Meeting

"Aye Dios Mio", the meeting was so much fun and I truly enjoyed hosting and preparing Puerto Rican "Cuisine" for all of you. Hope you savored the meaning of the book with the real flavor of America's palate. We sorely missed Carmen, Irene, Maria P. and Tracy's contribution to our discussion. We're sorry a few of you were not able to attend the meeting and feast with us as well.

The discussion was LIVELY and "LOUD" according to my husband in another rooom behind closed doors. He didn't understand our excitement while discussing our book. Not to worry, he did not hear any of it. We focused on how melodrama exists in real life. A few of us shared stories of our own that were pure drama. Among the topics discussed were: women's relationships with daughters, mothers,men and employers, dual standards, machismo and adjusting to a new culture.

The book ends on a positive note for America: " she has a right to live that life as she chooses. It is, after all, her life, and she's the one in the middle of it." May we all empower our own daughters and sons to live the life they were meant to and see that there are always choices in life. "Que Dios Bendiga Su Vida". Diana

Monday Night at the Movies

We got together to see The Girl Who Played with Fire, thanks to Diana and her Netflix. And we found out many brains are better than one, as our collective memory was not that bad. And we are so grateful to Mary Velez - thank you Mary - who fed us incredibly well - you were the popcorn and candy fairy! The Swedes did a great job on the movie. I actually liked the dubbing. Gave us a chance to look more at the action, instead of the subtitles.