Summer Reading for 5th Graders and Up

I'm half way through the GIRL WHO COULD FLY by victoria forester, and I think I'll be recommending this book when I get to the end.  Here's what Stephenie Meyer (The Twilight Saga author) wrote as a review:
"It's the oddest/sweetest mix of Little House on the Prairie and X-Men.  I was smiling the whole time (except for the part where I cried).  Prepare to have your heart warmed."  How can you resist reading it.  I'll let you know if you should in a couple weeks.

The Wilder Life

Here's a book that I'm interested in reading.
The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure, nonfiction

Like many women, McClure grew up loving the Little House on the Prairie books.  In adulthood, her adoration blossomed into all-out obsession.  This book details her often comical quest to connect with the spirit of Laura Ingalls Wilder as she travels to the author's homesteads and tackles pioneer tasks like churning butter.  By journey's end, she's discovered the authentic beauty in Wilder's far-from-storybook real life.

Wouldn't it be fun to go on a book club field trip to the author's homesteads.  I think there's a Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum somewhere close to the banks of Plum Creek in Minnesota.  We could stop and pick up LuRene.  Our trip might be comical too, but with all the pioneer stock in our book club, we wouldn't find churning butter all that hard.

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!   

Short Announcements

After our book group last week, I ended up with Tara's Three Cups of Tea book, and mine is missing, and someone in the last group to leave dropped a $5 bill on my floor.  We also need Mary Jo's recipe for the layered brownie/chocolate chip cookie yummy, and we're still waiting for a couple more recipes from our March potluck.  

Moving to Alice

For those that have been in our book group for a few years, you'll remember reading A Town Like Alice.  Our school counselor is moving to Alice, Austrailia this summer.  Her husband has a job with the government and will be overseeing a group of engineers for the next two years.  She says they now have a K-Mart in Alice, but that's about the highlight.  It's still far, far, away from everywhere.  It will be fun staying in touch with her and seeing pictures of the town.  Maybe she'll write her own book - or maybe a blog.

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