The Hunger Games- November 2011 Pick

This young adult novel is very popular with teens and adults and book clubs.   It takes place in a future world that requires each district to send a boy and a girl to fight to the death for the entertainment of all.   The games are televised and everyone is required to watch every bit of the horrible spectacle.  

Yes, it sounds awful but I found myself pulled into the story by the wonderful characters and their feelings.  The book club was mixed on this book.  Some like their books more sophisticated but several attendees have gone on to read the whole series. 

Many of us liked a quick and easy read around the holidays when we are so busy.  It will be excited to see the movie and compare.

The Soldiers Wife - September 2011 Pick

We haven't met on this one yet, but it does take place on Guernsey- which is the setting for the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- which was a favorite.

The Passage- July 2011 Pick

This is a literary post-apocalyptic tale.  It is the beginning of a trilogy that will soon be on the big screen.  

The Given Day- April 2010 Pick

Lots of good history in this well researched novel.

Her Fearful Symmetry- August 2010 Pick

This book was quite strange and the reaction to it was mixed.  Some really did not like the book and others liked it a lot.  Most could not put it down though.   Reading about a obsessive compulsive person was very different for me but many thought he was the most normal character in the story. 

None of us were certain what the author meant by the title- what exactly she was referring to with her reference to symmetry.   Many were horrified at the end when Elspeth proved herself to be quite selfish- can't say more because it will give it away.   Anyway, it was a strange but fascinating read and certainly fodder for a great discussion.

I'm really glad Cutting For Stone is now in paper. This book is what I think of as a saga. It's the story of twin brothers who grow up in Ethiopia. The author has created memorable characters, people you care about. While the political situation in Ethiopia is the backdrop for most of the action, this is most definitely a story about people you won't easily forget. I hope you get the chance to read it then come in and talk about it. I love to talk about books. I can even talk to you right here on this page. I'd love to hear what you have enjoyed reading recently.   Linda

Reliable Wife- Concord April 2010 Pick

Most of the 11 attending the meeting liked the book. There were notable exceptions though.  We spent a good deal of time on the main characters. Most felt that they were not very likable people. One member found the plot predictable.

There was one comment that the novel had no literary value. 

Personally, the book was page turner for me. I found it entertaining. I really am happy when there is give and take in a book discussion. It spices things up. What do you think?

Linda

Diane liked the book but thought it obviously was written by a man- ask her to explain this- when you see her.

Little Heathens

"The Lace Reader- A great read for October

Linda says:  Once I started to read this novel, I hated having to put it down. The main character, Towner Whitney, is unique and appealing. The story moves with ease between the events of the past and their results in the present. It is a haunting story set in contemporary Salem, Massachusetts where witches have become a tourist attraction. It's a real page-turner.

Diane says:  I loved it also.   The ending was a surprise and that made the book even better.

According to the book, witchcraft is a tourist industry in Salem and after reading the book, I definitely want to visit and see for myself.   What a great book for discusssion!

City of Thieves

The story takes place during the siege of Leningrad when two unfortunate guys are given the impossible of finding a dozen eggs in a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation. If they can produce the eggs, needed by a powerful colonel whose daughter is getting married and wants a wedding cake, they will be released from prison and probable execution.

The story is fast-paced with plenty of action as the two young men come together and form a bond.  They try to survive behind enemy lines in the face of the abuses of war and carnage and the deprivations in the civilian population.

Diane says:  This coming-of-age story was surprisingly good though not for the feint-of-heart.   The siege of Leningrad is an interesting subject and I would recommend The Madonnas of Leningrad for those who would prefer a little less graphic take on the war.  Or try The Skeletons at the Feast for an even more brutal look at the the flight of Germans east as the Russian army advances on Germany.  I really enjoyed them all.

Baking Cakes in Kigali- November 2010 Pick

Once in a great while a debut novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, who takes us to bold new places and into previously unimaginable lives. Gaile Parkin is just such a talent—and Baking Cakes in Kigali is just such a novel. This gloriously written tale—set in modern-day Rwanda—introduces one of the most singular and engaging characters in recent fiction: Angel Tungaraza—mother, cake baker, keeper of secrets—a woman living on the edge of chaos, finding ways to transform lives, weave magic, and create hope amid the madness swirling all around her.

In Kigali, Angel runs a bustling business: baking cakes for all occasions—cakes filled with vibrant color, buttery richness, and, most of all, a sense of hope only Angel can deliver.…A CIA agent’s wife seeks the perfect holiday cake but walks away with something far sweeter…a former boy-soldier orders an engagement cake, then, between sips of tea, shares an enthralling story…weary human rights workers…lovesick limo drivers. Amid this cacophony of native tongues, love affairs, and confessions, Angel’s kitchen is an oasis where people tell their secrets, where hope abounds and help awaits.

In this unlikely place, in the heart of Rwanda, unexpected things are beginning to happen: A most unusual wedding is planned…a heartbreaking mystery—involving Angel’s own family—unravels…and extraordinary connections are being made among the men and women who have tasted Angel’s beautiful cakes…as a chain of events unfolds that will change Angel’s life—and the lives of those around her—in the most astonishing ways.  From the Publisher