January interview

Joie de vivre

active, amiable

data tracker, discerning

endearing

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

Wow hard question.  I can’t think of a book I wish I hadn’t read.  I love that we read from such a wide variety of subjects.  I really loved Life of Pi, but I’m not quite sure why – the ending really threw me off – made me wonder how often I accept things at face value without realizing their true depth (and what the face value is covering up).  Some books haven’t been easy to read, but they’ve opened my eyes to many hard and painful things that I think are necessary to know in our world.

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

            Again, I can’t think of a discussion that I came away thinking “wasted time.” Our discussions are always enlightening and fun - even when I haven’t read the book.

3. Where is your favorite place to read?

I love to read on the couch in our living room – all warm and wrapped up in a blanket (with a Diet Coke and some chocolate close by!).

4. What does your family think about book group?

They like it - mostly.  When I’m reading a really good book, I pretty much go awol for a few days while I’m reading.  I will be the first to admit that I’m OCD (or CDO because it really needs to be alphabetized) and usually can’t stop reading until I’m finished.  However, I’ll talk about the book to my family, so sometimes we’ll get a fun book discussion going on in our kitchen – even though I’m usually the only one who has read the book. (And now that I think about it, it’s pretty much me doing all the talking. Hmmm, is that really a discussion?)

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

            Playing games with my family.          

6. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

            Oh I talk about myself so much that there is nothing my book group doesn’t know about me.  I’m a one-way street, a black hole, it’s all me, me, me!  haha!  Wait, did you know that when I was a little girl my parents fed me whale blubber?  Bet you all didn’t know that!  (My final secret: now I’m completely transparent, there’s nothing left to hide.)

Emma

Masterpiece Classics is airing a new adaptation of "Emma" tonight on PBS. It's a three-part series and if you miss an episode you can view it online from January 25 - March 9, 2010.

2010 Award Winners

ALA announced the 2010 literary awards this morning.

Newbery Award Winner

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Newbery Honor Award Winners

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Caldecott Award Winner

The Lion & the Mouse illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney

Caldecott Honor Books

All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Joyce Sidman 

Blink discussion revisited

Laughing - a lot.

Yummy food - a lot of that, too.

Surprising stories:

Queenie told how she refused to give a gunman the money from the cash register when she was a freshman and lived to tell the tale. What a "frisky frosh"!

Beau Cheveaux told how she sent home flyers to all the students at the elementary school with a misprint of the word "public." (Use your imagination if you were not there.)

Moab did a great job leading the discussion and, Ambi, it's too bad you weren't able to come. She passed around the frontal view of the kouros.

We had so much to say that we stayed, and stayed and stayed.

And laughed and laughed and laughed.

And ate a lot too.

Many mentioned how they wanted recipes. Here's mine:

1. Drive to Allen's.

2. Buy a bag of chip and the fresh salsa in the refrigerated box by the deli.

3. Open the chip bag and the salsa container.

4. Serve.

Hermana's Meringue Cookies

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup sugar

1 small pkg. chocolate chips

Beat eggs to frothy mixture, add salt, cream of tartar. Add sugar slowly to mixture and beat at high until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla. Fold in chocolate chips. Using a small scoop, place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

Blink

Malcolm Gladwell

If you are interested in watching a video of  Anderson Cooper interviewing Malcolm Gladwell about his book Outliers, click here. I love the 10,000 hour rule.

Introduction:

The Statue That Didn't Look Right

kouros at J. Paul Getty Museum

Chapter One:

The Theory of Thin Slices: How a Little Bit of Knowledge Goes a Long Way

John Gottman

These are two of John Gottman's books. I think they are both excellent.

It also might be interesting to watch a video of John Gottman explaining his thirty year research on marriage.

Chapter Two:

The Locked Door: The Secret Life of Snap Decisions

Vic Braden

See what Vic Braden says about getting started at tennis.

Chapter Three:

The Warren Harding Error: Why We Fall for Tall, Dark, and Handsome Men

Take the Implicit Association Test

here.

Chapter Four:

Paul Van Riper's Big Victory: Creating Structure for Spontaneity

Paul Van Riper

Click here if you are interested in reading an interview with Paul Van Riper.

Chapter Five:

The Right - and Wrong - Way to Ask People What They Want

Kenna

Listen to him.

Aeron chair

Chapter Six:

Seven Seconds in the Bronx: The Delicate Art of Mind Reading

Amadou Diallo

41 shots by Bruce Springsteen

41 shots, and we'll take that ride
'Cross this bloody river to the other side
41 shots, cut through the night
You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life

Well, is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin

Paul Ekman

The TV series, Lie to Me, is loosely based on Ekman's research.

You can learn to read microexpressions here.

Conclusion:

Listening with Your Eyes: The Lessons of Blink

Yea for blind auditions. If not for them, perhaps Jenny Oaks Baker would not have had the opportunity to become first violinist for the National Symphony Orchestra.

A Reader's Resolutions

I resolve to:

1. Read only when all my other responsibilities have been taken care of.
2. Comment and/or post on the blog.
3. Organize my library by subject and then alphabetically.
4. Become a better listener at book discussions so that Tower will never be forced to raise her hand.
5. Never let book group attendance stand in the way of more important activities: Enrichment, children's concerts, leadership meetings, etc.
6. Quit acquiring books so that I never have to double-stack the books on the shelves.
7. Read every chosen book throughout the year before the discussion.
8. Agree with everyone's opinion.
9. Never deface a book by writing in it--or folding down a corner of a page.
10. Not eat lunch the days of the potluck in order to eat more of Apple's broccoli salad.

2009 in Review

We lost a member.

We gained a member.

We had members go on sabbatical.

We had long lost members return.

We read:

3 True Stories:

a woman who survived the Rwandan genocide

a professor dying of cancer

a woman lawyer during Iranian Revolution

2 Children’s Stories:

Eighth grade boy in the 60s

Fable - rabbit who learned to love

2 Historical fiction:

Holocaust story narrated by death

A leper girl in Hawaii during the early 1900s

1 Classic:

An allegorical novel - boy’s spiritual journey during the time of Buddha

1 Fairy-tale:

Re-telling of Cinderella

1 Mystery:

Small town prejudice in the south during World War II

1 Contemporary Novel:

Girl sues her parents for medical emancipation.

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."