Goodreads Book List - Take a Chance!

These are some great books some of us have mentioned, or I am investigating, for Neary's book club, or my new Book Club Too. If you choose from this list, I think you are guaranteed a good read, BUT, someone might pick it sometime soon for their book choice for the month. Please feel free to edit and add your own choices! Some I have already read and really enjoyed (marked with a *) and I almost chose them for our book club. Some are on my "must read asap list", and some have been recommended to me by other trusted bookworms!


The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (or ANY book by Jojo Moyes)

Honolulu by Alan Brennert (author of Moloka'i)

In The Shadow of the Banyan a novel by Vaddey Ratner

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

* A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

* Wish You Well by David Baldacci

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

* Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

* The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva (a page turner, mystery!)

* Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson

Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson

Pearl of China by Anchee Min

                      

The Language of Flowers

Ten of our book club members squeezed enough time to meet tonight at Blu Fig for a discussion of The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. There were many themes in the book, including family, forgiveness, food, second chances, and unconditional love. Victoria had so little faith and belief in herself, in spite of her many talents. The table was decorated with flowers and spices in an effort to communicate love, health, cheerfulness, and more -- to my beloved Neary friends.

It was difficult to agree on the most important theme in the book. For me personally, life can be so fragile, that I felt second chances, along with forgiveness, are the most important part. But then again, if you don't have love in your life, what would it all mean? And for me FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD is always front and center in my life. Then there's maternal love, represented by moss, which is rootless. So perhaps all the themes were very important.

I am so glad Victoria found a true love in Grant, and a second chance with her daughter and Elizabeth. I am a sucker for happy endings -- but this one didn't come easy!

RED ROSES -- I mean love - to all

XXOO
Robin

Dreams of Joy

On Monday, November 5th, we had a wonderful discussion about the lives of the characters in Lisa See's Dreams of Joy.  We all agreed that this book brings the story of May and Pearl full circle.  It was refreshing to see how they found love, and themselves, after the rollercoaster life of heartache, loss, and a very few momentary joys they experienced in Shanghai Girls. 

We were also introduced to Joy, May's daughter.  As the story developed, we grew to love her. Several incidents in her life made us wish we could reach her and talk some sense into her to "right" her ways.  Yet, she was able to  pull through and emerge stronger.  

The realistic (fiction) nature of this story also gave us a glimpse into how human beings respond to injustices, hardship, hunger, and oppression.  We saw how Joy's early enthusiasm under these stressors turned to disillusionment and despair, how Z.G. Was able to navigate a system he did not agree with, to survive. We saw how Pearl was willing to sacrifice so much, becoming a paper collector, coming to her childhood home inhabited by pitiful "nails", to find the daughter she loves.  And finally, we saw how Pearl's and May's father was able to make amends for the way that his vices and poor choices sent May's and Pearl's life into a heart wrenching tailspin. 

It was wonderfuly stimulating to learn from each other as we shared our thoughts and perspectives! We are all looking forward to the next book!

Miggy

 

Veil of Roses

Our first book club read of our 2012-13 school year, was Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald. I'm happy to say everyone was able to enjoy the story.  We also related to the story as educators.

The discussion was focused on Tami 's new found freedom in America. We talked about Tami 's search for a husband so she would not have to return to Iran.  We also discussed Tami's relationship with her sister Maryam and Maryam's  husband, Ardishir. 

We really enjoyed catching up with each other --  eating hummus with pitas and many other delicious entrees -- and desserts.

Till next month,
Yvette

Hotel on The Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Dear Book Club Sisters,

What a beautiful time we had this last meeting!  

I guess reading the book Hotel in the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was a good way to end the year.  The book touched on themes such as parental conflict, prejudice, commitment, hope and true love; all so familiar to all of us.  Once again, we had the opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions, which are so many and so rich…We bring so much of our own lives and colorful personalities into our discussions that together we make our own wonderful story of honesty, kindness, and friendship, with a sprinkle of humor of course!  We are truly blessed!

A big thank you to all my dear friends for enriching my life in so many ways.  Thank you Mary for your generosity and thoughtful gesture.  The beautiful glass will forever be a reminder of our club’s special bond.  Thank you Robin for being the glue that binds us all, and for keeping the light burning so that our club will not lose its way.  Until we meet again…

Love, 

Maria Pages

Emma Donoghue's

Never-disappointing, always-satisfying blu Fig was the setting of our April book club gathering. Though the gathering was small (those not in attendance were missed) there was much to discuss about ROOM.

This captivating yet disturbing tale of 5 year old Jack, born into the confines of a 121 square foot square room (11 feet x 11 feet) and his mother, effected us deeply. We discussed Jack and Ma's world or "room" before and after their escape. We explored the author's character development, use of Jack's voice/perspective, and love/attachment themes. As a whole we agreed that ROOM was well written and deserving of praise.

In closing, I want to give a big thanks to my many friends in the book club, near and far, who have always been and continue to be gracious and generous with their friendship and support. Thanks to you all for expanding my literary horizons.  I look forward to our featured May selection, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, chosen by Maria P. I hear it's a great read.

Best,
Nicole

Lucia Lucia

Hello Lovely Ladies!

Robin thanks for the blog video, it makes me want to visit Italy!

What a true pleasure it was to host Lucia, Lucia and to see all of you at the Blu Fig. Tracy and Diana were missed. It would have been fabulous if we were all together. I really enjoyed this book and am happy that you seemed to have enjoyed it too. It was a light hearted, warm love story filled with strong family cultural values and beliefs. The Italian culture reminded me so much of mine. Since it was set in the 1950's it made me think about the stores that were so popular back then and now a past time. Remember Woolworths? I enjoyed Lucia's character. She had passion, ambition and had a strong family bond. I loved how she was able to stand up to Dante's Mom. Although the author attempted to make Lucia seem like she was happy at the end or complacent with her life, I felt sorry for her. I didn't like the ending so much because I felt like none of her dreams were fulfilled. She lived alone surrounded by her wedding presents and wearing her mink coat all the time. THAT IS SAD. I was happy that at least Lucia ended up with Dante.

I really enjoy doing our book club at Blu Fig, even Matt is a regular. I look forward to Nicole hosting Room on April 16th at the Blu Fig and wish you all peace and health.

Arrivederci!!

Mary