Although Jane created this blog as a forum for naming good books, and the discussions that follow, I hope you will allow me to veer slightly for a moment. As most of the members of our book club are moms or grandmothers, as well as book lovers, we surely have children in our lives for whom we love to find a great book! This week, in search of one for my nephew's birthday, I visited Petunia's Place. I must admit, it has been too long since I have entered the literary treasure trove that is Petunia's. I didn't want to leave! I wanted to browse for hours, getting ideas for my kids' birthdays, and Easter, and summer, and on and on! So if you have never visited this wonderful store (on the south-west corner of Bullard and Marks), stop in to browse sometime. They are, in my opinion, the best childrens' and young adult book store in Fresno! However, being a small, locally owned store, their future is never certain. I am happy to report I left with an armful of new books, not just for my nephew, but for my own kids, and even some friends. There is nothing like the feel and smell of a new book!
P.S. They have a free, pre-school story-time at 11 a.m. every Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Book Club Gathering #1
On Saturday night, a group of us met at Lotti's house to discuss the book, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen. (Sorry in advance about the pictures- I'm still learning how to adjust them for different lightings!) 
The book refers a great deal to the Mennonite culture, so it was only fitting that we started off with a Mennonite meal. Emily brought some fancy cheeses (like if it was for vaspa), Tracy and Jill made borscht (chicken and beef), Jamie made zwiebach, Karen made verenika casserole and brought German sausage, and Lotti baked rhubarb plautz. It was delicious- thank you to those who brought things to share with the rest of us!
Since we all attend a Mennonite church and many of us are either culturally Mennonite or married to one, I knew our discussion was going to be very interesting! Another dynamic that added to our discussion was the fact that many of the women know or know of either the author and/or her family. I think it's safe to say that there were mixed reviews- some women were offended and felt like the book was very disrespectful, and others thought that it was funny and a just a snapshot of a woman's journey to understanding herself. Overall, if there's anyone out there who is interested in reading this book, I know where to find 16 copies! I don't think any of us loved the book enough to highly recommend it, nor do I think that any of us will be holding onto our copy! Overall, the gathering was exactly what I have been hoping to be a part of- a group of people getting together to hang out and talk about what we read, discussing different perspectives, and reflecting on new insights. It was a great evening! For more information about the book, click HERE.
Our book club's next selection is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows.
The book refers a great deal to the Mennonite culture, so it was only fitting that we started off with a Mennonite meal. Emily brought some fancy cheeses (like if it was for vaspa), Tracy and Jill made borscht (chicken and beef), Jamie made zwiebach, Karen made verenika casserole and brought German sausage, and Lotti baked rhubarb plautz. It was delicious- thank you to those who brought things to share with the rest of us!
Since we all attend a Mennonite church and many of us are either culturally Mennonite or married to one, I knew our discussion was going to be very interesting! Another dynamic that added to our discussion was the fact that many of the women know or know of either the author and/or her family. I think it's safe to say that there were mixed reviews- some women were offended and felt like the book was very disrespectful, and others thought that it was funny and a just a snapshot of a woman's journey to understanding herself. Overall, if there's anyone out there who is interested in reading this book, I know where to find 16 copies! I don't think any of us loved the book enough to highly recommend it, nor do I think that any of us will be holding onto our copy! Overall, the gathering was exactly what I have been hoping to be a part of- a group of people getting together to hang out and talk about what we read, discussing different perspectives, and reflecting on new insights. It was a great evening! For more information about the book, click HERE.Our book club's next selection is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Another Blog?!
I must admit- I'm creating this blog for selfish reasons! I love to read and am always looking for recommendations from other people. (Note that I said "other people!" This blog won't be of use if I'm the only one contributing!!!) With limited time, I would much prefer to read a book knowing that it will be worth my while. So, my hope for this blog is that my fellow book lovers will post their thoughts after reading a book-ANY book! Sure, it could be about our current book club selection, but many of us read other books, too. It doesn't have to be a long post- even if you're only able to share the title, whether or not you liked it, and a one sentence overview! Share why you enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) the book... You could share some memorable quotes, something new you learned... If you're not currently reading something, you could even do a review of a book that you have read previously. Be "an open book-" share with us!
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