Get it Free

Dani just found the April book (Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim) free in the Kindle store. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download a free Kindle app for your tablet or smartphone that lets you read kindle books. So go for it.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Enchanted-April-ebook/dp/B00849PNY2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1360090194&sr=8-10&keywords=%22enchanted+april%22

Free Children's Books Online

I came across a website on Pinterest where you can read free children's books online, both fiction and nonfiction picture books.  This is a great resource worth sharing with you, but it gets better.  First of all, by reading books on line you'll be doing good works, because for every book you read, they donate a book to a special reading program.  Better yet, I'll be able to read these on my Kindle to my grandkids.  And better yet, when I was checking out the site, I saw the picture book that has been written about our February book selection, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.  This boy's dream came about because of books that he had read.  One of the reading programs that you can contribute to is Harnessing the Power of Reading.  And best of all, FREE.  Here's the link:

http://www.wegivebooks.org/campaigns/harnessing-the-power-of-reading

August Meeting

It's a potluck get-together in Kay's beautiful backyard on Tuesday, August 16th.  We start the potlucks at 6:30.  This is the last one of the year.  Come whether you have something to share or not.  There's always plenty. 

Our book is the NAZI Officer's WIFE by Edith Hahn Beer, with Susan Dworkin.  This is a remarkable memoir of a Holocaust survivor.  We'll have a lot to discuss about courage, choices, survival, and heritage.  Thankfully, despite the risk it posed to her life, Edith saved every document she had, as well as photographs she took inside labor camps.  These are now part of the collection at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and some are included in the book.  They have also filmed an A&E Special Presentation about the memoir, so if you don't have time to read the book, you can Netflicks it.

July Update

Our July meeting was held in Dawnee’s  enchanted garden – a perfect place to curl up on a glider and read.  I hadn’t read the book, and had a hard time staying tuned in to the discussion because I was just looking around the garden and rocking in the shade.  We discussed Emily of New Moon, from the same author that wrote Anne of Green Gables, L.M.Montgomery.  This book was suppose to be more autobiographical.  Lyn liked it more, but Stephanie, who is the Anne of Green Gables #1 fan, didn’t like it near as well.  This book was written in the 1920s (I think) and we discussed how it was a harder read because of the detailed descriptions and just slower flow.  We wondered how many readers now days can stick with the Jane Austen type writing, or Dickens.  Pam mentioned that at a writing workshop she attended, they said to have a book published it needs to start with action on the first page (or first paragraph) and there needs to be action on every third page.  This is the Harry Potter generation.  Many of us can just convert to Dawnee’s philosophy – Netflicks.  She watched Emily of New Moon and August’s selection, The Nazi Officer’s Wife.  It would be nice to be ahead of the game.  It seems I’ve been reading too many selections after the meetings this year.

June Update–Late

We met at Dani’s house (formerly Shelly’s house) for our June, potluck meeting.  First of all, we need some people to post recipes.  There were some good salads and desserts.  I really can’t remember what exactly, but I do remember I brought watermelon or cantaloupe.  You won’t need a recipe for that.  If you can’t figure out how to join the blog or post, I can help you out, or you can e-mail me information or recipes and I’ll make sure they get on here sooner or later.  By the way, I’m taking a blog lesson and I hope to add a page to this blog where we can put all the recipes in a “potluck” section, and keep the main page for books.

Thank you Dani for your hospitality.  We love your house.  We also welcomed a new friend at this meeting, Marcelle M.  She couldn’t stay long, but we look forward to getting to know her better and to hear her thoughts.

The book we discussed was The Forgotten Garden.  It was a favorite of some, and others had some issues with the character or a few pieces that didn’t seem real plausible.  We had a great discussion on who we really are, and how important heredity, environment, and family are to each of us.  I liked Lyn’s thoughts on how important bloodlines are in the scriptures, and how she use to think that it was a vengeful God that would visit the sins of the fathers upon three or four generations.  She later thought how it might not be God’s vengeance, but more just the human condition, where we tend to do things the way our parents did things and those traditions and philosophies are handed down through the generations.

I was in the favorite camp with this book.  I liked the writing especially the “Dickens” parts and the fairy tales.  I also like several of the characters and the jumping around through the century to fill in clues about the mystery.  Sue Ann liked the book and has read others by this author.  She doesn’t recommend the other books though because they always deal with some tragedy.

Three Cups of Tea Update

Some of you probably read the article in the Statesman on Saturday, May 7th.  I found it irritating.  Here it is in part:

Two Montana legislators sue Three Cups of Tea author.  They claim they were duped into buying the best-selling book and donating to his charity based on lies.  The complaint, which tells only one side of a legal argument, alleges Mortenson and CAI (Central Asia Institute) induced state Rep. Michele Reinhart of Missoula to buy the book and Rep. Jean Price of Great Falls to donate to the charity.  Reinhart and Price claim Mortenson and the charity engaged in fraud, deceit, breach of contract and recketeering under a statute normally used for prosecuting mobsters.

The Democratic legislators are seeking class-action status, saying the lawsuit potentially could be joined by millions of people who bought Mortenson's books, heard his speeches or donated to his charity.

Reinhart heard Mortenson speak at the University of Montana in 2007 and bought Three Cups of Tea in 2009.  Price heard a presentation by Mortenson or CAI in Great Falls in 2009 and made a donation "relying on the truthfulness of his statements," according to the complaint.

Not only am I irritated, but I think Montana may have legislators that are even lamer than some of ours.  I'm just saying.

Three Cups of Tea in April

I had hoped to have my furniture rearranged before book group last week.  I didn't, but I should have.  We had a great turn out and it was cozy at my house.  Thanks to 60 minutes for its timely attack on our author, we had a lot to discuss.  Many, many thanks to Kay's daughter-in-law who came and shared her experiences reading this book with a class of fourth graders, and participating in Pennies for Peace. 

The book is one that changes lives.  It's astounding to see what one person or small things like pennies can do.  The fourth graders at a low socio-economic school were able to buy uniforms, books, and supplies for 8 students for a year, plus extra pennies that would buy pencils and erasers.  Every one of us can contribute in some way , to some thing, and accomplish great things. 

This book also made us think more globally, with respect for different cultures.  I wanted to learn more about more places and people.  I was also impressed with the points made in the book where education was key, but more specifically, the education of girls and how women are the power of change in their villages and countries.  What Relief Society school teacher wouldn't love this?  Go Girl Power!   

Three Cups of Tea Controversy

Pam asked if we would be discussing this at book group tomorrow.  I haven't watch 60 Minutes for years, but I should have last night.  I searched on the internet tonight and there are pages and pages of articles, blogs, and comments.  You can read a transcript of the 60 Minutes piece too.  It is going to put a whole new spin on our discussion, and those of you that regularly attend realize that our discussions often spin in crazy, wandering, directions.  If you just want a little background, here's a link to a newspaper article in the Bozeman paper where Greg Mortenson lives.

Mortenson Under Fire from 60 Minutes

The Tale of Holly How

I've been reading ahead of the book group.  Our November selection is a mystery from a series call The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter.  I love Beatrix Potter and English cottages.  I've decided to spend a good deal of my summer reading this series, out on a patio swing, with lemonade, and maybe even cucumber sandwiches.  It's like a cross between the books of James Herriot and The First Ladies Detective Agency in Botswana.  The animals talk and help solve the mysteries and it works.  I've been delighted.

We were watching the basketball tournament this week and one of the teams were the badgers - maybe Wisconsin.  I've always thought of badgers as being mean and stinky, but now that I've read about Bosworth Badger, I really like them.  Bosworth keeps the history and genealogy of the badgers.  He has a beautiful library in The Brockery.  I like him better than Professor Galileo Newton Owl, and I've always loved owls.

This morning I was reading a chapter that started at breakfast in The Brockery.  There are a variety of animals at the table since the badgers take in permanent and temporary lodgers.  They were all rested and full of exuberant energy and interesting plans for the day--always a wonderful day, because animals rarely worry or imagine the worst of what is to come, as people do.  They are generally planning a picnic, or a foraging expedition, or just loafing on a quiet river bank.  I thought wouldn't it be great to have toast and marmalade with them.  What a way to start the day.

It Will Change Your Life

The selection for April is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson with David Oliver Relin.  The writing is not the best - a little wordy and drawn out - but it is a book that will change your life.  It is the true story of one man's mission to promote peace, one school at a time.  If this version is too slow for you, there is an edition written for middle school students, a condensed version.  (There is also a picture book.)  Many schools or classrooms are reading this book as a project, and raising funds to help build schools.  If you're not hooked yet, here are a couple quotes from the back of the book:

"Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anythin--even die." --Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief

The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his remarkable humanitarian campaign in the Taliban's backyard.

You can also go to www.threecupsoftea.com

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Everyone loved our March selection, a debut novel by a western author.  The title was perfect for this bitter sweet story.  The basement of the real Panama Hotel in Seattle was a place where many Japanese families stored their belongings before they were taken to internment camps during WWII.  During renovations in 1986, an older Chinese man searches through the storage to find a jazz album and other belongings of his lost love.  There were so many things to discuss:  patriotism, China/Japan relations, prejudices, father/son relations, first loves, forbidden love, cafeteria ladies, friendship, loyalty, WWII, Minidoka, traditions....and more.  Here's a quote from a reviewer that I liked:

Ford expertly nails the sweet innocence of first love, the cruelty of racism, the blindness of patriotism, the astonishing unknowns between parents and their children, and the sadness and satisfaction at the end of a life well lived.

Besides a great book, the potluck was pretty yummy too.  I'll be bugging people for their recipes - chicken salad, pasta salad, big shell caserole - mmm mmm good!

Announcing the Last Two

We've had a couple holes in our reading schedule this year.  It's about time to announce our final two selections.  On May 17th we'll be discussing the book that was given to RS sisters as a Christmas gift last year, What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Chieko Okazaki.  There should be plenty around the ward to borrow if you don't have a copy.  In November we'll read the first book in a YA mystery series (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter), The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert.  You can find out more at cottagetales.com.

Interesting Read

I'm just finishing (finally) our own Anna Marie Davis' book that she wrote while on her mission.  It's called Missionaries and Mental Health - The Blessings of Service.  We have it on our reading list for July, and I'll bring this copy to our meeting on Tuesday, it anyone wants to get started.  It's easy to read and we all know the Mormon culture, so it's very interesting to see behind the scenes of a missionary's life and struggles.  I think if I had actually served a mission, it would be even more insightful.  I do know that it would be good for us to change our judgements concerning missionaries that return home early, or concerning those young men that don't go. 

We've Got Something to Talk About

March Selection

Our selection for March is the well-named book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.  We are going to have the best discussion!  There is so much to talk about; parent/child relationships, Chinese/Japanese cultures and relationships, the culture of the early '40s, the home front during WWII, Seattle, the Minidoka internment camp, friendships, love, and jazz.  This book isn't a page-turner, but it's thoughtful, well written, smooth, and a fascinating story.  The narrative jumps back and forth between the war years and 1986.  The writing, the story, and the cast of characters remind me of jazz music - lots of interesting sounds and rhythms that somehow blend together smoothly.  I think you'll like this book.  I know you'll like our discussion.
Tuesday, March 15th
Elaine Soto's home
6:30 - Potluck

February's Fine Discussion

On February 15th the book group sent some left-over Valentine love to Leslie Albrecht Huber and her book The Journey Takers.  We wished Lyn was there to hear Melissa sing the praises of this book choice.  We were few in numbers (6), so I wanted to get the word out that this is a book that you'll not only want to read, but also own.  This is the amazing Leslie Huber's well written story of her search through her family history, while raising a family of her own.  It's also the touching stories of her ancestors that journeyed to America.  Her lines have been taken even farther back, and we travel with her to the places that they lived and learn the history of the area which fills in so much of their stories.

I'm going through something right now that keeps pointing me to the importance of family history and this book has changed me.  I haven't even finished reading it because I've lent my copy out, but I can see by studying places and history, I'll be able to put "the stories" behind the names I find, even if they didn't leave a journal.  I'm motivated to start the work!  Thanks to Kay for hosting.  Her living room is beautiful and I think the comfy ottoman makes a beautiful design statement.  If you weren't there, you missed a great discussion and all-you-can-eat Valentine cookies.  Don't miss reading this book though.  It's a keeper.

Coming Soon

We're meeting at Kay's house to discuss The Journey Takers on Tuesday, the 15th, at 7:00.  Melissa will be the discussion leader and Tara will be giving us a preview of the April selection, Three Cups of Tea.  Come and join us, whether you've read the book or not.

February's Book

I've only read the first 2 chapters, but I really like The Journey Takers.  I learned of the Thirty Years' War and Napoleon's march through this area in Germany.  Who knew that part of his legacy to the area was more lenient divorce laws?  And what was divorce like back then?  I like that with the few church records that can be found, and knowing the history of a specific location, you can put together what life was probably like for your ancestors.

I've always liked history and this book makes me want to study the history of the places where my people are from.  By knowing that history, you know your ancestors better.  It makes me want to do family history, record my parent's history, travel, and keep a journal.  Of course I'd have to learn another language or two, and the travel isn't really working with my bank account just now, but this book is motivating me, and some of this stuff I can do now.

April Showers of Books

There are so many C.S. Lewis books to choose from! I'm working on Mere Christianity and Prince Caspian right now, but I also want to read Surprised by Joy. Too bad I have to go to work and clean my house. I'd really rather spend the rainy days of April curled up with a book and a plate of oatmeal cookies.

I don't have the list in front of me, but I'm thinking that we need someone to host our April 20th meeting and someone to bring refreshments. E-mail Sue Ann or me - and get reading!

C.S. Lewis Preview

by Kay

C.S. Lewis was an Irish-born British novelist, academic, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian and Christian apologist. He was a close friend and colleague of J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) who was instrumental in Lewis' conversion to Christianity. This conversion had a profound effect on his work, and his wartime radio broadcasts on Christianity brought wide acclaim. In 1956, he married Joy Gresham who died four years later. Their story is told in the movie Shadowlands.

The Chronicles of Narnia contain Christian themes and ideas. The Great Divorce is a short novella in which residents of Hell take a bus ride to Heaven, and Screwtape Letters consists of advice from a devil to his nephew on how to lead humans into sin. He also wrote The Four Loves and Mere Christianity which was voted the best book of the 20th century by 'Christianity Today' in 2000. The first two books of Narnia have been made into movies in 2005 and 2008. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is to be released in 2010.

A Message from our Missing Leader

Pam was going to be the discussion leader for The Watson's Go to Birmingham in February, but she stayed in bed with a stuffy head instead. Not one to leave us stranded, and not one to hold back an opinion, she e-mailed us what she would have said if she were there. Here's an excerpt:

As a girl growing up in the 50's and 60's in Idaho, I had no idea that there were racial injustices in the United States like those endured by African Americans in the South during these years. Books like The Watson's Go to Birmingham, 1963 give me an historical perspective that I treasure. Books like Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Chosen, and many others I read in my younger years (I am pretty dang old) have helped me understand the true nature of what it means to be brothers and sisters on this earth and I think it behooves us as members of the Restored Gospel's organized church during these last days to do everything we can to eliminate every aspect of stereotypical behavior toward other races and religions that we can. If a children's book can remind us of our responsibilities toward others, then hear, hear for that children's book.

We all loved the book and had an insightful discussion. Thanks to Lori who shared experiences she had while living in Mississippi. More than racial differences, we discussed economic and cultural prejudices. Thanks to Christopher Paul Curtis for writing such good books about the African American experience. Some have gone back to read Elijah of Buxton that they missed last year, and Bud, Not Buddy - two more by the same author.