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?

Christmas Book Contest

Jane, the owner of the Bungalow, hosted a lovely luncheon for the READ book review group last Thursday. She even cooked for us! J. Fife reviewed some of her favorite Christmas stories. She challenged us to write a list of Christmas stories that we love. Here are three of mine:

Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer

We have all hear the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. In addition to an engaging text and gorgeous, whimsical artwork, this story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley. He is a gruff, cold man - but no one is aware of the grief he has for the family he lost years ago. Then one day in early winter, the widow McDowell comes to call. Would Mr Toomey carve a set of nativity figures for her son Thomas in time for Christmas? When, reluctantly, he agrees, Jonathan Toomey's Christmas miracle begins.

Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck

Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year -- something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all.

To receive a free Christmas book--another one of my favorites--just reply to this post, telling us some of your favorite Christmas books.

Book Lover Gift Ideas

Check out these ideas for the fellow book lovers in your life:

"Open the pages of conversation about today's favorite books. These compelling book club conversation questions create the starting point for discussions about plot, setting, character, dramatic themes and more. Great for energizing book clubs, or as a unique gift idea for avid readers, clever friends, conspiring colleagues, or your next dinner party host."

In the Book Lover's Gift Box Set, "each package includes a bookmark, gold frame magnet, single deck playing cards, box set of 10 assorted textured cards with matching envelopes and a set of 12 assorted adhesive bookplates. All items packaged in a beautiful rose collage gift box."

"These ornamental wooden houses use books and imagery from classical and popular literature to capture a past era in American culture. The classic classic To Kill A Mockingbird house, features a twig perch, Gregory Peck movie poster and excerpts of the story as siding."

Know someone who likes to read in the tub? Then this Aquala Bathtub Caddy might be perfect for [them]. It’s made from bamboo (a highly renewable resource), and has a fold-away book support."

"Opening a book is a passage to discovery. Our charming book-shaped locket is the perfect gift for avid readers, students, and teachers."

"Make a splash with this vibrant red READ umbrella. It has a 42" arc and an automatic open with a matching plastic handle and nylon sleeve."

"Show off your love of reading with our smart new READ Book Tote."

"Each of these delicate paper book earrings was made by a skilled Himalayan artisan.

"This reading-themed Whimsical Watch is the perfect gift for the bibliophile in your life, with miniatures of books, a pair of glasses, and coffee, on a background of a library."

 "This happy-woman-with-a-book is a beautiful mouse pad, and a way to remind yourself of the joy of books while you work."

"With this kit you can create your own unique concrete word stones. Mix up some concrete, pour it into the form, and use the press in letters to make words."

"How about a light-switch plate with an image of a shelf of books on it?"

"The calendar that keeps you reading."

"Still Alice"

Queenie* recommended this book to us at the last discussion. The author, Lisa Genova, is a neuroscientist and has created a believable portrait of one woman's perspective of her experience with Alzheimer's disease. She has a blog with a list of books and links to online resources at: http://www.stillalice.blogspot.com/. Out of 276 reviews on Amazon, 226 gave the book five stars, and out of 3,604 ratings on Goodreads, it received an average of 4.30. One reviewer said, "I work with family caregivers everyday in my job. Despite the fact that this is a novel, it is the best resource I have ever read in terms of providing insight into the experience of someone with Alzheimer's Disease. This book is what all the great reviews say about it...heartbreaking, moving, touching on so many levels. The characters are real. The education regarding the disease is accurate. This should be required reading for any professional who encounters individuals with Alzheimer's and/or their caregivers."  Melissa Campbell

*think homonym for Persian monarch

First Interview

Ambi (short for Ambien) took time out of her very busy schedule to be our first interviewee.

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

For years, my guitar teacher had told me that I had to read The Life of Pi but her insistence did not win over my non interest into the journey of Pi.  After a few feudal attempts, I resigned myself to the fact that this book was boring and ultimately uninteresting.  It wasn’t until a few years later that this uninteresting and boring book was chosen for book group.  There my journey with Pi began and I am so grateful it did!  Pi’s tale of survival and his faith in God and the sheer imagination by the author in portraying Richard Parker as a tiger was complete genius.  Upon finishing this book, I felt euphoria, not only for the writing, but for Pi’s determination in overcoming his fears and his quest for survival.  There are certain books that leave me thoughtful upon completion.  I would have not read the book on my own unless it was assigned.  Viva book group!

· Recall one of the most memorable discussions that we’ve had?

In 2005, I think Jade (another shade of green) chose The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands as her selection.  I remember there was some heated conversation between our fellow book group members.  In particular; I remember that Sereia did not care for the book.  It was one of those deliberations that the opinions were flying around the room at mach speed.  I also believe that is one of the discussions when we truly earned our name “The Interrupters.”  Marriage is such a fascinating topic in and of itself, that to look at our nuptials from the perspective of Dr. Laura truly provided a stage for all of us to vent our frustrations with our spouses as well as our triumphs.  

· Where is your favorite place to read?

I love to read in my lazy boy in my bedroom.  I like to have a blanket over me, but it can only be to my stomach.  If I am completely hidden beneath the blanket, it gets way too hot and dark, and then I can’t read because I can’t see.

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

I never eat or drink while reading.  I don’t like to hear chewing noises and I am stain prone so it is either one or the other.  Never shall the two take place at once.

· What does your family think about book group?

My family views book group as a mysterious enigma.  Why would anyone read something and then want to hear about what other people thought about it?  This question and more plagues the minds of my offspring and spouse.  Surely more must be going on at these “meetings” to explain my euphoria upon returning home.  They look at me as if my head is screwed on backwards when I enter the door, still laughing from some comment made during the discussion.  And then my family notices my dismay at the complete disarray of my house resulting from my two hour absence.  If I try to explain my mood, I am looked at quizzically and reminded “that I guess you had to be there.”  Yes, for anyone to understand, they just have to experience it. 

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

I love to eat food that others have made for me.  I love knowing that someone else is going to clean the plates and that I can just leave the mess of my fortuitous consumption behind.  I also like to be around my family for short periods of time.  5-10 minutes is sufficient.  Any more, and I hide in a corner, usually sucking one of my appendages. 

· Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Oh my, my entire book group knows that I am a little bit of a freak show and so there isn’t much that would surprise anyone.  Here is something you might be surprised to know:  I cannot stand doing anything social by myself.  Social norms dictate my life and I cannot stand going to movies by myself, eating out by myself or attending strip clubs alone. 

Thanks, Ambi, for your frank replies. We count on you for that--and for some comic relief. Just so you know, none of us think you are "a bit of a freak show."  We think you are delightful in every way.

Also, I remember that discussion on The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands a little differently than Ambi does. I know that I had a lot of strong feelings, but I didn't dislike the book overall. I thought there were some good and valuable things in it--and I greatly appreciated others' perspectives--especially Jade's. I do remember disagreeing vehemently with Leggy (former leg model) about a different book, Fascinating Womanhood. Which brings me to an apology that is long overdue: I'm sorry for all the times when I let me strong feelings and opinions take precedence over my sensitivity to yours. I value your different opinions and think our discussions would be boring and dull if we always felt the same.

One last note: let me know if you hate your pseudonym and I will change it!

"Left to Tell" Discussion

Look at these smart, funny, beautiful women--all willing to have their picture taken. However,  TOWRHH (the one who raises her hand), complained that we always take pictures at inopportune times so we had to wait for her to brush her hair. I, for one, needed much more than that. Maybe I need to follow Tower's (see above) example and train for a half-marathon.

Belle told us that Left to Tell has sold more than 250,000 copies and been published in 15 different languages. Immaculee has been given honorary degrees and numerous awards. A movie about her story is in production and slated to be released in 2011. Imaculee continues to help people from all over the world learn to heal and overcome the effects of genocide and war.

Immaculee's faith and fortitude in the midst of horrifying circumstances inspired us all.

To cap off a great discussion, Belle served her mom's delicious carrot cake recipe for dessert.

Mom's Carrot Cake

3 Cups Flour                    2 cups raw grated carrots

2 Cups Sugar                   1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 tsp. cinnamon               1 1/2 cup walnuts

2 tsp. baking soda            1/2 cup coconut

1 1/2 tsp. salt                   3 eggs, well beaten

                                       1 8oz. can crushed pineapple with juice

                                       2 Tbls. orange rind

                                       2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all dry ingredients together.  Add to dry mixture grated carrots, oil, nuts,

coconut, beaten eggs, pineapple with juice, orange rind, and vanilla.  Mix well.  Pour

into a well greased and floured pan.  Bake (sheet cake) at 350 for 25-30 minutes or

(9 x 13) at 350 for 1 hour.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 cube butter

1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup walnuts

Blend all together until smooth and creamy, then spread over cooled cake.

Too many books?

I don't know about all of you, but I have no more room for books on my shelves. It doesn't matter, though, I keep accumulating them, and keep trying to find creative ways to store them. I used to think I would donate some of them to the library, but its shelves are full now, too. What to do? I came across some creative uses for some of those books that I know I will never re-read or pass along. How about these book vases from Laura Cahill?

How about this for a hubby's Christmas present?

Photo by geeksugar.com

I especially like this one. It would certainly use up a lot of books.

Desk by Richard Hutton

You know what could be displayed on this shelf? More books!

Photo by not-tom.com

This is clever, but only uses one book.

Photo by lockengeloet.com

Book bracelets. Very cool.

craftzine.com

If you are like me, you don't go anywhere without a book. This book purse could kill two birds with one stone.

Photo by prettytheory.etsy.com

How about this creative necklace?

charonkransenarts.com

Books have more uses than I thought!

Immaculee Ilibagiza

There are several videos of Immaculee Ilibagiza on the Internet. Here is one that shows the bathroom where she and the other women hid for those terrible months: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8766953304938873882#

Amazing Contest!

There are a lot of contests on blogs and it's fun to enter them, but I have never seen one as good as this one. Fangs, Fur & Fey is celebrating their three-year anniversary by giving away 22 $20.00 gift certificates from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, or Powell's. The grand prize is a Kindle Reader. This is a $259.00 value! Everyone I know who owns a Kindle Reader loves it! Learn more about it here: http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Reading-Display-International-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=sr_tr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256770824&sr=8-1. If you are interested in entering this contest go here to find out how.

Left to Tell--Questions to Consider

• Early in chapter one Immaculee writes “while my parents were ardent Catholics, they were Christians in the broadest sense of the word” what does she mean by this?  Cite examples of the ways her parents lived a Christian lifestyle?  What cues could we take from her parents about what a Christian lifestyle looks like?
• Throughout the book Immaculee was surprised at how ordinary people could hold such hatred and be swayed from friend to foe. Discuss this transition and site examples.  Why do you think this happens over and over again in our world’s history?
• How does this book instruct us on what it means to have faith?
• What role do her beliefs play in Immaculee’s life as a child, adolescent and young adult and how does that influence her attitude toward other people? (p. 6 –child; p. 22-in high school; p. 32 –at university; p. 34-36 -encounter with mob)
• How does Immaculee feel when childhood friends turn against her, and how does she deal with her feelings about them? (p. 58 & 59)
• What resource does Immaculee call upon to help her deal with the horror of the war? (p. 80)
• Immaculee’s greatest struggle while in hiding comes with her feeling that God wants her to forgive the murderers. (94) Describe how Immaculee acts, feels and makes decisions during this tense and dangerous period.(p. 91-94)
• How does Immaculee’s faith guide her decision-making following her release? (p.107; 184-185; 207-208)
• In what ways is the Rwandan Genocide an example of social sin?
• What do Imaculee’s actions and words teach us about the concept of solidarity?
• “There is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges” – discuss this statement in light of Imaculee’s book.  Where do you see flashes of God’s grace in her story?  How does hope get her through the genocide?

Christian Symbolism in "Edward Tulane"

I brought the Edward Tulane display home from the library. (Thanks, Cyndi, for dressing the Edwards so beautifully.)

Thanks for those who came. Special thanks to those who came and left and came again.

For refreshments we had carrots, carrot cookies and cookie truffles.

Carrot Cookies

3/4 shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup mashed cooked carrots
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Cream shortening, sugar, and egg. Add baking powder, vanilla, carrots, salt and flour. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10 minutes. When cookies are cool, dip in icing.

Icing

1 grated orange peel
3 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
1 cup powdered sugar
pinch salt

My cookie truffles didn't look as good as these because they were made in haste, but here is a picture of what they can look like.

Cookie Truffles

1 18-oz. pkg. Oreo cookies (any yummy cookie will work)
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 12-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. shortening
Crush the cookies into fine crumbs. Combine 3 cups of the cookies and the cream cheese. Shape into 1-inch balls. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening and melt in the microwave. Stir until smooth; dip the balls in the melted chocolate. Place the balls on waxed paper to set up. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with the remaining cookie crumbs. Refrigerate until they are firm, about an hour. Store in the refrigerator. Makes about 40 truffles.

One of the things we talked about during the discussion was the Christian symbolism. What causes people to think that The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a Christian book:

• DiCamillo instructed her publishers to release the book for spring, a season coinciding with the Easter celebration.
• The illustration of Edward on the cross is a blatant symbol. Even C.S. Lewis, who certainly had an overtly Christian agenda in his fiction, didn't put Aslan on a cross.
• While on the cross Edward was mocked by the birds.
• Edward spends "40 days and 40 nights" in a wilderness, is nailed to a cross, dies after a shared meal, and is resurrected and reunited with a parent figure.
• Edward is a rabbit, which is a symbol of Easter.
• Many names in the book have religious connotations. They include those of three female: Abilene (once a region of the Holy Land), Natalie (which means "birth of the Lord"), and Maggie (often a nickname for Magdalene).
• There are many passages that have parallels in the Bible. One example: Edward begins his journey by leaving "a house on Egypt Street" where he is in bondage to his inability to love. "Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage. . ." Exodus 13:13

Some people believe that the Christian imagery may have cost DiCamillo the 2007 Newbery Medal. DiCamillo has not addressed any questions about the Christmas imagery, perhaps because a blunt acknowledgment that Edward is a Jesus figure might also keep the book off school reading lists.

Hunger Games and Catching Fire

These Young Adult dystopian novels are all the rage right now and those who have read them are impatiently waiting for the third book in the trilogy to be released. (There is no release date yet, but it's expected in the fall of 2010.) Though overwhelmingly popular, a few have accused it of being a rip-off of Battle Royale by Koushun Takami, so I was very interested in reading an interview of the author, Suzanne Collins, where she explains how she got her inspiration. You can read the interview here:

http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-collins-suzanne.asp#talk0909

Interview with Kate DiCamillo

I thought you might be interested in this interview with Kate DiCamillo. She talks about her new book that came out recently, The Magician's Elephant.

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/authors/video/64259.html

October selection

For those who didn't pick up the library's readers' guide:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo

About the book
Edward Tulane is a china rabbit belonging to 10-year-old Abilene. Edward falls into the sea, after mean boys rip him from Abilene's hands during an ocean voyage. Thus begins Edward's journey from watery grave to the gentle embrace of a fisherman's wife, to the care of a hobo and his dog, and into the hands of a dying girl. Then, pure meanness breaks Edward apart, and love and sacrifice put him back together—until just the right child finds him. With every person who touches him, Edward's heart grows a little bit softer and a little bit bigger. Bruised and battered, Edward is finally more beautiful than ever.

About the author
Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964) is an American children's author. She is known for her award-winning children's books including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and the Mercy Watson series.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, DiCamillo suffered from chronic pneumonia. At age 5, she moved from Philadelphia to Clermont, Florida for her health with her mother and older brother, Curt DiCamillo. Her mother was a teacher. Her father stayed behind to sell his orthodontic practice and never rejoined the family in Florida. Curt is an architectural historian and lives in Boston. Kate lives in Minneapolis.
DiCamillo majored in English at the University of Florida and worked various jobs after graduation until moving to Minneapolis at age 30. She began writing there while working in a book warehouse, where she met a sales representative for Candlewick Press and submitted a draft of what would become Because of Winn-Dixie.
Her 2003 novel The Tale of Despereaux was inspired by a friend's son, Luke Bailey who asked her to write a story about an unlikely hero with "exceptionally large ears." Luke suffers from a genetically transferred inflamed ear syndrome. Kate DiCamillo sympathized with the boy and promised him a good deal of published rhetoric in attempt to make him feel better.
In 2005, Because of Winn-Dixie was released as a film by 20th Century Fox. The Tale of Despereaux was released in 2009 and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is currently in production.
Animals feature very prominently in DiCamillo’s books: Winn-Dixie, the stray dog; a caged tiger; Despereaux, the gallant mouse; Edward, the china rabbit and Mercy, the pet pig.

Questions to consider while reading
1. How does Abilene feel about Edward? The day the maid misplaces Edward, Abilene runs from room to room, calling for him. Discuss why Abilene loves him so much. What emotion does Edward feel in return and why? What kind of person is Abilene Tulane? The story leaves Abilene on the deck of the Queen Mary, shouting to Edward, "Come back," as he tumbles into the ocean. Discuss what you think happens to Abilene that day.
2. How and why do all adults (except Abilene's sharp-eyed grandmother, Pellegrina) condescend, or talk down, to Edward? What does it mean to have a condescending manner? Have you ever experienced an adult or a person older than you who condescended to you? How can you tell? Why do you think that person acted that way? How did you handle it?
3. Why does Pellegrina tell the story about a princess who loves no one and is turned into a warthog by a witch to Abilene and Edward? Why is Abilene indignant at the end of the story? What does Pellegrina mean when she says on page 34, "How can a story end happily if there is no love?" What is Edward's reaction to the story? Why does Pellegrina say to Edward, "You disappoint me"? What does she expect of him?
4. Talking of his wife, Nellie, Lawrence says, "She's had her sadness, but she's an all-right girl" (page 61). Why is Nellie sad? Why does she confide in Edward, and how do they help each other?
5. When the old woman hangs Edward on a pole to scare away the crows in her garden, Edward thinks, "I am done with caring." He feels mocked by the stars, which seem to say, "You are down there alone." On page 113, he tells the stars, "I have been loved," and they reply, "What difference does that make when you are all alone now?" Does it make a difference? Why does it matter to Edward that he has been loved? Is there a difference between the love Edward receives from Abilene at the beginning of the book and the love he receives from Sarah Ruth? How are his feelings toward Sarah Ruth different from anything he's experienced before?
6. What are some of the life lessons Edward learns on his journey, through good times and bad? What life lessons have you acquired in your life that you would like to pass on to someone else?

Jeannette Walls' New Book

For those of you who enjoyed The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls has published a new book, which has received good reviews. This time it is her maternal grandmother's story, told in first person. (It is subtitled a true-life novel.) It is being released tomorrow but is already in the library (though it is checked out at the moment).

From Publishers Weekly

"For the first 10 years of her life, Lily Casey Smith, the narrator of this true-life novel by her granddaughter, Walls, lived in a dirt dugout in west Texas. Walls, whose megaselling memoir, The Glass Castle, recalled her own upbringing, writes in what she recalls as Lily's plainspoken voice, whose recital provides plenty of drama and suspense as she ricochets from one challenge to another. Having been educated in fits and starts because of her parents' penury, Lily becomes a teacher at age 15 in a remote frontier town she reaches after a solo 28-day ride. Marriage to a bigamist almost saps her spirit, but later she weds a rancher with whom she shares two children and a strain of plucky resilience. (They sell bootleg liquor during Prohibition, hiding the bottles under a baby's crib.) Lily is a spirited heroine, fiercely outspoken against hypocrisy and prejudice, a rodeo rider and fearless breaker of horses, and a ruthless poker player. Assailed by flash floods, tornados and droughts, Lily never gets far from hardscrabble drudgery in several states—New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois—but hers is one of those heartwarming stories about indomitable women that will always find an audience."

The Water and the Blood

After half an hour of processing our feelings about a tragic death in our neighborhood, Beaux Cheveux finally reigned us in by reminding us a little bit about Nancy Turner (We discussed These Is My Words in 2006.) It's inspiring to hear stories of people who re-invent themselves later on in life and Turner did just that. When she was forty she went back to school and earned a bachelor's degree with a triple major in Creative Writing, Music, and Studio Art. She took a short story she'd written for a class assignment, which was based on her great-grandmother's life, and turned it into one of the most popular book group books of all time.


Because we enjoyed These Is My Words so much we were excited to read Turner's second novel, The Water and the Blood.


Summary:
Philadelphia “Frosty” Summers buckles under the small-mindedness of her family and the rest of the inhabitants of Sabine, Texas. She goes along with a group of kids who set fire to the “Nigra” church and keeps quiet when she learns that the church wasn’t empty of parishioners. When she finally does take the initiative and moves to Southern California to work in a factory for the WWII war effort, she falls in love with a Navajo Indian Marine radio operator, only to put their relationship, not to mention their lives, in jeopardy when she brings him home to meet her family.

Sabine, Texas, during the mid-20th century is a small, Southern Bible-belt town full of racial bigotry, poverty, ignorance, and war-hungry men. Frosty’s mother is a religious fanatic to the extreme, and her daughter lives in fear throughout her childhood. It’s hard to imagine why Frosty would return to Sabine knowing what she knows about her mother, the majority of the townspeople and the incident at the church. But even a bad family and hometown is better than none at all, and Frosty, always hopeful for something better, perhaps foolishly believes it is possible for people to change.
© 2003 by April Galt for Curled Up With a Good Book


Most of us enjoyed it, though not as much as These Is My Words. The story line was a little confusing to follow at first, it took a while to care about the characters, and there were some unexplainable and irritating things about Frosty, i.e. letting Gordon go hunting with rotten-to-the-core men and trying to throw herself off the cliff, but for me, at least, it was a worthwhile read overall. I enjoyed the different ways of looking at and responding to prejudice and I enjoyed Turner's depiction of the Navajos. Not to nitpick, but several of us noticed the reference to Corrie ten Boom. Where was her editor? And the typeface was so hard to read!


Questions:

1. Frosty clearly loves the congregation of Missionary Way--a source of escape from her turbulent situation at home. What factors in her life compel Frosty to destroy the very structure that seems to bring her solace?
2. Frosty's depiction of the South is rich with sensory imagery--smells, colors, and tastes. What colors run through her story and what symbolism is attached to each? Why does Frosty describe her surroundings in these terms?
3. What does the word "water" in the book's title represent? How is water used as a symbol throughout the book?
4. On page 210, Frosty describes a fruit stand on the highway stacked with "sweet Texas melons." How are "black children" used in this fruit metaphor, and why?
5. What is at the root of the attraction between Frosty and Gordon? Does their future seem to hold a "happily ever after"?
6. Grandma Summers and Gordon both experience forms of prejudice--Grandma reveals her own feelings of resentment at the end of the novel. How have both characters reacted to the prejudice they have faced? Does one seem more justified? For whom do you have more sympathy, and why?
7. At first, why doesn't Gordon tell Frosty about his time in the Japanese internment camp? When he finally does tell her, on page 298, she responds with compassion. How does he respond to her kindness, and why?
8. The men who take Gordon hunting clearly have a destructive plan in mind, but what is their true intent? Do they want Gordon dead? How do their actions toward Gordon in the swamp compare to the act of burning down Missionary Way as young boys?
9. What makes it so difficult for Frosty to do the right thing in the end? How has she changed from being self-centered (as with her plan to rescue children so she will be heralded as a hero) to self-sacrificing?
10. At the end of the novel, what dynamic is present in the relationship between Frosty, her mother, and her sisters, Opalrae an Delia? Frosty and Delia see to come to terms with each other--how convincing is their reconciliation?