Book Club Recap

Big Thanks to Alana for a fun Book Club last night!!! The food was delicious...veggie chili and banana bread was so good together, I think this is how I will always serve it from now on (not to forget the real butter and salt too)


Alana's Choices for December book were:
1. The Year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood
2. Stitches: A Memoir - David Small
3. The Outlander - Gil Adamson


The Winner IS...

Click here for the author's website - Gil is a SHE! Short for Gillian, pronounced "Jill".
Click here for an interview with Gil and David Wrobleski (our fave author of the Never Ending Story of Edgar Sawtelle). It is semi long, but interesting!

I think this will be a great Christmas read. I did a little more looking online about it and it seems like it might be reminiscent of The Birth House (1900's young heroine) and One Thousand White Women (again, Wild West and young heroine). Two books I thoroughly enjoyed.

The chase in this book takes place across Southern Alberta Crowsnest Pass area, and at some point ventures into Frank, Alberta. Didn't we all take a field trip there as kids? This should be some interesting local historical fiction, which I always am excited about.

Thanks Amber and Candice for the cute, thoughtful gifts.

I hope wherever you travel for the holidays...be it Fort Mac, Saskatoon, Kauai, Montana, Castlegar, or a cozy Christmas at home...it will be safe and filled with good eats, sweet treats, lively conversation, and deep sleeps.

Happy Christmas Reading Ladies!!!

Book Club Week!

Hello ladies,


It is Book Club week! We are still on for Thursday, December 10th at Alana's? Can't wait to find out what we'll be reading...squeee!


I had to look back and see that it was April 3 that we last gathered at the Coldwell's...(then the Bray/Coldwell's). Seems like a lifetime ago! I do enjoy how I can reflect on how life was by the memories of our monthly get togethers.

We watched Choke (so weird that one)...

Jasmine was all bubbly...ha ha...

I was upset and worried I might be pregant (I wasn't) ...

Alana was tipsy and wanted to Britney dance party while Mike fought her on the song selection, but in that cute way guys have of egging her on and poking fun at her at the same time.

Kristin was off to Thailand with Kyle and posted her nervousness about how they'd travel together and if they'd still like each other at the end...turns out those were needless worries, weren't they?

...what do the rest of you remember about life 9 months ago...

See you on Thursday...

The 00's

It's the end of a decade. Did you realize? This was pointed out to me by Lainey, on this article about Lists. There will be SO many "BEST Of The 00's" lists. Here's one to start you off...The 100 Best Books of the Decade.

How many of this list have you read? What was your best book of the 00's? Could you sum up your 00's in one word?

POST-Edit...I found another Best Books of the Decade List and it reads like a list of my book shelf and our Book Club! I've read 22 off this one, and just 5 off the first. It's so subjective, but nonetheless, fun to agree and disagree.

Some Fearful Symmetry Links for you...

Highgate Cemetery

NY Times Review (slight Spoiler alert!)

Audrey Niffenegger (Official site)

Clairvoyant Kim (how much does this book make you want to pay Kim a visit!! I do! I do!)

Not Book Related...

I came across this today and had to post it. I can't link directly to the Red Velvet Cupcake recipe, but they all look awesome for the holidays!

Choosing Your Book

Hey All,

Here is an article I found on Reading Group Guides on how to choose a book for book club. Thought you might find it interesting! It's wordy...so I bolded in case you like to skim.

Choosing What to Read
One of the most enjoyable yet frightening aspects of a reading group is choosing the books. While it's exciting to consider the options, make your list and winnow it down to those few select titles that you'll read each year, picking good books for your group can also be intimidating. You want the perfect book: one that's not too easy, not too hard, that will hold the interest of a diverse group of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. Where on earth do you find books that are all that and more, and how do you pick which of these to read?
Probably the best place to start looking for titles is your own members' bookshelves. Some groups insist that those proposing a book have read it and can testify to its worthiness for the group. Other groups would rather that no one have read the book, making it a surprise for everyone; they choose books based on word of mouth from outside sources, reviews, or dust jacket blurbs. Is there a title that many of you have always wanted to read? A classic that some of you would like to revisit or have never quite gotten to? An old favorite that you'd love to share with your group?
Are you looking for something a little different? Outside your normal reading curve? Try searching this site for a good book. All the books listed here have reading guides that can enhance your group's discussion. Many publishers specialize in certain types of books, either by genre or literary style. If you find a book you like, search the publisher's site for similar titles. Try reading several works by one author or on the same topic. Or compare two books set in the same time period or focusing on related topics. Some reading groups even have themes, such as 19th century literature, science fiction, or women authors. If this is not the case with your group, remember that a major complaint of many reading groups is monotony --- all their books tend to have the same subject or tone. Be sure to include a variety of topics and voices in your selections so your group doesn't get bored.
Another place to look for recommendations is your local library or bookstore. Libraries routinely put out lists of recommended readings and librarian picks. Bookstore clerks are generally up on what's popular--the bestseller lists and what other groups in your area may be reading. Lists of award winners and nominees such as the Pulitzer Prize, the Booker Prize and the National Book Award can provide your group with many quality suggestions. There are also many books available now that have lists of books for reading groups. These are usually divided into a wide range of categories to fit many reading groups' tastes. An important decision to make before picking your books is to decide if your reading group members are willing to buy hardbacks or if all selections must be available in paperback.
Now that you've got your list of books, how do you choose which ones to read? In many groups, each member suggests several titles and the group decides together which they'll read. Often these groups will choose several months' or a year's worth of books ahead of time. In other groups, each member takes a turn making her or his selection. Your group might prefer the excitement of deciding next month's read only after this month's discussion, or you may prefer to plan at least two months ahead to allow time for everyone to get the book, especially if some of you are depending on the library for your copy.
Choosing your book list should be fun. The better informed you are about the titles you consider, the less likely you are to pick a dud. Use this website and to get suggestions and information, make your list, and then enjoy the best part --- the reading and discussion of great books!

Book Club TONIGHT - Post Edit

Sawadee Ka!

Wee change of plan tonight for Book Club. It's been one of those weeks. So instead of toiling over dinner last night and tonight I thought it would be more fun if I took you gals out for my favourite Thai place, Bangkoknoi for some spicy food and conversation. It's just up the street so convene at my place as usual and we'll head out from there.

See you tonight.
C

-*-*-*-The results are in-*-*-*-

Shannon and Amber for The Diary of Anne Frank

Jasmine and Kristin for The Zahir

Malia and Alana for Her Fearful Symmetry

Candice was the swing vote and chose

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

"An unnerving, unforgettable and enchanting ghost story, a novel about love and identity, secrets and sisterhood and the tenacity of life - even after death".

Hope you enjoy gals!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND JASMINE