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?