Books

I have not done a good job of updating this blog recently:-( So, lets recap the last THREE books! Forgive me if these are brief...my memory isn't what it used to be:-)

Hunger Games - well, I think all who read it enjoyed the story even though it was a disturbing plot.  We rated this book an 8.  All the violence aside, the book was well written and kept the readers interest from beginning to end.  Many of us had started and/or finished the entire trilogy.  I have since read all three books and seen the movie.  I did not enjoy the movie at all - it really didn't capture the emotion of the book and so much was either left out or changed.  Thanks to Vonda for hosting - great food and wine as always:-)
The Confession - Thanks to Kelly for choosing this John Grisham novel!  This was my very first Grisham! There was much discussion of race discrimination and how society has changed, and yet has not changed in this regard.  The story kept the reader interested throughout and I will definitely be reading more Grisham.  This book received a rating of 8 from our group.
Battle Hymn of Tiger Mother - This was Mary's first time hosting book club(and last because she is moving next month).  We rated this book 7.5.  There was much discussion regarding parenting, chidrens self-esteem, and cultural differences.  Thank you Mary for choosing such a thought provoking book.  We will miss your insight, wit and wisdom at our meetings...we wish you all the best in your new journey!  Please keep in touch and don't be surprised if a group of giggling women show up in the church one day:-)

Room by Emma Donaghue

Room by Emma Donaghue was rated an 8 by our group.  This book brought about some lively discussion, even before we realized there was a question list!  All agreed this was a haunting tale of what human beings are capable of, both good and evil.  We also discussed the depth of research the author must have done in order to make this story really come to life for the reader.  Especially noted was the spatial difficulties and maneuvering stairs after living an entire life in a small room.

Thank you to Johanna for hosting - as always great food and drink enjoyed by all!

Vonda has chosen the next book, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.  Watch your emails for book availability.  This is a hot item in the libraries but we own a few copies within our group.

Cutting for Stone

  Most agreed (mostly me) that this book took awhile to draw the reader in (it took me 2 months and 1 entire Sunday to complete it).  But, after reading it, I have to admit - it was worth the time invested:-)

This book definetely brought about lively discussion..........the way the author was able to draw the scene so you felt a part of it; the emotions felt - anger, sadness, pity............this book has it all!  Overall we rated this book 8.5 and would recommend it to other readers.

Thank you to Rhonda for hosting - as always food and drink was awesome!  Also - WELCOME to our newest member - Mary!  

KG has chosen the next book - "Winter Garden" by Kristen Hannah........plan to meet end of July.

Sarah's Key

Sarah's Key received an impressive rating of 9 from our group.  The author was very good at creating the scene and the characters so you felt a part of the story.  We discussed the horrible things that have occured in history and how we sometimes forget how truly awful human beings can be to each other. It is so important to remember and talk about these events in history.


Thank you Betti for hosting this wonderful breakfast book club:-)  What a nice way to beging the weekend!

Rhonda will be choosing the next book.......watch your emails!  I will also be sending an updated member list (with a new order for choosing the next book).

As always, please post your own comments on the book.......

The Bean Trees

So, this was not a favorite book for most of our group. We rated "The Bean Trees" 5.5. Most of us felt the book simply never got to the plot.........throughout the book, we kept hoping something big was going to happen; and then it never did. The plot was also pretty unrealistic making it difficult to relate to the characters.

Thank you to Julie for hosting at The Larkspur! What an awesome little eatery in downtown New Ulm!
Betti has chosen the next book - "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay. Plan to meet early in April.

The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls received a rating of 8.75 from our group. We discussed how the kids turned out so strong after a seemingly bad upbringing and just how much a person really can do without. Just how important is good nutrition and a clean house? Maybe all anybody needs is family?

Thanks to Sharon for hosting - great wine and food! Sara has chosen "Eat, Pray, Love" as our next book. She is planning to host in October. Watch your emails!

The Reader

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink received a rating of 7.3 from our group at Friday nights discussion. The book really made us think about the other side of the story of the concentration camps. There was great discussion related to human nature and our responsibilities as people. We also discovered that we rated the book a little higher after the discussion, maybe because we all learned a little from each other's point of view. Thank you Johanna for hosting - great food and wine:-)

Vonda has chosen the next book - The Help by Kathryn Stockett. We have several copies ordered from the libraries. Check with Corrine in Hanska for availability.