Imagine a new book....

New book club pick. Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. I started reading it last night and nd flying through it. Super easy read. Same chick who wrote Something Borrowed. I like it. And am looking forward to the next book club. It's always nice to get together with the ladies. One more book club then I'll have a new honorary member joining us, in October. Can't believe that due date is coming up so fast. Also very excited that Christine will be back at work, and back to blogging again. Stay tuned...

Fifty Shades of Grey

New book! Excited and loving it. Are we going to read the whole trilogy again? Just got it yesterday and am already 20% through it. Thanks for the laughs Jasmine.even though you kicked us out... And thanks for. Having a birthday Kristin, which in turn ave Amba the excuse to make cake! Wonderful. Miss you girls and I very much look forward to our monthly get togethers. Should happen more often. Now Leroy's get back to reading books before Amber starts looking for another bookclu.

The Hunger Games

Ok, so I missed last book club when it was decided that we were going to continue reading the Hunger Games trilogy. Glad that was chosen, cause I was going to read them anyways. Great books. I have a hard time coming to grips with the fact that they are being touted as the next teen rage (even though the Hunger Games was released in 2008). Suzanne Collins got the idea to write this book while watching the war in Iraq and reality television. I don't know how many teenage girls who have both of those interests, but whatevah.

My favorite of the three books was The Hunger Games. I think that it was very interesting. And you never totally knew where the story was going. I guess you knew that Katniss was going to come out on top, but with everything happening in the book, it made for a really great story. Mockingjay I did not really like. I think that it needed to be written and I needed to read it to finish off the story, but I just didn't really care once I got into it. The whole revolution, and everyone dying for "the Mockingjay", I mean... And then the mayor of District 13 was basically just like President Snow. It was just weak. Sorry if any of y'all loved it the most. Also - DISCLAIMER IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED MOCKINGJAY - I hated how it ended. Hated that she ended up with Peeta. Hated that Gale didn't even try to come back with her or even try to talk to her after her trial. Didn't care about Snow dying or that other chick getting shot with an arrow. Meh. It was almost like they just needed to wrap it up. Which they did, but I didn't like the way that it was done. Also, I think that the little nerd that they have cast for Peeta is going along exactly with what I had in my mind about who he was. I never liked him in the book. I always thought that Katniss was just playing it out for the audience. Anyways, I was never rooting for him, and I think that he should have just eaten those berries in the first book. HA!

I am excited to see the movie with you ladies though. I've actually heard some good things about it, which is a lot to say seeing as movies made after books usually never live up to the hype. Catching Fire is due out next year something, so if this one is good then we'll have something to look forward to. Not saying that's the only thing in 2013 that we'll have to look forward to, but you know...

I Miss Books

Hey ladies! This blog hasn't been updated in months. Also, we haven't picked a new book to read in about that long either. Super looking forward to Thursday. Although my main highlight about book club is still getting together with you ladies, I also miss the book picks. It's always interesting to see what somebody else might be wanting to read. And I usually end up reading a book I never would have picked out on my own. And I can't say that there were too many stinkers in the pile (we forgive you Shannon - lol). Anyways, hope this blog will get back to being in use. And hope that we'll continue with the club and continue with the reading. Love to you all!

New book

I can never remember what our new book is called. Something about the hotel on the corner of something and something else. I have yet to download it. I was hoping that I'd be able to get it from the library, but alas, they don't have it and I didn't request they bring it in, as I thought that I would be quicker to buy it on my Kobo. The Kobo has made it to the basement and that it all. I think I will go back and see if the library can get it for me. We'll see how long it takes them to get it in. Apparently you can rent books from the library for your eReaders and they'll stay for 3 weeks. I was also reading somewhere that you can lend books to your friends who have eReaders and as long as you are lending out too, then it's all good. Wish I could remember where I read that or how to do it.

I finally got to see The Help this week. I went with the Agbeyakah sisters. Definitely had to choke back tears at the end when May Mobley was pounding on the window yelling "No Abie, don't go". Good grief, why do they do that to you? Great movie. I definitely did notice that there were quite a few things missing (which is weird cause that movie was over two hours) but it was still great. Emma Stone was not as "old maid" as I pictured Skeeter to be. Look at me, a movie on a Wednesday night. Holy party...

The Help

New book ladies - and The Help was voted book for June. We plan to see the movie once we've read the book. That way those of you who are busy reading yoga books can still participate ;) Glad we've got something picked for this month. I tried to read Committed - no good. And then I've been struggling through What Remains. Ugh, either I just can't get into it, or it wasn't what I thought it was going to be or it's just bad. Or maybe all of the above. Either way, I'm excited to read a new book. Even though it took me 45 minutes to download it last night. Yeesh, this Kobo is supposed to make my life easier not more frustrating. Happy Reading!

Choose Your Own Adventure

Thank you Amber for a wonderful book club on Friday. Always a delicious dinner and always great conversation. Just to recap up the night:

1) We are all going to Vegas in April. Woot, woot. I cannot wait to start planning this with you ladies. It's going to be so much fun.

2) No book this month. Pick your own and we'll discuss when we meet up for the next book club. I am going to be reading What Remains. It's basically a Bessette/Kennedy memoir that was recommended to me. I'm excited to get stated on it.

3) Unfortunately it was our last book club with Candice. I'm sure she'll be making special appearances at times though. Maybe even through Skype!!

4) Jasmine looks fantastic. Props to her for her commitment!!!!!

5) Book club at my place next month (June). I'll check out some dates and send you all an e-mail to see what works best for everyone.

It's always so great to hang out with you ladies...

Movie Review, Another Chick Flick, and more...

Sup Book Club!

What'cha busy with? I have been thinking 'bout you all. I have a few things to discuss....

1. 3 of us for sure loved Two Kisses for Maddy...did everyone read this tear jerker? And since this is a movie busy post, who do you think would play Matt in the movie?

2. I saw Water for Elephants...it was just meh. I do not love R.Patz, thought he was hollow. And does Reece Witherspoon have a lisp? I didn't love her in it either. They just missed a ton of character development, as most books to movies do - just can not cram it in 2 hours. But the cinematography (? - is that the right word) was beautiful, it was a pretty, dark, movie setting.

3. Something Borrowed is coming out as well. This was a fun, beach, Chick Lit, book. I love Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson so I'll def see it, though probably not until it's out on Bell. And also, Jim from the Office. Good casting for a Rom-Com

4. Will you read this book? Jaycee Dugard is publishing a "tell all". She was the girl kidnapped at 11, and kept in tents in that psycho's backyard. She had his 2 children. I shudder thinking about it. I don't know if I want that information in my brain, it never does go away...but what has me curious about it is reading Room recently. I was wondering how much similarity there would be between the Mom in Room and what this Jaycee went through...I dunno...thoughts? He's getting 431 years in prison. Deserved.

That's all for now. Miss you all!

Amba...you up for hosting this month?

Two Kisses for Maddy

I read this book in a day. Helped that I had it on the ipad ALL DAY at work (yeah, probably should have been working). Anyway, I just couldn't put it down. I'm wondering if it's because I am a Matt Logelin blog reader, or if someone who just picked it up with no prior knowledge of the story, would think it as fabulous. So READ IT and then let me know! I've started Bossypants and have been giggling at some of the jokes. It's quite funny. It's going to be my treadmill book this week. I'm 10 weeks late starting training for my 60km WALK in July. Gots to gets going. Good books help. Keep 'em coming. ARRRRRRRRIBA! Have a fab time in Mexico, Senoritas! Have uno mas shot of tequila for me. Por favor. C

Books and Movies

Hey Y'all... 3 Thoughts I have today for my favourite people.

1. I want to read Two Kisses for Maddy. April 14 it comes out. I've been a Matt Logelin blog reader for a long time now and love his writing already. This one requires tissues. A.Des, I know you are with me on this one. We can cry together.


2. I want to read BossyPants by Tina Fey. Lainey says it's awesome. Do I trust Lainey? No. (Remember how she dissed the name Cash?) Do I get her sense of humor? Totally. Plus I really like Tina Fey...not girl crush like her...just, like her.


3. I want to see Water for Elephants (click here for our blog thoughts on this book from ages ago) even though a fan of R.Patts and Reece Witherspoon, I am not. (I talk like Yoda, don't I) SInce we are all busy and important people, I'm just going to throw out there that we all go see it Tuesday, April 26 at Chinook Centre. Or matinee styles on Saturday, April 30. Do I have someone to share a popcorn with on either of those dates? I like extra butter!!!!

See you ladies tomorra.

What's up BC?

Hey...everyone's kinda quiet on the blog comment front... I can't imagine why!? Maybe totally swamped with Gymnastics Festivals...giant moves...sick babies...trips to MX and HI...dog sitting... Oh BC...where are those dog days of summer...where my biggest decision of the day is what Tony Roma's BBQ Sauce to slather on my kebab...or to fruit or not fruit my drink...sigh... What are you reading? Doing? Feeling? Thinking? I need to know these things.

WICKED is coming to the Jubilee

Who wants to go see Wicked? I never did finish the book, but would totally be interested in going to see the Stage production.

Is anyone else in? June 29 - July 17. Tickets look about the $100 range.

Finer FOOD Book Club

Book Club Cookbook!

Here's my attempt to remember all the deliciousness that we have had every month for the last 3.5 years. Fill in my blanks ladies and e-mail your recipes to Candice!!

Christine
-Yummy Chicken, Quinoa Rissoto, Walnut Oil Salad
-Mexican Night, Frozen Mojito Pie, Frozen Toblerone Mousse
-Thai Curry

Malia
-Mexican Lasagna
-Yummy Asian noodle dish and...

Candice
-Perogies and...
-Quiche and...

Kristen
-Sushi
-K.Shew's Perogie Casserole

Amba
-Homemade Pizza
-Nick's Takeout
-OMG Delicious Indian Food

Jasmine
-Gourmet Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
-Chinese Take Out

Shannon
-Brunch ala Banff Springs
-Salmon, Lemon Rice, Brocolli & Cheese Sauce, Sticky Toffee Pudding for Dessert
-Homemade bread and spaghetti sauce
-Pizza and Cupcakes!

We have also eaten out, and taken out, at many fun establishments...
1410
Nectar Desserts
Julios Barrio
Naan Bread from Bubly's
Bangkoknoi
Diner Deluxe
Nick's
Wok Box

And have had a few signature Book Club Drinks...
Who could forget the Black 'n Tan
Bulldogs
Blueberry Tea

New Book! New Book!

Thanks Shannon for a truly gourmet Book Club feast! You outdid yourself. Just so we can all remember it was salmon (with butter sauce), quiche, brocolli (with cheese sauce - need that recipe), and yummy lemon risotto/rice. Also the bread and dippers and of course the sticky toffee pudding for dessert! Soooo good.

Also some great books to choose from.

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
Day After Night by Anita Diamant
Let the Great World Spin by Colum Mccann

And the winner was.....






Very excited to read this one...post with your thoughts/comments!
Till next month! Happy Reading

ps. Can we all go see Water For Elephants together?

Mid month update!

Hey gals,
How's it going this month? Reading our book, another book, or nothing at all?
I liked Left To Tell, thought it was brutal, hard to believe it happened!!
But I am loving A Reliable Wife! Can't put it down! Thanks for the tip Jasmine!
Are we on for the 28th at Shannon's?
C

A New Book

Thanks for coming last night ladies! We missed you Candice! Reviews of your book Unbearable Lightness were great. Definitely one to read if you haven't already.
Keeping in the biography genre, my 3 choices for this month were
I Shall Not Hate
Prisoner of Tehran
Left to Tell


Vote was for Left to Tell, a story about a Rwanadan holocaust survivor. I hope that it is equal parts informative and inspiring!

Until next time at Horne's House....comment with your thoughts

Unbearable Lightness

I loved this book. I had not planned to read it because I thought how could I read that many pages about bingeing and purging...but in the end I found it fascinating! Two things in particular jumped out at me in the epilogue that I thought I needed to remember. The first was her comment about how she never sees overweight people out walking their dogs, but lots of people overweight walking on treadmills in the gym. Tha makes so much sense to me not only because I attribute a lot of my weight loss to Patch's puppy dog eyes begging me to walk him every day, but that we reap so much benefit out of life from doing what we truly enjoy. When I walk patch I almost always have a friendly interaction with another person, I meet neighbors, I get a bouncy happy dog who is so grateful and excited, fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the downtown parks. On the treadmill at the gym it's just the whirr of machines, people plugged into iPods, and smell of sweat. Gross. I will remember this post next time I consider a gym membership

The last thing I loved from this book was the quote, I think it's on the very last page. That "true nobility isn't about being better than anyone else; it's about being better than you used to be." I just love that.

Thanks Candice for another great pick that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen.

Happy New Year Book Club!

Coming to you live from the new iPad! Loving this thing. Sad there were NO posts in December! I think a first in our 3.5 years!
Catching up, we all loved Room. Had another wickedly delicious meal at Casa del Bauer. Decided to read Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi (how hilarious she made that up. Seriously? I think I'm going to go by Princess Beyonce Buttercup again) also we have homework to do a daytrip from Calgary. This months meeting is delayed due to the most brutal winter of sickness that I can ever remember! Hopefully we are all well enough to get together soon, and Amber,s delicious Indian meal is spicy enough to knock any remaining colds out of us. Are you being productive with this extra time to read? I'm multitasking Unbearable Lightness and Secret Daughter. This year my resolution is to Focus and do one thing at a time, but I have to say I after a slow start to Secret Daughter, I am having a hard time putting both down!
Reading on the iPad is AWESOME. Any one else out there loving the switch to paperless? Gotta say, didn't think that I would!
Lastly, I'm doing the Happiness Project month-to-month this year. Any one want to join me?
Happy Reading! Comment what you are up to!

Prize for 'Room'

Reading the National Post this morning, I came across an article about our book pick for October, 'Room'. Glad it's getting recognized, as it was a very haunting and powerful read. Check it out.

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/11/02/emma-donoghue-wins-rogers-writers-trust-fiction-prize-for-room/

New Year of Books!

Hi Ladies!
It is only 9:14 and I am already home from Book Club, blogging about Book Club. Thanks Baby Cash. I am super excited that our new book is Room by Emma Donoghue. I am also super excited that we have our new year set out, as well as an extracurricular trip to Canmore coming up in a few weeks! Squeee! Don't forget to send me here, or on FB, or on e-mail the times of your spa treatments so we can map out times for coffees, shopping, hot tubs and when to head back to the condo for eating, drinking, more eating, and more drinking.

This is what we've put ourselves down for potluck so far...
Malia - Appie/Salad
Candice - Appie
Amber - Veg Lasagna
Christine - Dessert

You know I realize this is simple math, but 3 years X 12 books = 36 books we've shared! Give or take a few months. Check out our Shelfari to see where we've been! I've updated the last year. Ah the memories...

I'm trying to get back into this blogging thing, and trying to figure out how to get music going. Let me know if you have any other blog requests and I'll update.