Thursday, November 5, 2009

Catch Up!

Since November and December are always so crazy with the holidays I decided not to post any new books until the new year.

If you find time to read in the next few months, hopefully you will pick one of the books you missed, or didn't quite finish.

Let us know what you read and what you thought of it.

Happy Holidays!


Annie Between the State
L.M. Elliot

Raising a Reader
Jennie Nash

The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne



Home
Julie Andrews


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Home by Julie Andrews

Where to start.....I love Julie Andrews!
Although she is British, I believe she has become an American icon and is one of the few celebrities who has maintained her class and decency through the years. Has anyone ever heard of a scandal or outburst involving Julie Andrews? No. Why? Because she is a lady and "practically perfect in every way."
As a girl growing up "my movie" was The Sound of Music. I watched it countless times and never grew tired of it. Marry Poppins was also on the list of favorites. Watching the children "tidy up the nursery" while Julie Andrews sang "A Spoon Full of Sugar" was always a scene I loved.
When I was about eleven my neighbor gave me cherished copy of a book entitled "Mandy," authored by Julie Edwards, aka Julie Andrews. This book, as well as Julie's other work, spoke to me.
So, when I saw "Home, a Memoir of My Early Years," by Julie Andrews I new I had to read it, and I knew I would love it, and I did. I was enraptured with Julie's writing style and her ability to tell simple life stories in such a vivid and entertaining way. My only complaint is that I wanted to learn more about her fascinating life. Maybe she will write a memoir of her later years.

P.S. I bought this book at Costco. I'm pretty sure they are still selling them.

Discussion Questions

1. Was there anything from Julie's early life that your were surprised to learn about?

2. What stories, or experiences stood out most to you? What did you identify with, sympathize over, or just enjoy?

3. Was there anything Julie shared that you feel she should have left out?

4. Was there anything you wish she would have written more about, or in more detail?

More From Julie

Books
For a complete list of books by Julie Andrews visit:
www.julieandrewscollection.com


Movies
For a complete list of films that Julie Andrews has taken part in visit:
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800010417
(click on filmography)


Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions for future reads under comments.
Thanks!

Monday, August 3, 2009

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

While reading this book aloud in english my junior year of high school I was completely enthralled. I did not read it again until I decided to use it for this book club. As I began the book I instantly remembered why I loved it.
Nathaniel Hawthorne vividly describes not only the physical puritanical world Hester Prynne is living in but also the social and emotional aspects of it as well. His imagery is beautiful and the moral lessons, though never clearly stated, are hidden throughout the text for each reader to find and then make his her own judgement.
This is a fabulous novel about a woman publicly scorned for her sins and how she, in the end, rises above all who choose to condemn her.
(At leas that's my point of view-Yours may differ completely)

Discussion Questions

1. The very first, very short chapter of the book entitled "The Prison-Door," is iconic in the history of literature. It paints the opening picture of yet another iconic scene of literature. The final focus of the chapter centers around a wild-rose bush growing by the prison door. Nathaniel Hawthorne suggest that this bush symbolizes "some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track..."
What moral blossoms did you find in your reading?

2. Do you view Arthur Dimsdale as a saint and a martyr, trying to do what is best for the good of his congregation; or do you see him as a coward unable to accept the full consequences of his actions?

3. From his first appearance in "The Market-Place," Roger Chillingworth is portrayed as a hideous character both with-in and with-out. As the story unfolds and we see his deeds grow more and more selfish and ugly, was there ever a moment where you felt the slightest amount of sympathy for him?

4. What are your general feelings about Pearl, and the way Hester adorns her?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions in the comment box.
Thanks!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Raising a Reader, by Jennie Nash


I came across this book last year while doing research for a class I was taking. It soon became one of my favorites. Jennie Nash goes through the ups and downs she experienced while trying to instill a love of reading in her children. Because reading is her passion, naturally, she desires her children to experience the magic of reading as well. It is filled with wonderful lessons that can be applied to other aspects of our lives aside from teaching our children to love reading. It contains countless book suggestions, and some fabulous quotes.
“When a book is good – think Harry Potter –it doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl, a mom or a dad. We all want to lose ourselves in a good story; we all want to feel what it’s like, just for a little while, to get inside someone else’s head”
If you’re not “raising readers,” you might still enjoy this book. It is a quick read and Jennie’s writing style is enjoyable to read. You’ll definitely walk away with at least two or more books that you haven’t read, that you’d like to. If you’d rather read something else, finish “Annie Between the State,” I’d still love to discuss it; or pick something new to read and let us know how it was.
As stated in the comment by Jennie Nash, the book is out of print. However you can find it on Amazon.com if your library doesn't have it in stock.

Other Books by This Author


The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming - And Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer

The Only True Genius in the Family & The Last Beach Bungalow

Other Reads Inspired by the Book of the Month

There are too many! I went through and highlighted everything she mentioned that I wanted to read.
What were your inspired to read?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions under "comments."
Thanks!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Annie Between the States by L.M. Elliott

This is one of my favorite books right now. It is about a young girl and her experiences during the Civil War. It is really a coming of age as she realizes she has thoughts, feelings and opinions that may not be the same as those around her. Of course there is a little romance, and suspense as she plays an important role in the lives of those fighting the war. It is also filled with the emotions and experiences you can expect a 16 year old girl to go through at this time of her life, but even more so as she lives through this brutal and pivotal time of our nations history.
You can find Annie Between the States in the young adult section of your library or book store.

Other Reads Inspired by the Book of the Month

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Selected Poems of Byron, Keats and Shelley

Other Books by This Author


Under a War Torn & Sky Flying South

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave any suggestions you have for future reads in the comment section of this post.
Thanks!