December Interview

Moab (mother of all boys) is one of our oldest members (years spent as a member, not years on earth)--and one of our most faithful attenders. Thanks, Moab,  for answering some questions during this busy time.

• We've read a lot of books over the years. What book(s) are you especially glad you read and why?

It's hard to narrow this one down for me - we've read so many wonderful books!  A few that stand out are The Alchemist,  These Is My Words, The Long Walk, and To Kill a Mockingbird. 

The Alchemist really affected me, particularly after the discussion.  Ambi was so passionate about it, and about following your dreams, that it really hit home to me.

These is My Words is now one of my all-time favorite books - I loved it!

The Long Walk was another story that stayed with me.  I've actually really enjoyed the historical books we've read, especially ones that are true stories.

To Kill A Mockingbird - well, I picked this one because I had always wanted to read it, but had never gotten around to it.  What a great book! 

One other series that I read because of book group, but that we never discussed - Harry Potter.  I remember learning about the series when only 2 of the books were out.  Sereia (mermaid in Portuguese) had brought them to book group and told us all how wonderful they were.  She was in a book club of some kind where she could get them for a great deal, so many of us ordered them to try them out.  Now, of course, I own them all, have read them multiple times, and have a family who enjoys them too!  (And if you've never listened to them on CD, you should - Jim Dale is a wonderful reader!)

•  Recall one of the most memorable discussions that we’ve had.

This one actually happened pretty soon after I joined the book group - in 1997.  The book we had read was Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler.  It's the story of a woman who runs away from her family while on vacation.  There were some pretty strong feelings in the group about the story.  At the time, I had 2 children (my oldest was almost 4) and I had no sympathy for the main character.  I REALLY disliked the book!  I remember a few members of the group defending her, and I just didn't get it.  HOWEVER, now that time has passed, and I have 5 children from 16 down to 7, some days I can definitely relate to that character!  Perspectives change over time, that's for sure.

• Where is your favorite place to read?

I have a chair in my living room that is perfect - it's made to fit in a corner.  It is short, with a huge ottman.  It's not the prettiest chair,  but I love sinking into it and enjoying a good book.

• What do you like to eat/drink while reading?

Nothing!  I am so clumsy and messy that I would ruin every book I read!

•  Besides reading, what is your favorite way to spend your time?

Is there anything to do besides reading? Seriously, I enjoy singing.  I sing in a community choir called The Wasatch Chorale and we rehearse every Wednesday night.  I also enjoy crocheting (which I just learned to do this fall from my mom - finally, right mom?) and playing with my rubber stamp collection.

• With all your boys, how do make time for reading?

When my children were small and took regular naps in the afternoon, I got in the habit of taking some time for myself starting about 1:00 on.  Even now that my kids are all in school all day (which is GREAT!), I still see that time as sacred.  So, usually after lunch, I take about an hour to read and/or power nap (Yes, I am a napper - although, my naps are usually only about 15 minutes long.)   I also read a lot when I go to bed at night. I've been known to completely ignore my children and other distractions when I get involved in a good book, too!

•  What has kept you coming to book group all these years?

I absolutely love our book group and hate to miss it.  It is a such a great opportunity to read books I would never have picked up off the shelf otherwise.  Our discussions are sometimes a free-for-all even requiring hand-raising for some.  :-)   Plus, with our group of women, it is always a joy to go.  I have never regretted going to book group - and I always laugh!

• Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

            It is hard for me to try new things.  I often have to talk myself into it, but rarely regret it.  I guess I'm really just a big chicken! One of my favorite TV shows is "The Biggest Loser" - and my kids are hooked too! I have read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer more than once.

Twilight more than once? Who would've guessed? In fact, that's a good question for everyone. Do you read books more than once? If so, which ones?