A Question for Readers

Hi,
Maybe you've noticed that entries on this blog have been slowing down and becoming more intermittent. Maybe you haven't noticed.

That is what I would like to know. Is anyone reading this? If you are out there and periodically checking for information, would you please let me know?

I would really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Autumn Advances

We expanded our meeting table once more as we welcomed one visitor and one new club member (aptly named Susan), for the discussion of: Stalking Susan, by Julie Kramer.

All of us liked the book! Cora thought we must have set a record on agreement.

We liked the story itself, the author's style of writing, the main character, and all of the references to the Minneapolis area. A few people in the group commented on the fact it was a likeable mystery. What most of us found appealing was that it managed to be a mystery about murders that didn't include graphic violence, foul language, or descriptive lovemaking.

It was fun to compare our different perceptions about the supporting characters - the newsman ranging from a stern authoritarian to a bumbling egotist, and Riley's boss more than one of us have experienced working with, a harsh business woman somewhat akin to The Devil Wears Prada.

At least one of our members is in ownership of Ms. Kramer's follow-up book, Missing Mark, with other members signing onto the libraries waiting list for the book. More about the author can be found on her web site: juliekramerbooks.com

The Great Park Grove August Get-Together

We welcomed some new readers to our regular group last night when we met to discuss The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski.

The book was a sizeable read, for a summertime tome, and a couple of people in our group had not had a chance to finish before the meeting. Nevertheless, they did not mind our discussion which resulted in an almost unanimous opinion of 'thumbs up', with only one person expressing a dislike of the book, or a 'thumbs down.'

There was so much to talk about with this book. We mostly enjoyed the author's writing style, being so beautifully descriptive with his words, being able to draw us, as readers, into the story as if it were taking place around us. Many of us found the description and actions of the dogs to be so true to life; we were able to exchange stories of our own pets. (Even Diane's especially courageous bird, who bravely skirted around the household's cat and dog to sit with and play with her child.)

More than one of us, though, expressed disappointment with the ending. But, gradually through the discussion we came to realize the reasoning behind it. Some of the research for discussion questions led to speculations by others that the book's storyline and plot is borrowed from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Is it to be?

It Pays to Read!

Next week marks the start of the legendary ten days of fun and food at the Great Minnesota Get Together - the Minnesota State Fair!

This year the organizers have added an extra day for discounted admission tickets. And the theme for the savings is: Read and Ride Wednesday! (September 2nd).

See the State Fair web site for complete information, but the concept is that anyone who purchases an admission ticket at the fairgrounds, and shows a valid public library card, will receive a discount on the price of their ticket.

How much fun is that??

July July July

What a remarkably pleasant summer we have been having. Just right for reading a good book.

So, sorry, I was away on vacation during July's book club meeting. I missed the discussion - though I am sure it went well.

June Reading Wrap-Up

Ahhh, you can easily tell that it's summer - our group of readers was much smaller than usual this meeting.

It couldn't have been the book that chased people off, because of the five who attended to discuss Middlesex, (by Jeffrey Eugenides), everyone found things about the novel to like. Some of us were more impressed with the opening historical content of the story, and some of us enjoyed the personal story of the narrator during the second part of the book. But, overall, the book was well received.

Our planned leader for the evening, Mary, was absent due to illness. But pages of questions were found for discussion, and we were kept engaged for the total time allowed us at the library. In fact, the librarian was knocking on the door with reminders of the earlier closing time to be sure we knew to leave.

The questions covered the gamut of material within the book - while applying them to the reading we found ourselves making insightful discoveries about the themes within the story. Central to everything was the concept of searching for identity, whether it be historically, culturally, environmentally, or biologically. Several people commented on the best part of all, that so much could be said while writing with such an enjoyable sense of humor.

May; We Meet Again

And in complete honesty I must admit that I did not attend the meeting that was held this month.

However, I have email from Diane that states: "We had a unanimous opinion on The Other Boleyn Girl. Everyone liked it and we had a great discussion led by Freda."

So, I suppose I should have made a greater effort to attend.

Coming up next is the book Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides, because summer is a great time for reading too!