Cunningham Girls Book Club

First physical bookclub meeting

2011-11-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy busy year for those of the 7 gals book club. Three babies, a surgery, training for races, moving around, adopting teenagers, and lets not forget Little Brother's homecoming. That all made fro a pretty intense summer and fall. But though we are all preparing for our trip to Florida, and though many are still race training, it seems things have slowed down quite a bit. And by popular demand the book club is back.

The book we will be reading is a choice by Cami. "The Hunger Games," By Suzanne Collins. They are incredibly popular, and every library has 10 copies in stock (at least). Cami had me read them when they first came out, and though I was skeptical, well see my blog for details.

The discussion for this book will be different, instead of just posting our comments we will be having a real sit down discussion while everyone is in Florida, (hey it's something to read on the plane). It will most likely be held Sunday after everyone has rested from the race, but are still too tired to do any real activities. The men can take the kiddos and we can have a grown up tea party, (Delicious themed Refreshments provided by myself, Hillary, and Cami if she isn't too tired help).

Come prepared to answer these two questions.

1. Who is your favorite character and why? What of his/ her characteristics reminds you of yourself?

2. How many steps down do you think our government would have to take to be in that ridiculous state? Is it something that you can actually see happening in the next 100 years? (Not the games themselves, but the strength of the capital and the oppression of the remaining states?)

And please bring a thought stimulating question of your own. A nifty little door prize goes to the person who has agreeably the best question.

I hope you are all on board for this, I think it would be a lot of fun. And if you aren't on board, it's your loss, Cami, Cali, and I will still have a great time. Happy reading, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
-Hillary

Back on track!

2011-07-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all! After a few months off we are ready to get back into the swing of things. We are announcing a new book for the month of August (but you can get a head start now!). It's time for a classic: Anne of Green Gables. A fun and endearing book that has been enjoyed by individuals for generations.
Happy Reading!

Book for March - LUCKY CHANGE

2011-03-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

-Did you know that Skye is on the Board of Directors at the Laie / Kohuku Public Library? Did you know that Skye, as the treasurer of the Library, is ultimately responsible for their finances and thus has to sign all of their checks? Did you know Skye is very, very involved in the Library and it is the first place she and Ryan took me when I arrived in Laie? Did you know that if Skye hadn't been so involved in her public Library I would know absolutely nothing about this fun and funny book that is in the genre of LDS fiction?

-Let me explain..... NO, Let me sum up. The public Library is adjacent to Kohuku High School. The Librarian had been contacted by an old student that he was on the Islands promoting his book and asked if he and his fellow author could come buy to do a promotion. Their seminar that they presented on Friday afternoon was a forum to answer questions anyone had about how to write a book and get published. Skye got called into work and couldn't go, so Ryan and I filled in for her. The authors gave their experiences and then opened it up for questions. They were both LDS authors. I enjoyed it so much I bought both of their books.

-Susan Law Corpany was the second author and as she talked about her new book, LUCKY CHANGE, it just sounded like fun. She mentioned the real life stories that were incorporated into her book. The person passing out at the pulpit comes from her actual experiencing of fainting in Sacrament meeting. She worked for 7 years in a law office and put many of those experiences in the book. I heartily enjoyed this book. It is not very long and is fun to read. Now for a little preview.....

Susan Donaldson is a character we can all relate to in someways. As you read about Susan, her disfunctional family and her adventures, you will find yourself thinking of friends and acquaintances that you know who are like her, her neighbors and ward members. The premise of the story is that she hits the Jackpot Lottery and wins Big! I actually am not a great fan of LDS fiction as I have been disappointed a few times, so I was a little skeptical when I started this book. I thought I had it pegged as a typical, ho-hum, mediocre book about Mormon life, but I was pleasantly surprised and found myself laughing as I read it. From the moment she steps into the bishops office in the opening chapter it surprised me and kept doing so. I will say that I have friends who would not appreciate this book because the author doesn't paint every Mormon in a perfect light. As an LDS community she shows us we are not yet perfect, but it is okay.
You can find the book on Amazon. I hope you enjoy it! Happy Reading.

Discussion in the Graveyard

2011-03-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late posting this, but I hope everyone has had a chance to read February's book "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman. I read this book for the first time last fall as part of our church book club. It was different, but I really liked it and wanted to read it again. Somehow I missed some obvious things the first time around, like the fact that Silas is a vampire. (When they pointed it out in book club it all started making sense.) I love the idea of a boy being raised by a graveyard. It's interesting to hear or read other people's perception of life after death, even if it is ficticious. And of course you can't have a book about ghosts without adding all the other nightly creatures; werewolves, vampires, ghouls, sleers, and haunts. I loved that each time he introduced a new character from the graveyard that he used the epitaph. Other things I liked were the last names of the Jack's and the fact that Scarlett came back so that he had a (living) friend. And even though I was a little sad for Bod, I was glad that Silas erased her memory because no one should have to relive something like that. Usually ghost stories are not my thing, but I enjoyed this one and thought it was cleverly written. I liked how the author used the Jungle Book as inspiration and can see the many elements that he incorporated into The Graveyard Book.
So did anyone else read it? What are your thoughts? Your likes and dislikes? Anyone have March's Book?

Book Review: The Great American Mousical

2011-01-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm a little sheepish to admit this, but I wasn't aware that Julie Andrews wrote books for children. In fact, she's been writing them for over 30 years! I saw The Great American Mousical at the public library and decided to give it a try.
I am pleased to announce to all of you who have kids and looking for new things to read that this book was great! It's a juvenile level book with a simple plot, but very entertaining nonetheless.
The cast of the Sovereign theater is busy rehearsing for the upcoming review, "Broadway Airs: A Tribute to the Great American Mousical" when disaster strikes! Suddenly, the theater is threatened with demolition and the leading lady is abducted! Can the cast and crew of the Sovereign pull off the show without their star and save their precious theater from destruction? It will take cooperation, hard work, and an unlikely hero!
Taken from the inside cover of the book, "In this loving spoof of life in the theater, we join a delightful cast, follow a daring adventure, and welcome a brave new hero. This delicious tribute to the Broadway musical is written by two bestselling authors who have firsthand experience of this much-adored world."
I hope you enjoy this fun-loving adventure!
Here is the website for The Julie Andrews Collection.

New Year, New Thoughts

2011-01-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

So ladies, do we want to continue with the "Book of the Month" (I believe it's Jesse's turn to choose) or would you like to just use the blog as a way to recommend good reads and post fun book/movie news?
Leave your comments and let me know.

Accidental author?

2010-12-22T11:40:00.001-08:00

We've all seen the movies where a promising young author checks the mailbox everyday eagerly awaiting the news that his or her book is finally going to be published and shared with all the world. Well, what if you got the call that your book was being published... and you never submitted it for publication? That's the story of my friend, neighbor, and former relief society president Patty Orr.
According to sources, Patty wrote her book The Three Gifts as a special gift for her mother. It's a fictional rendering of what Mary may have done with the three gifts given to her by the wise men. Of course her mother loved it and gave it to Patty's sister to read. Every year Deseret Book has a contest in which they choose one promising manuscript among the many submitted and publish it. Patty's sister submitted the manuscript without telling her. Sure enough, The Three Gifts was chosen and was published this year bearing the author's full name: Patricia Cook Orr. I asked her in passing this week what she thought of it all. She replied, "It's been really fun!" She never imagined that little gift to her mother would snowball into the #7 best selling book in the world of LDS literature. It's currently the #2 best selling Christmas book at Deseret Book. What a wonderful Christmas gift! I have not yet been able to get my hands on a copy of the book, but I am going to the book store to purchase one today as a gift to my husband. I have heard nothing but good things about it.
A little about the Orr family: The Orr children (3 boys, 3 girls) were actually in the Nauvoo pageant red cast in 2008 with their grandparents. After learning of their participation, I said excitedly "My family was red cast in '08! You must know them! My little sister is named Hillary and...". Spencer, 19, finished the sentence for me, "And she got married there! She was always fun to hang out with. That means Cody is your little brother. Dang that kid had so much energy! I used to get tired just watching him run around working!" The Orr family is easy to spot every week in church, amongst the lava lavas and church slacks Brother Orr and the boys wear the red kilts of their family tartan. When I first met Brother Orr he asked if I was named after the Isle of Skye. He always tells me I look "very Scottish". Having just returned from a family visit to Scotland, he told me on Monday that I'd fit in well with the people back home with my blue eyes and freckles.

Discussion of Positive Personality Profiles!

2010-12-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Okay... So this is how I have wanted to start this discussion.

Positive Personality...............................You have one!!!!!

******

I know, it's dorky but it is true and I learned it reading this book. According to Dr. Rohm (and the old Greek guy) there are 4 basic personality types and every person will have a little bit of each. We have a very dominate trait which is our "High" trait and less dominate trait which is lower. You don't understand what I am saying do you? Well, If you take a circle and divide it by a + you will see what I mean. Well, maybe not, but I liked the use of the letters D.I.S.C. and circle graph to explain the personality types. To me it was so much easier to comprehend than using the ancient temperment terms of Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric and Melancholic. Anyway, I like being called a "High I" personality as apposed to sanguine. I am sure Cali would like being called a "High D" as apposed to Phlegmatic. No wait... you are Choleric. See, I am confused by those terms. But I know you are a High D!

I know some of you girls were not able to get the book but, never fear. Our fearless book blog editor-in- chief has read it several times and can explain your high side, low side and what it all means.

Another aspect I liked about this book was the positive Biblical perspective we are given as examples of different personality traits. And the emphasis that every personality trait, no matter what it is, can be a positive in your life. Since the first time I read this book 2 years ago I have gained a better understanding of people in general and especially my family.

Oh.... and I know the old Greek guy who did the first personality profiling was Hippocrates (he started it as "Temperaments" with his blood, bile and phlegm thing.) And then Galen gave them the most common names of Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Melancholic and Choleric. I do hope someday you get a chance to read this wonderful little book.

********

You can find out your Personality type by taking a little quiz on Dr. Rohm's site.

http://www.personality-insights.com/

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

2010-11-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

This is my personal Movie review, not a book vs. movie or anything like that. If you would like to comment or even post your own review on here please feel free. We welcome the opinions of all. If you have not read the book and are looking forward to seeing the film beware, there are some spoilers.

9 years ago when I saw the first Harry Potter film I was very excited to see the rest, even though book 4 had just come out. Chris Columbus was very thorough when it came to including all essential parts of the storyline. But then came Alfonso Cuaron and his interpretation of the, Prisoner of Azkaban, which was not as accurate as the previous films, and a few essentials were left out. "That's okay," I told myself, "they will make up for it in The Goblet of Fire, they have to or it won't make a whole lot of sense." How wrong I was, Mike Newell's Goblet of Fire interpretation, though thrilling, left something to be desired, including details that would later be essential, such as Bill Weasley. I had nearly given up hope that they would even get close to the being one with the books by the end of the series, but then a miracle happened and David Yates was made the director of 5, 6, and 7. He saw the essentials that were left out and managed to work them in, and everything and everyone essential that has been left out to this point was gradually introduced in the first 15 minutes of the Deathly Hallows part 1. Everything from Mundungas Fletcher, to Bill Weasley and his werewolf maimed face, and even the shard of Sirus's broken mirror. Though that last one has no explanation, and is just there with Harry.

Now anyone who has read the book knows how fast and upbeat it starts. They manage to cover the first 5 chapters in the first 15 minutes. They were even able to squeeze in some great humor of the Fred and George variety; and though those first 15 minutes include the 7 Harry's, the escape from Privet Drive, and the Fall of Mad Eye Moody, it's the lightest part of the film. The movie like the book is riddled with darkness, emphasized by the eerie compositions. The entire film changes to this feeling of darkness just after the ambush at the wedding, and I could feel my heart beating in my throat the duration of the movie even though I already knew what was going to happen. When our three heroes infiltrate the ministry, I thought that I was back at home reading the book, it was so exact in the way it played out.

In less than an hour the film has transitioned to the 200 most boring pages of the Harry Potter series ever written. Miraculously, David Yates has done it again and somehow made the most dull moments some of the most interesting. He makes 6 months of camping around the mundane British countryside go by fairly quickly. He doesn't do this through adding non-existent action or even an exciting score, but through our characters, and mostly through Ron. My favorite aspect of this film actually was Ron and how the negative and dark way he is feeling about the entire endless journey, actually makes sense to the viewer. In the book you feel like he is being stupid and angry because of the horcrux, but in the film you really feel for him and understand his broken perspective. In the previous movies you know he has feelings for Hermione, but from the get go of Deathly Hallows, it's more than that, he's in love with her and it shows, and you know that he would do anything for her. She is just too stupid too see it, which is ironic because she is such a brilliant person.
The Christmas eve in Godric's Hollow is almost exactly as the book describes. So, Cali, the snake attack will probably give you nightmares, it is way worse than the Basilisk in the Chamber of secrets. I like snakes, and I was scared.
Ron's return is one of the greatest moments in Harry Potter history. I must admit I nearly cried. It truly shows Ron's loyalty and the lengths he goes to in order to help Harry. You can see that though he was angry when he left, he really does love Harry in a way that a nerd like me can only relate to as Samwise and Frodo.
Immediately afterward, Harry and Ron take on the horcrux so Ron can kill it. Just like in the book, when the locket opens it immediately preys on Ron and shows him his biggest fears; and while in the book one of those fears was an image of Harry and Hermione wrapped around each other and kissing, in the film it's a bit more than that. Enough to make you stare awkwardly at your knees and blush.
Once the Horcrux is destroyed they continue to follow the path set by the book, to Luna Lovegood's house and learning of the deathly hallows. I won't go any farther into the film, though most know what happens next, I don't want to tell you where it ends and spoil the surprise, though I was crying at the end.

I really actually loved it. It wasn't just the epic story, or the way they told only half of it and made you feel like you had sat through a complete plotline. It was the filming style, the colorless shots that accompany Voldemort and the death eaters that we grew familiar with in Order of the Phoenix, the bright colors of the burrow and the Weasley family, and the dull shades of colors that accompany our trio of heroes. It was the scoring that set the mood perfectly, and the artistic license they took to make the film as graphic as the book feels, but more graphic than described. It's PG-13 rating was well deserved, though I wouldn't take anyone under 15 to go see it. I don't know about you, but a room covered in human blood spatters and full of buzzing flies would have given me nightmares at 13. The sight of it was enough to make me imagine a smell that nearly made me vomit. But in a twisted way I think it enhances the viewing experience, it brings to life little details that were tickling the backs of our minds while reading the book, but things we never thought about or focused on. It makes it seem more life threatening, more real, and much more involved.
The emotions run high, and the fear runs even higher. It is certain to get your heart racing and have you on the edge of your seat. It brings a whole new perspective to Harry Potter. It used to be a children's story.
By Hillary

Irony?

2010-11-10T16:11:00.001-08:00

After years of the msm and lefty pundits labeling him as "the worst president ever" or the "stupidest person ever", is it ironic to anyone else that George W. Bush's memoir Decision Points is the best selling book in the country right now? It sold over 220,000 copies just on its first day!
And why is it, if he's such an "evil" and unforgivable "dunce", that the media can't stop talking about the book?

2010-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Here it is!! The book of the month for November! I read this book three years ago and I have been wanting to read it again. It is a good, quick read that will open your eyes and answer some of those questions that have always been nagging at the back of your mind, like.......1. Why does mom procrastinate? 2. Why does Cali feel compelled to alphabetize the spices? 3. Why doesn't Shiloh feel compelled to alpahbetize her children.....'s books? 4. Is Cami a people pleaser? 5. What makes Jesse such a beautiful person? 6. Is Skye really stubborn or just always right? 6. Why is Hillary........ Hillary? 7. What makes Cody such a peacemaker?

Those answers and many more can be found inside this little book. Start today for as little as $0.10 cents (plus shipping and handling from Amazon.com) to really understand people. It's fun and it will improve all of your relationships, even the ones that don't need improving.

Happy reading!

******

Since this is a very short book I will be able to start discussion on it on Monday, Nov. 29th.

Love you,

Mom

Book Review

2010-09-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

This is a book review of Meghan McCain's new memoir of the 2008 presidential campaign - Dirty, Sexy Politics. If you think the title is catchy on some junior high cheerleader level, wait until you read the book! Luckily you don't have to. The linked review saves you the time, money, and brain cells.
Enjoy!
http://newledger.com/2010/09/review-meghan-mccains-dirty-sexy-politics/
PS - It's one of the best book reviews I have ever read.

Discussion for august and an announcement.

2010-09-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies and Dad! The discussion for the books for August, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. And, The Sisters Grimm Fairytale Detectives. Is Now OPEN! So please after reading this post leave your comments below.

Now for an announcement, I know Jesse had the book for September and Mom had October, but seeing as how we are halfway through September and a book has yet to be assigned, I have decided to commandeer both months. We can pick up in November with Jesse's choice. The book for the rest of this month and October is GIFTED Vol. I- By Ruthie Cunningham. That's right! I finished my book yesterday, and now I want to test it out on the public, well on my book club anyway. That and I need proof readers, so you will each be receiving copies of the book and a letter of proof reading instruction in the mail sometime in the next week. Jesse, your book will be sent with Cali's to her house. Skye, yours will be sent with Mom's to her place since you will be there for a while. I really hope you enjoy it and am excited to hear your feedback! Happy Proof reading!
Love,
Hillary

Choose Your Own Adventure!

2010-08-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls,

For the month of August we will be using a different format. There are two books for this month. You can read one or both, whatever you want and then we will discuss them.

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The first book is 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan. Even if you have seen the movie you need to read this book because like the Harry Potter books their is so much more in the book than they can ever put in a movie. The second book is 'The Sisters Grimm - The Fairy Tale Detectives' by Michael Buckley. It is the first in a series, and it is Fun!

Both of these selections are juvenile fiction and are fast, easy reads that will give you a new perspective on stories you have already heard, and they are a lot of fun!

HAPPY READING!!

Shiloh

Delicious Discussion

2010-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I hope you enjoyed the "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" as much as I did. As far as the story goes, it was very simplistic and really nothing spectacular. I also thought the ending was a little cheesy, I mean are all killers that anxious to talk and answer questions? I doubt it. They probably want to kill you and hide the body before someone discovers it.
However, I found the book a very fun read and I actually read the second installment of the series "Strawberry Shortcake Murder". While the plot isn't complete brilliance it was still a decent mystery and the most fun part was reading the descriptions of the Minnesota locals. Some of the characters are so typical small town they were actual easy to visualize and rather nostalgic. I enjoyed the characters and had a good laugh with most of them.
Lastly, how can you go wrong with new recipes? I made one of the cookie recipes (it was actually from "Key Lime Pie Murder") called kool-aid cookies. While Shiloh made some cherry ones in Idaho I decided to make some strawberry ones and they were pretty darn good!
So jump in the comments and let me know what you thought of the book, story, characters, recipes, etc.

A Book For July

2010-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to read a Joanne Fluke novel since I've heard so many good things about them. And let's face it, I'm a sucker for good mysteries. And food. I love suspense novels, I read all of the original Nancy Drews and most of the Hardy Boys before leaving elementary school. High school ushered in my love of Agatha Christie and Dan Brown's novels got me through college. So I'm pretty excited to read some of Joanne Fluke's work.
Joanne Fluke is famous for her mystery series that features all food titles. I asked Shiloh's advice and she said that the stories are excellent and the recipes that are included with each novel are delicious! So seriously, what could go wrong? A fun, suspenseful read and a great new recipe as well. I love it!
So without further ado I will announce the book for July: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. It's the first book in the Hannah Swenson murder series (and can be found in most libraries and book stores). Happy Reading!

Update: Some have issued concern over this months chooser. True, it is technically Shiloh's turn to make the selection, but she has deferred to me and will have my spot next month. Other than that small change, the order is still the same.

Discussion for A Room With a View

2010-07-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that in this one particular case I'm actually glad I saw the movie before reading the book. It made the book and the people and places so vivid in my mind. But it did so much more than that even.

Forster is so descriptive and well, even at times florid that you can lose sight of the real thread of story by getting caught up in the supporting characters and places. Having seen the film I knew the outcome of course, so I was able to keep that in mind even through the descriptions. Indeed I must say that Forster writes character even better than Austen or Bronte or Henry Fielding. These characters are engaging and compelling and really very easily steal the show from poor Lucy. And let's face it, until the last few chapters George and his father are barely mentioned enough to qualify them as protagonists, although they were always there, hovering over the top of the story. But how do you not get caught up in the brash Eleanor Lavish, the jovial Mr. Beebe, tiresome Charlotte Bartlett, the sometimes irritating Miss Alans, judgemental Reverand Eager, silly Freddy and on and on and on. Next to these characters Lucy and George seem almost boring. Almost.

George is classified by most as difficult, but then dismissed and extended some measure of sympathy because of his upbringing. I didn't find him difficult, just confused. A father who isn't religious and quite eccentric and a mother who died when he was young. It's hard for him to reconcile where he should fit in society when his father refuses to officially be part of it, and yet continually exposes him to the people who are a part of it. His confusion and moodiness are understandable. And yet when we do get glimpses of his passion and personality, we see that it would actually be easy to fall in love with him.

As for Lucy, I love that Forster made her very ordinary. Her looks are mentioned only once as "...a young lady with a quantity of dark hair and a very pretty, pale, undeveloped face." Meaning, I think, that she was pretty enough but not striking or stunning in any way. Indeed, Forster makes it obvious that people are draw to her, but they're each drawn to her for something other than her looks. The Miss Alans and Charlotte Bartlett saw in her a proper Victorian lady, much like themselves in earlier years. To Cecil and his mother she was someone who could be molded into their idea of a perfect wife, daughter-in-law, mother and society matron. In fact, it seems that only the Reverand Mr. Beebe & George appreciate her for what's inside, the fire and the passion the they detect down deep. Although they each have quite different motives.

I think it helps the reader understand and empathize with Lucy better that she's ordinary and comes from an ordinary family. Conventional people with a few progressive and modern ideas. They might be anyone from any family. Funny, attractive enough, but not striking, quirky and amusing in their own way. I had to laugh at Cecil's condescending thoughts about the furniture in the drawing room. All I could think of was that it must be the equivalent of modern day Ikea to late Victorian England.

The only disappointment I had about this book was the last chapter. It felt like it fell a little flat. Sure it was wonderful that the passionate lovers had finally married and were on their honeymoon in the very place they met a year earlier. But it was disappointing to hear that Lucy's family had disapproved & that Mr. Beebe had basically dropped them. I guess I just expected them to happily embrace Lucy and George (after they got over the shock) because they all wanted what was best for Lucy and for her to finally live with same passion with which she played the piano. You'd think they could recognize that this was the only way Lucy was going to become that extraordinary person. As for the revelation the Charlotte may actually have had more to do with their eventual relationship than we initially thought possible, I would have thought this would have produced a more sympathetic reaction from the lovers. But no, they decided to stay irritated at her.

Over all I loved the book. And I enjoyed Forsters descriptions and writing style. He didn't waste time trying to educate his audience, he expected them to know what he was talking about. Like all of his allusions to Greek and Roman Gods or when he deemed Sir Harry unworthy of a description. He just expects you to know. And as a reader I appreciated that. I also like that you could almost detect a bit of his sense of humor throughout the book. There were moments when you could almost sense Forster rolling his eyes or smirking or shaking his head in dismissal.

But as usual I've droned on for ages longer than I needed to. I'm excited to hear what the rest of you thought.

A Book For June

2010-05-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

So I really wanted to do a classic novel for this month's selection. Jane Austen is always a good place to start when beginning with the classics but I'm not content to assign the usual Austen novels. I'd want us to read either Persuasion (which would be the most difficult for a first time Austen reader) or Northanger Abbey (which isn't at all typical of Austen since it was her earliest work to be published, though it was published posthumously. Not to mention the fact that I'd want to assign The Mysteries of Udolpho as a bonus read, since that's the book Austen's heroine is obsessed with and I've never actually read it.) In the end I decided I'd rather go with something that was new to me. My conundrum, of course, is coming up with one I haven't read. That pretty much disqualifies anything Austen, Bronte, Dickens, Hawthorne, Dumas, Alcott, Shakespeare, Hugo, Poe, Tolstoy, Wilde & Chaucer.

I was inspired actually, by one of my favorite movies. Our book for June is A Room With A View by E.M. Forster I've never read anything by Forster before so I know nothing of his style or storytelling ability. But I suppose that's the fun of having a book club isn't it? Getting to broaden our horizons, open our minds and explore something new. It isn't a long book, so even with the travel and family obligations we'll have this month, it shouldn't be a problem to find the time to read it. (BTW if you've never seen the film, it's definitely worth watching when you get the time. The film is perfectly cast and the leads are great, but it's really the supporting players who really make it fun, Maggie Smith is wonderful, Judi Dench is hilarious, Denholm Elliot is endearing, the little brother is great. But it's Daniel Day Lewis's priceless portrayal of Cecil that completely steals the show! You would never know that's the same guy who played Hawkeye in Last of the Mohicans. But don't think you can watch the movie to skip out on reading the book. I expect everyone to still get their reading done!) Anyway, enjoy!

Let's hear your thoughts...

2010-05-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Okay the time has come to share your thoughts, feelings, etc. about The Willoughby's. As I stated previously I love this book and it is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites. I love that it's a light hearted quick read. I laughed out loud several times, one being when they disquised themselves while people looked at the house. Particularly the Alabaster Aphrodite! Bring on Halloween, I've got my costume!
I loved how the author referred to the classic orphan stories. I also loved how Tim, the oldest child, was bossy and in charge. She hit that nail on the head. I'm already seeing that with Lily. And Hey, Cali, "I DON'T hate you!"
Over all the story was predictable and a little over the top, but for me, that's what made it fun. There's no excuse why you couldn't have had this read in a month. To quote Jane "Even I can read and I'm a complete dodo." Having said that I can't wait to hear everyone's response.
So go ahead and tell me what you thought. Feel free to include your favorite quote or line from the book and in your next letter to Cody make sure you tell him how Affable he is:)

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes

2010-05-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't read a Sherlock Holmes mystery since elementary school so I'll be a little weak on the comparison, perhaps someone better read can do that. The movie itself is fabulous! I think it is Robert Downey Jr.'s finest performance. He completely embodies the character of Sherlock Holmes from the exhausting analytical thought process to the violin to the British accent. I was a little skeptical of the young Jude Law being a convincing Dr. Watson, but he pulls the role off with ease. While action and special effects can overshadow a weaker storyline, the plot in Sherlock Holmes stands on its own being complex, yet easy to follow (and of course mysterious). The dialogue is witty and the acting spectacular! A must see for any mystery fan (or movie/literature lover).

May's Book

2010-04-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this book and yes, Cali, it is a fun and really easy read. The book I've chosen is The Willoughby's by Lois Lowry.
In December I had the oppurtunity to volunteer at the Scholastic (you know, the people who put on bookfairs at schools) warehouse. I helped sell, stack, sticker, and pack books. The best part is that they pay you $10 an hour in books. When I wasn't busy I would wander the place looking at the rows and rows of books. I was drawn to this book many times (I liked the cover) and read the inside cover and thought it might be a fun read. On my last day I decided to get. It sat on our shelf until 2 weeks ago. I had finished both my April book club books and thought I'd give this little book a try.
I LOVED it. It has become one of my favorite books ever. It had me laughing (out loud) all the way through and I seriously could not put it down. I even began reading it out loud to Jacob.
It's a children's novel and although the humor's a little dark (parents trying to get rid of children, children trying to get rid of parents and in the midst of it all an odious nanny) I think you will enjoy it. It's only 174 pages including the glossary and bibliography, which you MUST read. They are every bit as funny and clever as the story.
So go find a copy and have a good laugh at The Willoughby's!

For more on the story check out this review and excerpt.

April Discussion

2010-04-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

The discussion for The Ransom of Mercy Carter is now open!

I think I put most of my comments on this book in my introduction post, but Once again I must say that this book has it all for me. It is tragic and happy, romantic and depressing. I don't know how I feel all of those things at once, but somehow I do when I read this book. It made history real for me, and made me hungry to learn the history of my own country. I had never even heard of Deerfield until I read this book.

I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did, and learned something from it.

Atlas Shrugged Discussion is Open

2010-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!!!! This was a tough read. I am not used to thinking that much when I read. I don't use that much concentration and deep thinking in anything I do. I now know what they mean when they say someone is a "Shallow thinker". I put myself more in the "medium thinking common sense" class of people. Really, I mean Having all that explanatory introspection rolling around in your head had to hurt. No wonder she wrote it in a book, that way she didn't have to think about it all the time.

My advice to any daughters who haven't finished it...... Follow the example of your baby sister and read the cliff notes. I am sure you will get the whole story, the whole philosophy and all the psychology with out feeling like you are the dead horse being beat to death. I did read the whole book, but I confess that on about page 948 I realized she was repeating the same philosophies that she had stressed all through the book and listing each one 5 and 6 times, so I just started scanning the pages for highlights until the speech was finished (it starts on page 923 and goes to page 978 or there abouts). This one speech by John Galt covered more than 50 pages and by this time you are really anxious just to get on with the story.

Putting that aside, it is good to find John Galt and learn real meaning of that phrase. I won't be lost anymore when I hear references to this book, of which our society has many.

I understand her thinking and her point of view, and at times she seemed eerily prophetic. Talking about the press being completely compliant with the looters and not reporting the whole truth, or even any truth at that matter. The looters (Who are like our modern day president's czars) had all this unlimited power and didn't answer to congress or anyone. That was just sounding too familiar. And then anyone who was a 'producer' and could think seemed to be "Taxed to death" and constantly penalized for being someone who could produce, and all this was done for the "Good of the people". I pictured all the Union 'thugs' wearing yellow SEIU shirts because that is what they seem to do today.

Here is my opinion of the main Characters:
Eddie Willers - Too smart and loyal to have been given such a stupid ending.
Dagney - She was so smart, I am puzzled that she didn't choose freedom sooner. I don't think she is real though. No real woman who had a choice of those three guys would have chosen the one she did. (IMHO) She seemed to me like a person who could never really find Joy, only contentment. I really want both in my life.
Hank Rearden - This is one of the characters I really liked. His family's treatment of him was a microcosm of the main theme for this book, and they did to him what the government was doing not just to him but to the country. Too many of us could find our selves being taken advantage of like him if we don't educate ourselves and stand our ground. His "speech" to Dagney at Wyatt's house was really stupid and definitely not needed - if you know what I mean. The book and his Character didn't need it. I think he should have have given his family a dose of reality a lot sooner though.
Francisco dAnconia - I want him.
(Dagney didn't deserve him anyway)
James Taggart - If I ever meet anyone like him I should do humanity and himself a favor and just shoot him. What a waste of human flesh. Unfortunately I think he is a lot more like men in high places today than we would like to admit.
Robert Stadler - Wimp. It's scary to think they allowed him to teach the youth of the nation. ... O.. Maybe not.
Cuffy Meigs - Al Capone - only stupid. No wait, I meant to say Rahm Emmanual.
Hugh Askton - They don't really make teachers like this, do they. That would be nice.
All the Major Deserters (Wyatt, Midas, etc.) - To paraphrase John Wayne: They'll do.
Floyd Farris - Creepy, Snakelike reptile excrement is too nice a description for him. He probably would run the DNC today.
Ragnar Dannedkjold - Yeah, He can rescue me anytime!!!
A Handsome, strong, daring, blonde, smart, 'clean' Scandinavian Pirate? *sigh* That's the stuff dreams are made of.
John Galt - I really liked this guy until the episode in the tunnels under the Taggert Building. I mean, that kind of stupid thinking is the reason Ayn Rand didn't make it as a romance novelist (which was really what she wanted to be.... wink wink, nod nod.). A tryst on dusty dirty sandbags in a dirty tunnel while wearing an evening gown when hundreds of men are walking around? Sheese! You'd think she could have contacted Barbara Cartland or Joan Collins for advice on this part. Okay, okay, ..... He is a good guy, a genius and he really did save the world, but I still want the pirate and the playboy. Especially knowing they had the same political views and goals. :-)

Ayn Rand is right on with what we need to do if ever our government gets totally out of control like this one did. I want to find a place to make my own Galt's Gulch, and I will "SHRUG".

P.S. Just a question - Why is it all these people know how to fly airplanes?

Movie Review: New Moon

2010-04-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Also known as "The movie that bites... like a vampire." While the Twilight move was not everything I had hoped or expected, it was still entertaining and held my attention. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the what I've named the worst movie I've seen this year, in the first 20 minutes I was seriously considering doing some homework instead. While the blame goes to lots of people, directors, editors, producers, I'm mostly going to pick on the actors. Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Bella Swan is pitiful. If she has more than one facial expression or vocal inflection, she hid them well. Plus, I'm having trouble remembering where in the novel it talked about Bella have dreams about going into labor. Robert Pattinson's pained facial expressions easily grew old and began to be even more painful to watch. The Cullens, with the exception of Carlisle, suck (and I don't just mean blood). Edward makes a comment in one of the books "I'm still a man". He didn't prove that statement any in New Moon. His pathetic whimperings about taking his own life if Bella should die are nothing short of pitiful. We do see a semi-manly show of courage when he attempts to protect Bella from the volturi, but as Hillary pointed out, he loses all semblance of masculinity (with no hope of getting it back) when we see him frolicking through the forest with Bella at his side. The only thing missing was a unicorn or other woodland creatures.
Then we come to the movie's only saving graces: werewolves and the volturi. Taylor Lautner proves himself as an actor when he breaks your heart with a single glance (and he's just hot). The books definitely made me Team Edward, but the movies have converted me (and probably every female with eyes) to Team Jacob. The wolf boys are perfect and make the descriptions in the book actually come alive on screen. Likewise the volturi are fabulously cast and acted. Dakota Fanning, in a performance very different from her usual role, is a fantastic embodiment of the cruel and cynical Jane. Also Michael Sheen was an excellent choice for Aro. The volturi are creepy, cool, and everything I expected.
I can't say that this is the worst film adaptation of a book ever because to be fair I would have to admit that the book itself was rather lame and my least favorite of the Twilight Saga. With endless chapters devoted to Bella's depressive heartache and Jacob's pointless infatuation, I'd recommend reading a synopsis.
For closing all I can say is "Go Team Mick St. John!"
Posted by Skye

April's Book

2010-04-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know when the Atlas shrugged review is, but since it is officially April, I thought that I would give you the book for this month so those of you ready to move on can do so. The book for this month is The Ransom of Mercy Carter, by Caroline B Cooney.

When I read a good book, a lot of the time the characters become real to me, I get easily attached and sometimes wish they were real. This is the one book where I got attached to the characters and didn't want them to be real, because I didn't want anyone to go through what they did. Sadly it was the one book where the characters were actual people.

This book is about the hostages taken by the Mohawk Indians in the 1704 Deerfield Massachusetts massacre, during the French and Indian war. The main story line is based from the point of view of Mercy Carter a 12 year old girl with several younger siblings. She is one of the few hostages that little is known about. Though her conversations and thought processes may be fictional she was a real person as was almost everyone mentioned in the book. The historical details of the trek to Canada are very accurate, as are the details of the massacre, and even some of the other peoples attitudes are accurate.

I always liked history and have been interested in it, but history books aren't as good to me as novels because they lack story, and historically based Novels aren't as good as history books because they lack accuracy. But this book was a perfect mix for me, It was the first thing I ever saw or read that made me realize the reality of history, that it was actual people that suffered not just a list of names in a text book.

This is a good book, a look into a part of history that isn't very well known. It is an invigorating fast read that I think you all will enjoy. You can find the book in the juvenile section at the library or Barnes & Noble. I hope you enjoy it. Good reading everybody.
-Hillary

Atlas Shrugged extension

2010-03-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

So the deadline for Atlas Shrugged was today, but since there are so many (myself included) who need just a little more time to complete it we are extending the discussion until the end of March. Happy Reading!

Book vs Movie: Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I love the story of Alice in Wonderland. I have seen all the movies, read all of the books (and other variations), and learned much of the poetry of Lewis Carroll by heart. So it is understandable that the movie I was looking forward to most this spring was Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," And I wasn't dissapointed.

Traditionally the story is of ten year old Alice Liddell, (the daughter of the Dean at Christ's Church College in Oxford), who has a dream about falling down a rabbit hole into Wonderland.

The story in the film is about nineteen year old Alice Kingsliegh who is running away from a Marriage proposal and Literally falls into a rabbit hole, to a place called Underland. The film has much more purpose than the book. In the book she is just wandering around aimlessly. In the film the "Underlanders" Seek her out because it is foretold that only she can save Underland from the evil Red Queen and her Jabberwocky.

Now the film being directed by Tim Burton made it even better. The animation was very striking and awesome in 3D, and the acting was superb. Johnny Depp managed to be Creepy and endearing, as the rebellious Mad Hatter, (who has a heavy Scottish accent when he is angry, and his eyes turn orange, a really cool effect), and only Johnny Depp can wear that much creepy clown make up and still make your heart race. Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen had the best lines in the movie, she'll keep you laughing through the whole thing, she really embodied the stupidity and rage of the Queen of Hearts. And with other great talents such as Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway, and Matt Lucas you will never be disappointed.

Though it is a Tim Burton film, it is not as dark as most of his past works. The scenery is quite dim, but that is just to contrast the bright colors of the characters, the story itself is much lighter than expected. I honestly thought that the Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter #2 were much much creepier.

My Verdict: Go See The Movie! Because it actually has a point. There is a deeper meaning to the film than what I have written here, but it is different for everyone, so I'll let you see the movie and decide what meanings and morals you pulled out of it.

If you do decide to go to the movie read the following poem by Lewis Carroll first. It will make a lot more sense this way. I Promise.

JABBERWOCKY

by: Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)

'WAS brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought--
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Calloh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

I Really hope that you enjoy the film, and my post.

-Hillary

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." - Alice

Atlas Shrugged Reminder

2010-03-02T21:01:00.002-08:00

This post is merely to remind you that you now have less than two weeks before discussion opens for Atlas Shrugged. I was a little distressed to learn that some of you have not yet started. This is a long book so please begin reading now!

Literature Trivia

2010-02-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

Who is the most written about woman in history?

Author Signing (and spotlight)

2010-02-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

I always get excited about author signings, but unfortunately not many happen in Idaho or Hawaii. This one is really only relevant to Cami, but I thought you all might be interested in the author and books anyway.
Joanne Fluke is a best selling author of a mystery series (which Shiloh has read and really enjoyed). To promote her new book Apple Turnover Murder, she will be holding a signing in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on March 4th. It will actually be a discussion and a signing on the beach. Details at her website (linked below).
A little about Joanne Fluke taken from her website: Like Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota where her neighbors were friendly, the winters were fierce, and the biggest scandal was the spotting of unidentified male undergarments on a young widow's clothesline. She insists that there really are 10,000 lakes and the mosquito is NOT the state bird.

While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.

She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.

This should be a fun discussion and signing and I can't wait to read my first Joanne Fluke novel as each is not only a mystery, but also is said to include delicious recipes!
For more info visit her website: www.murdershebaked.com

February's Book

2010-02-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

Dad dictated the following to me and asked me to post it.
Mom

ATLAS SHRUGGED

Originally titled The Strike, this novel is a unique blend of drama, adventure, politics, intrigue, economics, mystery and of course, just a little bit of sex. Enough to keep me interested but not enough to make me blush.

(Funny, we girls would have just called it romance. -- mom)

The author, Ayn Rand, had a very unique perspective when she wrote the book in the early 1950's. She was born in Russia and as a young woman experienced first hand life under the czars and 2 revolutions, the last being the Bolshevik Revolution which brought communism to Russia. After immigrating to the U.S. she became a screen writer in Hollywood and thus intimately aquainted with the Communist movement in the McCarthy Era.

The main drawback to the book is it's length. The author is very wordy and at times a little repetative. The book would have been better if it were 300 pages shorter. If you will just make it (suffer) through the first couple of chapters and get introduced to the characters and the plot, you will be hooked. It is notable that Ms. Rand's social and political views are totally void of religion, emotion and sentimentality, but the political insights to our present day will leave you shock-ed and amaze-ed.

All in all, I enjoyed this book not only for the story, but also for the economic theory.

Prepare to Shrug! - Dad

*************

Due to the length of this book we will extend the reading time to the 15th of March or approximately 6 weeks. The last two weeks of March will be used for some short, fun assignments. On your marks. Get set. READ!!!!!

Shadow on The Trail Discussion is Officially Open!

2010-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

If you haven't finished the book you still have time to finish it today. I think I actually put all of the reasons why I like the book on the introduction post.... Well, except for telling you I think I developed a crush on Wade Holden. :-) Let me know what you think. Did you see a man trying to find his own way to redemption? Or did you find some other hidden meaning in this western. Oh, And if this was your first Western, or first Zane Grey novel please tell us. I am interested in learning how many of you have read westerns before. Let me hear your thoughts. Love you!

Literature Poll: Best and Worst Film Adaptations

2010-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd have a little fun and see what everyone thought were the best and worst film adaptations of books. The answers were varied and thought provoking. Some people submitted more than one for each category and some judged movies by different criteria. For example, mom judged her choices by which one she enjoyed more, while Hillary tended to judge by which one's stuck the most closely to the book's storyline. But there were some that received more votes than others and those are the winners.
For Best Film Adaptation: The BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is not only the best version of the book, but the best movie adaptation of any book. Colin Firth is by far the best Darcy EVER! It holds true to the book while still being entertaining. And who cares if it's five hours?

And the Worst Movie Adaptation:
Wow. I've seen road shows with better acting and more authenticity.

Best Movie Honorable Mentions: The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Last of the Mohicans, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Sense and Sensibility, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Angels & Demons.

Worst Movie Honorable Mentions: The Cat in the Hat, Ella Enchanted, Summer of the Monkeys and Beowulf (2007 version).

Literature Trivia

2010-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

You have one week to leave a comment with your answer.
What was the first novel written on a typewriter?
Good luck!

Oops!

2010-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

I accidently posted my personal blog on this page. I have removed it. Sorry about that.

Book Review: The Looking Glass Wars.

2010-01-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Many of us are familiar with the story by Lewis Carroll (AKA Charles Dodgson) about a girl named Alice who fell into a Rabbit Hole and entered the magical world of Wonderland. After her first adventure in wonderland, she proceeded to step through the looking glass and return to wonderland for further adventures.

According to the author of the Looking glass wars, Frank Beddor, This is a twisted myth version of the even more twisted reality of it all. He claims that Wonderland is real and Alyss Heart is the heir to the throne, until her murderous Aunt Redd steals the crown and kills Alyss' parents. To escape Redd, Alyss and her awesome ninja-like blade bedecked bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, Must flee wonderland through the pool off tears which is a portal to Earth. However Alyss and Hatter are separated in the pool and she ends up alone in Victorian era London, where she is adopted by the Liddel family and renamed Alice. She befriends an aspiring author who wishes to tell her story but gets it all wrong.
Hatter Madigan came out of the Pool of Tears in Paris and spends the next 13 years searching the earth over for Alyss before he finds her.
Meanwhile in Wonderland the loyalists to the Heart dynasty "The Alyssians" are barely holding on. They have been crushed and murdered and beheaded by the evil queen Redd. Their resistance is dwindling to just a few card soldiers, a handful of chessmen, the great General Doppleganger (who has the ability to split into two people Generals Dopple and Ganger), and Alyss' childhood sweetheart Dodge Anders, Who is suicidal in battle because he just doesn't care to live anymore.
Now it is all up to Hatter Madigan to get Alyss back to claim her throne before the resistance is completely gone.

This book is extremely imaginative and very entertaining, with all of the elements for a good tale, Action, Romance, Suspense, and Rivalry. It also has all of the creations of Caroll's story and more. What Carroll described as a Cheshire cat, Beddor claims was actually a half cat half human assassin with nine lives. Carroll's White Rabbit was based on Alyss' tutor Bibwit Harte, a 7 foot tall albino with large ears and uncanny punctuality. My personal favorite however, were the caterpillars, the wise all-seeing omniscient creatures as old as wonderland itself who sit on mushrooms all day puffing on Hookahs using phrases like "Duh," "Wierdest sense of Deja Vu," and "Pass the Munchies."
Beddor's Military structure is fun too. Pawns and two cards being the lowest ranking soldiers, Ten cards, Knights and Rooks near the top. But the most elite branch of the governments forces is the one Hatter Madigan himself is part of, The Millinery. Sort of like our NSA or CIA.

The coolest thing for me when I read this book was the way that wonderland parallels Earth. For example July of 1863 in Wonderland The Alyssians won a major battle that was a positive turning point for them. In July of 1863 the Battle of Gettysburg was fought. In September 1869 a squad of surrounded Alyssians commit suicide rather than being captured by Redd. September of 1869 defeated Japanese Swordsmen committed mass suicide in the Boshin War. The first book is the only one with a time line, but it is fun to read the second and third books and draw the Earth to Wonderland Parallels yourself.

With likable characters (I think I'm in love with Dodge), New artillery at every turn, perfectly timed comedic relief, and the best sound effects ever written on paper, this book is a MUST READ! The fact that it is written for children aged 10 - 15 Makes it even better because you don't have to worry about who finds the book lying around your house, and it is easier to understand. But I promise, No Matter How Old You are THE LOOKING GLASS WARS will leave you begging for MORE. Thank Goodness that the third and final book was released in November and you won't have to wait to continue the story. The sequels are called SEEING REDD and ARCHENEMY

Oh and by the way, these aren't exactly Disney's card soldiers.

I do however recommend reading Lewis Carroll's poem Jabberwocky before reading these books. The nonsense words will make more sense that way.

I hope you enjoyed my review.
Hillary

The Book for January

2010-01-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Since we are nearly half-way into the month of January I thought it would be appropriate to have a short fun read. Dad is going to take the month of February. There were 2 paperback copies of this book at my house in September. You can get a copy at most used bookstores.

Now as to my reasons for choosing this book..........

As a child growing up I watched my mother and John and Michelle read books all of the time. But there was a new addition to the house when I was about 5 yrs old. It was a TV. I am sure I was a mischevious child and got into a lot of things or asked a lot of questions because I can still here my mother's voice saying to me... "aren't there cartoons on for you to watch?" I remember sitting in front of the TV watching Jack LaLain, the 5 minute religious programs and cartoons in the daytime, and anything I could watch after school and in the evenings. As I got older and was one of the fastest and best readers in my class the only books I read were while I was at school. I never knew the joy of curling up with a good book and getting lost in the story. I am not complaining. My Aunts and mom would buy me books, but I was a child of the Television era and reading just didn't seem to be exciting to me.

In 8th grade I read my first novel. Charles Dickens Great Expectations. I thought it was weird and to this day the visual I have of the old lady in a mildewed dusty wedding gown in a clutterered dining room haunts me. Maybe I should give it another go. When I was in high school and many of my friends were reading the bestsellers of the day I thought I should try. So at 16 I read The Godfather (the opening scenes made me sick to my stomach). At 17 I read Airport. The movie was better. Both of these were not books I particularly liked, nor would I ever recommend them to anyone. When I took the bus to Utah to go to college I decided to give reading one more try. I picked something I was sure wouldn't make me sick or leave me feeling disturbed. Tom Sawyer. It was fun and I loved it, so I promptly read Huckleberry Finn and decided I found books I could relate to and understand. Children's novels. Well, I don't think I did any extracurricular reading at college besides church stuff. When Dad and I got married and we didn't have TV, I started reading the set of Children's Classics from his childhood. Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, Arabian Knights, etc. I think dad was a little embarrassed when I went into labor with Cali and took my Children's Classic of Robin Hood with me.

A day or two later he suggested I try reading Zane Grey or Louis La'Amour. (An appropriate suggestion seeing as how all things cowboy, western and Texan were becoming part of everyday life. Go figure.) The second Western I read was the one I have chosen for this month.

Shadow On The Trail by Zane Grey. It is the first book that I read and couldn't put down or walk away from. The description of the chase through the wilds of Texas not far from where I was living (so I could visualize it) had my heart pounding, and I realized I was really scared for the main character. All of a sudden I realized what getting lost in a book really means. I have escaped into many books since then, but this one will always be special to me.

A few trivia notes: Sim Bell is actually based on the Outlaw Sam Bass who was killed after a hold-up in Round Rock Texas, not far from Austin. He did hold up a stage just outside of Mineral Wells once. The Character of Wade Holden is actually based on a young man who was known to ride with Sam Bass who disappeared after Bass was shot and was never seen again.

Enjoy the Read.

Discussion Open for Total Money Makeover

2010-01-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Discussion is officially open now, I apologize for the delay it was my fault it took so long. Now can everyone chill out please? This is supposed to be a fun thing, not something to cause more stress in our lives.

I Don't Mean to Push

2010-01-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

Okay... I don't mean to rush anyone, but we are a week into January and our "Catch-up" time is through. Please finish The Total Money Makeover this weekend so Jesse can get the discussion rolling. Thank you for your patience. Happy reading.

Mom

VOTE!

2009-12-01T06:52:00.001-08:00

Okay, so here are some issues that have been raised that I thought we could take a democratic approach to (now that we all know the difference between a democracy and a republic).
1. Catch-up month. Some people are still finishing the 5000 Year Leap and therefore have not yet started on November's book yet. It has been suggested that we then move mom's choice to January and use December as a catch-up month giving everyone time to participate in discussion. How do y'all feel about that?
2. Next issue, dad would like to have the month after mom (since mom is the last one, the cycle will start again with Hillary then Cami then Cali....). The constitution I so geniusly drafted does not allow that, however by vote we can overrule the rules.
Alrighty? Thanks a bunch and have a wonderful day!

The 5000 Year Discussion

2009-11-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

"The happy union of these states is a wonder; their Constitution is a miracle; their example of the hope and liberty throughout the world. Woe to the ambition that would meditate the destruction of either." - James Madison
What a great quote to start a book! I thought of National Treasure when Nicolas Cage says, "People don't talk like that anymore." I loved reading this book! It was interesting, fun, and relatively easy and quick (it would have been much quicker if I weren't in school). I think there was a plethora of good quotes and historical insights that every good American should know. I can't say anything better than how the scholars have said it so I thought I'd just go through and list my favorite quotes and the feelings I got. The only principle I did not agree with was the 23rd. My feelings on education are...complicated. So we'll just skip it for now.
Part 1: The Founder's Monumental Task
Great Thomas Jefferson quote: "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." That's why everyone should read this book and other classics.
Part 2: The Founder's Basic Principles
1 - The Genius of Natural Law: I liked this line by the author in reference to natural law by God, "It cannot be abandoned by legislators or the people themselves, even though they may pretend to do so." Sometimes I feel enslaved by the acts of legislators and found this quote inspiring.
3 - Virtuous and Moral Leaders: That almost seems a laughable phrase. I thought of the Kennedy's when the author mentioned getting where you are on your own merit and not the wealth and reputation of your family. Above all I loved this Samuel Adams statement. "But neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt." Congress anyone?
4 - The Role of Religion: "And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion... Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle." - George Washington. "America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." - Alexis de Tocqueville.
6 - All Men Are Created Equal: Nothing sums up the definition of "equity before the law" more than this quote from Clarence Carson, "This means every man's case is tried by the same law governing any particular case...The definition of premeditated murder is the same for the millionaire as for the tramp."
7 - Equal Rights, Not Equal Things: So many great quotes in this chapter I wish I could write them all! I liked that the author pointed out that we cannot give the state power to do anything we cannot ourselves do. Just as I cannot take Jesse's Tahoe and give it to Cali since her car died, so the government cannot either.
8 - Man's Unalienable Rights: "Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws..." - Frederic Bastiat.
12 - Advantages of a Republic: A must read for every citizen. The author clearly, and effectively, spells out a democracy vs. a republic.
13 - Protection Against Human Failty: Anyone else think of what's going on today on Capital Hill when they read this, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations..." - James Madison.
14 - Property Rights Essential to Liberty: "To give him his liberty but take from him the property which is the fruit and badge of his liberty, is to still leave him a slave." - George Sutherland. Read the Abraham Lincoln quote on that same page!
15 - Free Market Economics: FREEDOM TO FAIL! That's important. I also enjoyed Jefferson's use of the word "fictitious" when describing money and capital.
17 - Checks and Balances: "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." - James Madison.
22 - Government by Law, Not by Man: "Even the best of men in authority are liable to be corrupted by passion. We may conclude then that the law is reason without passion, and it is therefore preferable to any individual." - Aristotle.
24 - Peace Through Strength: "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." - George Washington. AMEN. Washington's warning against being "lured" into complacency reminded me of the college campuses I've been on. They scream complacency.
25 - Avoid Entangling Alliances: I appreciated this chapter very much because even at BYU-I my professor taught that the founding fathers were "isolationists", here the author tells in specific detail why they were "separatists" and not "isolationists".
27 -Avoiding the Burden of Debt: I could write an entire book just on this principle so I'll just let it go.

THE ARTHURIAN OMEN - A review

2009-11-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

(If I had stars on my computer, I would give this 3 1/2 out of 5)

Having met G.G. Vandagriff had a greater influence on me wanting to read her book than the actual title of the book. I guess I am not "that into" suspense novels. But I will admit, the synopsis did grab my attention: Here it is:

"A Celtic Scholar is brutally murdered when she discovers a clue to a priceless fifth-century manuscript that could prove the identity of King Arthur. Determined to find the ancient relic and avenge her sister's death, Maren Southcott begins a quest that immediately puts her own life in danger.

"In the modern tradition of Mary Higgins Clark, The Arthurian Omen weaves a tale of mystery and suspense as pursuit of the manuscript winds through the medieval castles and monasteries of Wales. Stalked by a psychopath with delusions of a Welsh revolution, Maren is shaken to the core when a new crisis threatens to destroy the one person she loves most.

"Can she find the manuscript before the murderer strikes again? Or is the manuscript-and the legend-better left in the past?"

I will do a very simple "Mom Review".

Q. Was it worth reading.

A. Yes, especially if you like a good mystery with lots of red-herrings. Granted, she is no Agatha Christie, but then who is. And since I have never read a Mary Higgins Clark, I can't make a comparison. But your dad and I agree she is trying to write in the style of Agatha Christie and was pretty successful. It was an enjoyable read.

Q. Was it worth the price you paid for the book? ($16.95)

A. Maybe for some of you, but for me, a person who is not "that into" suspense or fantasy type of fiction, it was not worth the price. But then, Hillary would probably say it was. Of course Hillary would not want to fork over $18.95 to pay for a book by Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter or Thomas Sowell and I would. If you really want to read this book, pick it up used at Amazon.com or at a used book store, borrow mine or check it out at your Library.

Q. What did you like best about the characters?

A. There were a lot of interesting characters, most of them suspicious, of course, and she gave several of them all the attributes they needed to be considered guilty of 'evil' things, which of course fooled me as I was always picking the wrong bad guy. Except for 1. I had him pegged about half-way through the book. The leading man (the Real one I should say) completely threw me for a loop. WOW!!! The heroine should get a "Hey Stupid" award for a couple of things she does, but I believe all heroines in modern liturature have that same tendancy. (It's midnight, she's alone and unarmed, she hears a noise and thinks she should investigate without letting anyone know where she is going or even asking someone to assist her type of thing.)

Q. Was it realistic?

A. Almost. There was one loose end that I wish would have been wrapped up better, it made the revelation at the end a little hard to believe, but the descriptions of the Welsh Countryside were so real I could almost smell and feel the lush green! It makes me want to visit the British Isles.

G.G. has some great insites and very interesing experiences about her writing this novel on the official website www.arthurianomen.com/Arthur/Hello.html check it out and let me know when you want my book.

Meet the Author: G. G. Vandagriff

2009-11-13T17:28:00.000-08:00

Back in August, mom and I went to Deseret Book to get some last minutes essentials for Elder Cunningham and it just happened to be the same day as an author signing. Mom and I had a nice chat with G.G. Vandagriff and each ended up purchasing a novel. I have not yet read mine (The Last Waltz), but I believe mom has read hers (The Arthurian Omen), perhaps she can write a review (hint). One thing that really impressed me was that she has actually been to all of the places she writes about. Some authors I have read (unfortunately mostly LDS authors) write about exotic places in such a way that you get the feeling that they have either never been there, or it was not a memorable time. For example, I read a novel when I was in high school in which the main characters are in Hawaii. The only Hawaiian word used was 'Aloha' and the only specific place mentioned was Honolulu. All it described was beaches and palm trees, beaches and palm trees. I had never been to Hawaii at that time and even I could have described it better than that. At least googled something to make it sound like I'd been there. Anyway...
G.G. Vandagriff is an LDS author and has written several novels and some nonfiction. The Last Waltz was inspired by the time she speant in the Alps studying Austrian music, art, politics, and history from Austrian professors. Returning to Stanford to finish her BA, she majored in an interdepartmental study of Central Europe's politics, history, and economics. Upon graduation, she worked for the Hoover Institution at Stanford as a researcher and editor for the Yearbook of International Communist Affairs.
Following a two year stint in the world of finance, she attended graduate school at George Washington University, where she received her Master's Degree from distinguished émigrés of Central Europe. Once again, she studied politics, history, and economics of the region. Her master's thesis, Comecon: Asset or Liability, foretold the disintegration of the Soviet Bloc nearly two decades before the Wall fell.
Eventually, she became the author of a book on genealogy, Voices in Your Blood, and an off-beat genealogical mystery series: Cankered Roost, Of Deadly Descent, Tangled Roots, Poisoned Pedigree, and The Hidden Branch (coming in Fall, 09). She also indulged her love of King Arthur and Wales in a novel of suspense, The Arthurian Omen. She has recently co-authored a book on depression, which she suffered from for many years.

For more information and to see pictures of locations mentioned in the books, visit G. G. Vandagriff's website at last-waltz.com

Still Standing

2009-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are interested, Carrie Prajean has released her first book called "Still Standing" in which she defends herself against the personal attacks made against her by such garbage as Perez Hilton, Michael Musto, Keith Olbermann, and the rabid left.

November Selection

2009-11-03T11:15:00.001-08:00

By Jesse:

Our book for November is The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I know that it sounds boring, and not very much fun, but trust me. This book will totally change your outlook on money. It is not just a book about money but it is also a motivational book about being happy with what you have and trying to be a better person. A little bit about the author, he was a millionare by 26 and then went completely bankrupt. He had no concept of how to handle his money, so he went on quest to figure it out. This book is about what he has figured out over the last couple of decades. He is a financial counsler, has a very succesful radio talk show and has written 3 books. I know some of you are thinking that you have already read books like this before, but trust me you haven't. It is not about getting rich fast or buying as much realestate as possible and trying to flip it. It is about learning how to manage the money that you do have. It doesn't matter if it is $500 or $500,000. That way you can have money for a rainy day or you can save for vacations instead of constantly feeling like you are out of money. It reads more like a novel, it's not just a bunch of statistics thrown together, you actually want to keep reading. You all know that I am not a big reader, I have read this book twice. There are alot of testimonials, especially towards the end, so if you get behind you can skip them and finish the book. Just promise you will go back and read them. I have actually highlighted my book, some of the quotes and statistics that I like. When I am feeling discouraged I will go back and read some of the things I highlighted. Anyway enough about the book, just read it I know you will love it. For the few of you who have already read it, you can read it again(it never hurts to read something twice), or you can read his book Financial Peace University that is what I will be reading. Love you all, can't wait to hear the feedback.

October Discussion

2009-11-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Skye asked me to relay the following message:

Due to the large number of participants who haven't quite finished October's selection yet, we're going to postpone discussion until the end of this week. At which time Skye will post her review to open the discussion.

In the meantime, Jesse can assign the selection for November as soon as possible so everyone can begin working on that one as well.

Thanks,
Mgmnt.

Going Rogue: An American Life

2009-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

According to our friends at C4P, the title of Sarah Palin's memoirs has been released. Going Rogue: An American Life, the former governor's first work, has also been rescheduled for publication. Originally set for next spring, the date has now been pushed up to November 17.

PS: Be sure to join the discussion below for Eat Cake.

Skye's Choice for October

2009-09-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

The 5000 Year Leap
by W. Cleon Skousen (1913-2006)

I have personally not yet read this book. Dad and Jason have recently read it and both had good things to say about it's content. A new edition of The 5000 Year Leap has just been released with a forward by Glenn Beck and is available at major bookstores along with Deseret Book. And, if for no other reason, I am sure this will be a great book because one of my professors ridiculed it in class. He claimed Cleon Skousen's works were all "gobbledy-gook" and they were only written to "make money". Oh yeah, and he also said President Obama has never proposed strict firearm legislation and that we should clone mastodons (woolly mammoths) and extinct birds.
Like other prominent LDS authors (Hugh Nibley, Bruce R. McConkie, etc.), W. Cleon Skousen is a figure of controversy. Here are some interesting facts about him (taken from the preface of Gospel Diamond Dust):

He was a national authority on child development and wrote one of America's most widely read books on raising boys.
He was an FBI official who specialized in studying subversion and wrote a national best seller on the subject. He also wrote a national best seller on the secret combinations which threaten the Constitution and the survival of freedom in America.
He was a university professor who was a specialist on the Bible and other Christian writings, and who taught a thousand students per week. He penned several college texts which constituted a careful analysis of ancient scriptural literature.
He was the editorial director of a national law and order magazine. He wrote a feature article each month that was read by 15,000 chiefs of police across the throughout.
He was a chief of police of a major city and reorganized a scandalized police department. This effort eventually won the praise of Time Magazine, which called the result a "model department."
He was a world traveler who conducted tours to every continent on the globe, spoke in every state of the Union, and gave lectures in 45 foreign countries.
He was a lawyer and a member of the bar in the District of Columbia and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He specialized in a study of the United States Constitution.
He proposed a bill called HR-23 when he was a chairman of a national committee. This bill would have repealed the Federal income taxes and prohibited the government from competing with private enterprise.
He was the president of a national foundation that conducts conferences and educational programs throughout the country to train Americans in the fundamental genius of the nation's original success formula. He demonstrated that nearly every aggravating problem facing America could be solved by returning to the Founding Fathers' original formula for happiness, peace, and prosperity.

September Discussion

2009-09-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

By Shiloh:

Well, I know I am a couple of days late in getting this out, but the discussion for "Eat Cake" by Jeanne Ray is officially open! I didn't want to give too much away when I assigned it, but now that everyone has read it I'll tell you more of my thoughts.

One of the things I like best about it is that it is believable. You feel that there really could be a family out there like that. I appreciate that the author is able to write believeable characters in an entertaining story that doesn't get too bogged down. Sometimes it seems to me that books that have realisitc characters end up being dramatic and depressing with "real life" situations. Here nobody is a standout, there is no "hero" as we usually think of them, they are all just "normal" people with very believable quirks that normal people have.

My favorite characters are actually the grandparents. Every time one of them enters a scene there is always a reaction. Most of the time they seemed to be the comic relief, but they could pull off the serious moments occasionally, too. Of course coming from the family that we do I totally could not understand Camille and how her parents let her get away with that attitude. I just wanted to yell at her mom and say "Why do you put up with that?!" Sam was the only character that was really hazy for me. He didn't seem to have much of a personality at all after the first day of losing his job, but then I suppose the book was more about Ruth and her midlife crisis and not his.

I will bring up a point that was brought to my attention by more than one sister, Ruth reminds us of Mom. The obvious similarities are that both are middle-aged housewives with some children gone and some still at home though pretty much grown. Both stress out and can't sleep at odd hours of the morning and so work on "projects". Both worry incessantly about their families and I am sure there are more, but I want to leave something for you guys to add.

Truly, the thing I like best about this book is that it is just good entertainment. I am able to sit back and enjoy the story without having to remember ten million characters and subplots or try to analyze every person's moves and motives. Not to say I don't enjoy those stories as well, because I do, but every now and then we all just need an escape. I do love the fact that her escape is baking because, although I don't do homemade cakes very often, I do love to cook and try new recipes when I get stressed. Well, that and read a good book!What did you think?

TEAM June Review: The Slight Edge

2009-09-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

by Skye
Sorry I have been so behind on posting on blogs. The last few weeks have been insanely chaotic.
Anyway, the TEAM book choice for June was The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. First I exhort all of you read this book! It's not just another self help book, but rather a tool to help you process and put into action the knowledge you acquire from self help books.
With easy language, it's very enjoyable to read and you don't have to spend any time rereading and deciphering paragraphs. Olson tells the blunt truth: being successful is easy. So why aren't more people successful? Because while it's easy to be successful, it's also easy not to be. And, unfortunately, we live in a world that's all about taking the easy path. For instance, Olson tells us we can transform our way of thinking by simply substituting 15 minutes of reading our fictional novel for 15 minutes of Jim Rohn, Dale Carnegie, or John C. Maxwell. Easy to do? Of course. Easy not to do? Of course. It's like eating a cheeseburger, it won't kill you to eat one today or tomorrow or the next day. But eating a cheeseburger a day for years will eventually kill you.
Some great quotes I enjoy:
"You won't suffer, or fail or blow it-today. Something is easy not to do when it won't bankrupt you, destroy your career, ruin your relationships or wreck your health-today. What's more, not doing it is usually more comfortable than doing it would be."
When it comes to critics: "...others are going to be yanking on you, sitting on you, naysaying and doomsaying on you, and doing their level best to pull you back down. Why? Because if you succeed, you'll make them look as scared and desperate as they're afraid they really are...They'd rather not hear about the vision you have, because it reminds them of the one they've lost."
The Slight Edge is not just for those who are economically or career savvy. Whether your goal is weight loss, better health (or running a dam marathon), improved relationships, starting a business, or just being more professional in your own, this book is for you! Everyone should read this book!
PS Coming soon the July TEAM selection A Thomas Jefferson Education.

September's Selection

2009-08-31T21:43:00.001-07:00

By Shiloh:

So I am going to make two suggestions. First is the "recommended" reading that we will be discussing at the end of the month. The second I just really think y'all will like if you have some extra time and I would love to discuss it with anyone who actually reads or listens to it.

For me this was a really hard choice, but I'll explain about my descision. Many of you know that although I read a great variety of literature mainly I read just to relax and enjoy myself, the way most people veg out with a movie. Although I also enjoy watching movies as much as the next person the fact is that I can normally read an average novel cover to cover in the same time I could watch a movie or two. The book I picked for discussion is called "Eat Cake" by Jeanne Ray. Amazingly enough it is simply a good story. Similar to the way many of us would sit down with ice cream and a chic flick, this is a book version, chic lit., at it's finest. Told through the eyes of a regular woman it is simply a sit, back, relax and listen-while-I-tell-you-my-story kind of book. I hope you all do just that, don't think or over analyze, just read for fun.

If you get the time or inclination the other book I highly recommend is "Born to Run: a hidden tribe, superathletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen" by Christopher MacDougall. It is one of the most entertaining yet informative books I've ever read. Ok so actually I listened to this one which I think actually made it better because whoever was narrating (it may have been the author even) was awesome! The only reason this didn't make the discussion list is because when the writer quotes other athletes (and even professors) he doesn't leave out a word, even the ones not suited for polite society. However with that warning I still encourage anybody to read this book. It is nonfiction but reads more like an adventure novel in a lot of places. I truly found it fascinating. It even kept me awake while driving across Wyoming and Nebraska in the middle of the night and trust me that takes some doing.

Have fun reading, everybody! We'll start discussion Sept. 25th.

Discussion for Peril at End House

2009-08-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am officially opening discussion for this month's reading selection. If you haven't finished it yet, you may not want to read the rest of this post until you do, lest I spoil anything for you.

I've read enough Agatha Christie that there have been times I have been absolutely convinced I had figured out the mystery before the end. My instincts have been right exactly once. (And that was astonishingly, with the book most people are the most surprised at, "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd." Even so, I still remember reading it thinking, "Oh I hope I'm wrong, I hope I'm wrong. This can't really be so." And despite having correctly figured it out, I've still read it more than once because I do consider it one of her absolute best.)

But I digress. This is not a discussion of Roger Ackroyd, it's a discussion of Nick Buckley. And by this book I was indeed surprised. One of the things I love about Christie is that she crowds the stage with so many characters that it's easy to drop hints and clues (and red herrings) without anyone picking up on it. We know from the beginning that Freddie has a secret, as does Jim Lazarus. We suspect the Crofts aren't exactly what they claim to be, we're unsure what to make of George Challenger and Charles Vyse, cousin Maggie seems a superfluous character (until she gets bumped off, of course) and we instinctively distrust the maid, Ellen, her husband and son. About the only person we do trust in the story is Poirot himself and his ever faithful Hastings.

Christie is a master of misdirection. She hides clues in plain sight as some would say. It is both brilliant and frustrating that she packs enough side story and coincidence into a single mystery that we're so easily led astray. As we read, we're constantly filing away information thinking, "That might be important" only to find out, that it was a useless red herring. And yet when all is revealed in the final scene we think, "Wow, it was right in front of me all along! She basically gave it away in the very beginning and I missed it." That was how I felt upon reading the final chapters of this story. Freddie gave us the answer in Chapter 2! And yet we were so caught up in the "red herring" clues (Jim Lazarus and his offering too much for a painting, the Crofts and their fake Austrailian accents) that we missed it completely.

I won't give away the ending just in case some of you haven't finished it. But I will say that my own instincts were not only wrong, by the time of Nick's near fatal cocaine overdose I had given up on trying to figure it out. I was much too confused by everything. I myself felt like Poirot as he pounded his head envisioning himself a failure.

As for the things I did figure out, I knew fairly early that Freddie had a drug problem. Having read enough history and literature from the time I was well acquainted with the fact that cocaine use was legal and in fact fashionable in many social circles. I did not, however, figure out who the dealer was until they revealed that fact. Freddies estranged husband showing up at the last minute seemed too coincidental and actually completely unnecessary to the story if you ask me. Except that it gave our murderer a very convenient (if momentary) scape goat. And after having heard who posted the will, I figured out that it was the Crofts who had taken it, and although I guessed it was so that they could alter the will, I had no idea how that would have tied into the murder, until of course, their true identities were revealed at the end. (And it turned out to having nothing whatsover to do with the murder anyway.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I do most Christie stories. I know that it's hard for many people to get used to her particular writing style, but once you do, you realize how carefully constructed the stories are. Poirot's indiscriminant use of French is always a little maddening, as is his huge ego. But in the end, he sorts it all out, so I guess perhaps his narsicism is slightly justified.

Discussion for August

2009-08-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

FYI - Official discussion for "Peril at End House" will begin on August 25th. Happy Reading!

Author Spotlight for August's Selection

2009-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

An Explanation and Introduction to this Month’s Selected Book

My Dearest Mother and Sisters,

I want you to know that I truly agonized over my selection of this month’s reading material. As an avid reader and book lover it was a supremely difficult choice. What is it that Drew Barrymore says to the Prince in “Ever After” when he asks her to choose a favorite book from the Monks’ library, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens…” and that is truly how I felt. I was excited and yet overwhelmed at the same time.

Initially, I considered going high brow. Something very classic that would make us all much smarter. Dante perhaps, or John Milton, maybe even Chaucer. Shakespeare’s “Othello” crossed my mind more than once. But then I realized that I wanted you to actually read the book I chose. I’d have hated to be the one behind the book that everyone chose to skip. So staying with the idea of classics I considered Austen (of course), the Bronte sisters, Flaubert, Dumas and even Hawthorne. But another realization came: that I wanted you to actually enjoy my selection.

I flirted for a time with non-fiction. I quickly ruled out history afraid you would all feel I was sending you back to school, but I did consider assigning a biography. How fun it would be if we could all learn together about the life of Marie Antoinette, or Eleanor of Aquataine or even Cary Grant or Grace Kelly. But that’s just history again, isn’t it?

Finally I determined that above all, I just wanted you to enjoy the book that I chose and decided upon Agatha Christie. Mostly because it’s quick and easy reading, which has never failed to leave me a little breathless at the end. Even after all of the dozens of Christie novels I’ve read, she still manages to surprise me.

I discovered Christie in High School. Stuck in the library one day during my level 3 drama class (of which I was the only student) I didn’t have much to do as the fall play had ended, the spring musical hadn’t started, and more importantly, Ms. Gebert was out with one of her sick boys for the day. I wasn’t expected to shelve books or organize periodicals, that was job of the “Media center workers.” The substitute told me just to work on some homework from other classes. Having already completed everything I needed to do, I began to browse the shelves for something fun to read to help me kill time. For some strange reason the name “Dame Agatha Christie” popped into my head. I’d never read any of her works before, but her name intrigued me, so I went up to second floor and pulled down the first “Christie” book I saw. It happened to be “Cards on the Table.” I read for the rest of the hour, and by the end of it, I couldn’t put the book down. I promptly checked it out, took it home and stayed up late in the living room to finish it by the light of a kerosene lamp.

I’m very excited to introduce each of you to the world of Agatha Christie. Don’t be surprised if you become an addict. I certainly did. (Skye has also ready several Christie stories and I know she enjoys them.)

My decision to have our little book club read Agatha Christie, however, presented an entirely new set of problems, especially as Christie is one of the most prolific authors of all time. Which do I choose? A novel? A play? A collection of short stories? Should we start with her very first book (which for a first time author is actually quite excellent.) Should I go for one of her more beloved characters? Poirot, Miss Marple or the Beresfords? Should I choose one that I’ve already read. I could easily name at least a dozen Christie stories that rank not only among what I think are my favorite Christie books, but among my favorite books of all time. What would be the best start for a first time Christie reader?

The only way to arrive at a conclusion was to grab my Bedside Companion to Agatha Christie and do a little research. In the end I decided upon a novel from the 1930’s, which I’d never read before and of which you will each be receiving a copy (if you haven’t already.) I always get a little bit of tingly excitement when I begin a new Christie story. It’s fun for me to try and solve the mystery before the big reveal at the end. But it’s even more fun when I learn that once again, I was wrong all along.

A few items of note about the author before I leave you to begin the book. Agatha Miller came from a well respected, if unexceptional middle-class English family. At the age of 24 in 1914 she married Archie Christie who was one of the first pilots in what was to become the R.A.F. during WWI. Agatha worked in the hospital and read detective stories until her older sister dared her to write one of her own. The result, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” which was published in 1920, was not only her first novel, but the first time she introduced the quirky, French-Speaking, retired, Belgian detective, “Hercule Poirot.”

Christie continued to write and Poroit became as famous as the immortal Sherlock Holmes, Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade to fans of mystery novels. By the time of her death in 1976 she had written more than 100 novels, plays and short stories, publishing something every single year, including the year of her death.

In 1926 she wrote what many consider to be her most ingenious novel, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” It’s one of my personal favorites and the end is nothing short of stunning. Shortly after finishing that work, her mother passed away. Still mourning the loss of her mother, her husband approached her asking for a divorce so that he could marry his younger mistress.
In one of the most bizarre events in history (and one Paul Harvey famously used as a “rest of the story” bit) Agatha drove her car into a ditch and disappeared. For three days the police treated the disappearance as a homicide and were especially focused on Archie’s mistress as evidence of her was found in the car. However, Agatha was so famous by this time that she was recognized at a spa resort in the North of England. Strangely, she was registered under the name of her husband’s mistress. There has been much speculation as to why she did it, but Agatha never confessed, having always claimed amnesia of the entire four day period. Through the rest of her life she continued to claim she had no memory of any of those events, in her two autobiographies, she doesn’t even mention the incident. Given her huge popularity and her mental duress over her mother’s death and her husband’s philandering, the authorities apparently decided to leave the case alone. No motions were ever filed, no one was ever prosecuted.

For the next couple of years she wrote as quickly as ever, but the stories released during that period are considered sub-par by her usual standard. Even so, they still sold well and Christie’s popularity continued to grow. In 1930 she married her second husband, Max Mallowan, an archaeologist who took her with him on digs all over the world. He was 14 years her junior, but still the love of her life. They remained married until her death. It is around the time of her remarriage that her stories begin to return to their former level of genius.

This brings us to the book I’ve chosen for our book club this month. “Peril at End House” was first published in 1932. In the 12 years since “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” Agatha had published 12 novels and two collections of short stories. She had also introduced all of her famous detectives. Miss Jane Marple, Tommy & Tuppence Beresford and the aforementioned Hercule Poirot, of course. “Peril at End House” was her 13th novel and already the 6th featuring Hercule Poirot.

So with that introduction I will close this novel-sized epistle and leave you to get lost in a world I’ve enjoyed since I discovered Christie in the library at Northview High School. I’m excited to hear your opinions and deductions and can’t wait for the discussion to begin.

PS The reason I provided a copy of the book is to sort of make amends for making you all read this very long and boring letter. Love you all!

My Thoughts on Ella Minnow Pea

2009-07-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has finished or is finishing up our book for July, Ella Minnow Pea. I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I did. Here are some of the reasons I picked this book: 1.) I love that it is written in epistles. I think you find out a lot about the characters when you are reading from their point of view. 2.)I also think the author, Mark Dunn, is brilliant!! I mean to be able to write a novel while losing the letters of the alphabet and still have it make sense, that takes talent if you ask me. 3.)I love his choice of words in this book. This is definitely a word lover's book. So many times I read something and thought "Oh that's fun, I'm gonna try to use that word today." (side note: I haven't been very successful at intergrating new words into my vocabulary.) 4.) How many of you noticed the solution to their problem when it was presented in the middle of the book? Not me. When it was "rediscovered" at the end of the book I had to go back and look at it. I realized how unobservant I am, especially when it comes to reading.
So those are some of the reason's I like this book. It's a fun, easy read and is different from most books we read. I hope you all enjoyed it and can't wait to hear your opinions.

What the....?

2009-07-20T05:03:00.001-07:00

Okay, since I've been without my computer all weekend I've been a little out of the loop. Indeed the title should imply that anyone can post and anyone should post. There is no "proper authority" and I don't care if every person writes their own dang Harry Potter review. It's not worth whatever went on.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Book vs. Movie

2009-07-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows my infatuation with the Harry Potter series. They know that I can quote the entire first page of Sorcerer's Stone from memory, and If you open a Harry Potter book to the middle, and read a random sentence I can tell you what is going on and what chapter it is in, (Ask Skye if you don't believe me I made her play that game with me once). I have read the first four books ten times each, the fifth book eight, the sixth book six times, and the seventh book four. I kind of Consider myself a Harry Potter expert, especially when it comes to the books.

The movies on the other hand are a different story. One and Two were good, they followed the story line very closely and most of the book fans were pleased, including myself, but I believe that most fans (myself included) Preferred the books. The third film, Prisoner of Azkaban, was not so pleasing. They left out many important details, and most of the interesting parts of the book, like how Lupin knew that the Marauders map was a map, and they put in stupid things like that annoying talking head. It was an entertaining film but just didn't hold a candle to the book. The fourth film I felt very similar about as well, but I understand that with time constraints and the length of the book, the director and screenplay writer did the best they could, read the book though it is much better. I quite enjoyed Order of the Pheonix, It is my favorite book from the series, and though the movie left a large portion of detail out, I loved the way they did it, because they didn't add in anything that wasn't in the book. And I thought that the Scene where Voldemort posseses Harry was very well done. But still I prefer the book to the movie and would reccommend that those who haven't read the book to read it before seeing the movie or you might get a little confused.

Now for the one you have been waiting for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I never thought that I would say this, but I liked the movie better than the book. You read that right. Maybe I am just saying that because they did it how I would have done it with the time constraints they had. Almost everything in the Film is in the book. But not everything in the book is in the film. They only cut out four things that I noticed, and I thought that they were the useless parts of the book anyway. The differences are that Scrimgeour and Percy never make an appearance, instead the Burrow is graced by different visitors at Christmas time and it is INTENSE. When Dumbledore is showing Harry memories there are a few left out, (I believe that they might have been too time consuming), And the battle at Hogwarts near the end was not so climatic as it is in the book simply because once Snape has done the deed the Death eaters just walk out of the school, and are almost out of the grounds when Harry catches up with them. I really like this change because I always felt that the only point of that battle was so Bill (Ron's older brother) could get his face ripped off, and since Bill has never made an appearance in the films that would have been a waste of precious time. They also left out Dumbledore's funeral, but the important conversation that takes place there is in the film.

There is more comedy in the film than the book and it helps keep the mood lighter and not so serious and it is easier to relax than it was reading the book, Ron's relationship with Lavendar is hilarious, and the character of Cormac McLaggen brings great comic relief. I also really liked the way it was written, and that they managed to stay true to the books storyline, and also keep in the little extra things that some directors would have seen as pointless and time consuming, such as the theme of growing up.
Last but not least I loved the cinematics of it all, you notice certain color schemes around certain people, when some characters enter the room the color drains to be nearly black and white tones, except for reds. This makes for very beautiful filming. I loved the way this was done and as it is I think the best potter film yet.

This posts purpose was about the book vs. the movie, differences and similarities, for a full, detailed and quite exciting movie review visit http://caliandtrav.blogspot.com/2009/07/harry-potter-and-half-blood-prince.html

by Hillary Platt

My Bad...

2009-07-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

I just want to apologize for any confusion over the "Harry Potter Movie/Book Review." When Cali called me yesterday really excited over the movie I told her she should write her own review for all of us who haven't seen it yet. I realize this isn't my blog and I probably had no right to decide who should post a review on this site. I was under the impression that this is "where those who have opinions share them." I will check with the proper authority next time before I advise anyone else to post.

Cami

TEAM May Review: Twelve Pillars

2009-07-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

by Skye
As most of you know, I belong to a leadership development program known as TEAM. Every month I receive tickets to a leadership seminar, instructional and inspirational cd's, and a book of the month. I thought some of you may be interested in these if you're looking to build a business, sharpen leadership skills, or just want a good read.

The book for May was Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener. If you're one who gets queasy with more than a couple hundred pages, have no fear because this is easy breezy reading. But just because the volume itself is thin does not mean the content is. Those pages pack a punch with a lasting impact.
The 'novel' (I use that term loosely), follows the story of Michael, a forty something year old watching his dreams and marriage go down the tubes, after he meets Charlie, the groundskeeper of the expansive estate Twelve Pillars. Charlie shares the secrets of the wealthy yet elusive Mr. Davis, the owner of the estate, with Michael, teaching him there are twelve pillars in our life that we need to build on. As he applies these lessons to his own life, Michael notices changes to his situation. Some are small and some are not but all are positive and lasting.
It's a very easy (and fast) read and while it may lack the plots, action, and drama of traditional novels, I would heartily recommend Twelve Pillars to anyone looking to improve upon their lives or relationships. It also just makes a good rainy day read.

Cami's Selection for July

2009-06-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cami has the selection for July and she promises that when she gets back home to her computer, she will write about why she made this particular selection. In the meantime she has asked me to post that she has chosen "Ella Minnow Pea" by Mark Dunn. (Skye, can you get that on the Shelfari thing? I don't know how to do it.)

It is described as progressively lipogrammatic epistolary fable. What that means is that it's written in letters and it loses some letters as it goes along. I've never read the book but according to Barnes and Noble:

Ella Minnow Pea is an epistolary novel set in the fictional island of Nollop situated off the coast of South Carolina and home to the inventor the pangram The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog. Now deceased, the islanders have erected a monument to honor their hero, but one day a tile with the letter "z" falls from the statue. The leaders interpret the falling tile as a message from beyond the grave and the letter is banned from use. On an island where the residents pride themselves on their love of language, this is seen as a tragedy. They are still reeling from the shock, when another tile falls and then another....Mark Dunn takes us on a journey against time through the eyes of Ella Minnow Pea and her family as they race to find another phrase containing all the letters of the alphabet to save them from being unable to communicate. Eventually, the only letters remaining are LMNOP, when Ella finally discovers the phrase that will save their language.

Discussion for The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2009-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone should be finishing up Hillary's choice for June. Be sure to leave comments!

Great Thoughts

2009-06-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some great thoughts found in the June 2009 Ensign:
"As with companions so with books. We may choose those which will make us better, more intelligent, more appreciative of the good and the beautiful in the world, or we may choose the trashy, the vulgar, the obscene, which will make us feel as though we've been 'wallowing in the mire'." - David O. McKay

And to add to that:
"Let us show to the world that we have talent and taste, and prove to the heavens that our minds are set on beauty and true excellence." - Brigham Young

A Guide to Fantastical Reading Featuring the Top Five Picks of a Fantasy Fanatic

2009-06-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

by Hillary
Fantasy is my forte, my choice for leisure reading, long trips, and rainy days. Even the occasional television show I watch is more at home on the Sci-Fi channel, than anywhere else.
But before I list my favorites I want you to know that these are my favorite fantasy books in general. If I were to list my favorite series it would be Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia. Though most of the books on my list are from series they can all stand alone and are great reads. Note that most fantasy books are written in series form because their plot lines are more Complex than the believable fiction. Fantasy is a broad genre so I like to divide it up into 4 categories to help understand the feel of the books.
First, Romantic Fantasy, two people in love but one is different somehow, either by magic or some sort of magical creature. Their relationship struggles, they are torn apart, they work it out in the end and live happily ever after. Example - anything written by Stephenie Meyer. The Romantic ones don't always have happy endings though, some times they end up more like Romeo and Juliette. Example - The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray.
Next, you have your Fantasy Adventure or your typical Good Vs. Evil plot line. Just when it looks like Evil is going to win, Good comes back and conquers all. This Category generally has a satisfying ending, even if it's not the happiest. Examples - Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Then you have your Fairy Tales. Need I say more? Generally romantic, the lowly girl ends up with the prince or the princess marries the farm boy she's in love with. These stories are usually based on traditional European folk tales. Examples - Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale and Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine.
Last but not least you have what I call the Strong Stomach Category. Mainly because you need a strong stomach to get through them without vomiting. These books generally contain at least one, (rarely do they contain all) of the following: a large amount of explicit violence, dismemberment, evil creatures that eat children, graphic images, heavy sensuality, and copious amounts of nudity (generally for magical purposes). But despite all of these drawbacks, this category of books makes for very intense and exciting reading that will give you an adrenaline rush. Examples - The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind.
Now that we've established the different types of fantasy I'll explain my favorites.
1. THE GOOSE GIRL by Shannon Hale - Fairy Tale
Synopsis: When Ani's mother, the queen of Kildenree, found out that her daughter could speak with birds, she forced Ani to live a sheltered life. So after her father's tragic death, Princess Ani is sent to the neighboring country of Bayern to honor the arranged marriage between her and the Bayern prince whom she has never met. During the three month journey to Bayern Ani's lady in waiting, Selia, turns her entourage against her with the plan that if they kill Ani and Selia marries the prince it will be better for them. Ani manages to escape, and through the help of the forest folk she disguises herself as a local and gets a job in Bayern's capitol tending to the king's geese. As she is laboring in the city she learns through others that Selia is living at the palace claiming to be Princess Ani and the wedding date is set. Ani discovers that Selia is planning to start a war and take over Kildenree once she becomes queen. It's up to Ani and her new friends to stop the war before it happens. But the only way she can stop it is by facing her fear, and admitting who she really is, but what will her new friends think? Will they accept her for who she is? Will the prince she never met believe that she is supposed to be his bride, instead of the woman he has spent the last several months with? Is she ready to give up the new happiness she has found? A fun Novel with Romance, Comedy, Drama, and Action, everything you need to relax in a bubble bath on a rainy day. A promising start to a fun series.
2. THE CITY OF EMBER by Jeanne Duprau - Adventure
Synopsis: This book is more Sci-Fi than fantasy, but any fantasy fan will love it. Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow live in a dark world. Though the city they live in has electricity, they have never heard of cars or telephones, movable lights are inconceivable, to picture the sky any color but black is laughable, and they don't even know what animals are. As the generator that powers the great city of Ember begins to fail and the warehouses that have been eternally providing food are nearly empty, Lina and Doon realize that it is only a matter of time before the city will be left in the utter darkness of the world, and the people will starve to death. Yet they are the only ones with hope, the only ones who believe that there is a way out of the city and a safe haven for the people. But where is that place, what can be safe when you can't even see where your going?A thought provoking novel with a cliff hanger ending that somehow leaves you with that warm and fuzzy feeling.
3. THE EYE OF THE WORLD by Robert Jordan - Strong Stomach
Synopsis: This book is an exciting fast paced first installment to an epic 13 book series, The Wheel of Time. Rand, Mat, and Perrin are best friends who have always dreamed of adventure. When their town is attacked by viscous monsters they run away with a witch who says that they are the reason the monsters came. The world revolves around them (literally) and they are supposed to change it. A great book that seems to be loosely based on L.O.T.R. They have a lot of similarities anyway. A book that any Fantasy fan will love with everything from mystical creatures to magical weapons. It will definitely get your blood flowing.
4. ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine - Fairy Tale
Synopsis: A Cinderella story with a twist. This story explains why Ella always did what she was told by those wretched sisters. At birth a fairy gave her the "gift" of obedience so she had to do whatever she was told. But eventually she gets to the age when doing everything she is told gets her, and others, in trouble and pushes away the man she loves. She has to look inside herself and break the curse to find her happily ever after. A quick, easy, light read that will keep you laughing and riveted from cover to cover.
5. THE HORSE AND HIS BOY by C.S. Lewis - Adventure
Synopsis: This is one of my favorite fantasy books. Though it is part of The Chronicles of Narnia, it is a side story and a wonderful stand alone novel. When Shasta overhears his abusive, adopted father selling him to a soldier, he runs away with the soldiers horse, Bree, who is a talking horse from Narnia. On their Journey to Narnia and the North, they meet some unlikely traveling companions. A series of events unfolds that makes for an intriguing, thought provoking book, and will leave you craving an adventure of your own.
Fantasy is a great genre. One that once you start reading it, it is nearly impossible to stop. But I understand that some people have a hard time getting into it; understanding things that aren't real is hard for them to do. So if you would like to ease into fantasy I have two very famous books that I will recommend. The first is TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer (romantic fantasy). This book is a very fast paced novel about a girl that drives an old truck, struggles through high school, and faces the same dilemma that every teenage girl does: she falls in love. Doesn't sound like fantasy does it? Not until you find out the boy she falls in love with is a Vampire. More believable than any other fantasy book, but still just as unlikely.The second book is HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE by J.K. Rowling (adventure). This book also mixes the everyday and the impossible. As a bullied boy who lives with relatives he hates, Harry finds out that he is a wizard. Not only is Harry a wizard but he is also very famous in the wizarding world for defeating the most evil wizard in history when he was just a baby. Join Harry as he experiences the culture shock of going from the every day ordinary to the wizarding extraordinary.I hope this has been of some help to those who are looking for something new to read and are interested in broadening their horizon's to the fantasy genre.

Read the Book or Watch the Movie?: Angels & Demons

2009-06-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

by Skye
Watch the movie. True there are little facts and tidbits and character quirks that you just can't squeeze into two hours, but taken as a whole, the movie was the better work. We love that Dan Brown knows so much about everything that he can't give the title of a mere sculpture without going into detail abut the history of the artist, the location, and the works written about it, but is all of that truly necessary to the action or plot of the story? Not really. I appreciated also that Ron Howard opted to leave out the anti-climactic death of the Arabic assassin, the biological ties of the Camerlengo and the Pope, and the ridiculous periled flight of Robert Langdon. That makes for a longer book, but also for a laughable scenario. You have to cringe, and giggle, at Robert Langdon using a small fabric scrap to survive a leap of death out of a doomed helicopter floating high above the atmosphere. Although, the sixth and most magnificent brand was disappointingly downplayed in the movie when they replaced it with the papal keys.
The book is still fascinating and those looking for thrills will find them but if you must choose one, go for the movie.

Book of the Month: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2009-06-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is Hillary's choice for the month of June. To participate in the discussion forum simply leave a comment under this post. Enjoy!