Meeting: August 13, 2014

Ellen Bowes hosted our July meeting, another delightful evening with delicious snacks. The topics we discussed, prior to reviewing the The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, covered recycling, being aware of where our trash ends up, solar energy, and (of course) the state of education.  Our group of attendees included: Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Jo Smith, and Liz Webster.

Due to Jo's request that we not discuss the end of the book because neither she nor I had finished reading the book, we were limited in our conversation.  Many of us thought the book moved slowly, at first, as the characters were introduced, but the story picked up considerably about a third of the way into the book.  Now that I've finished the book, I can say that I was disappointed in the end, because I felt like the author tried to tie up the loose ends too quickly.

Liz felt that the book was "Brothers Grimm meets The Arabian Nights."  Annie loved the way the narrator wove the story.  It was interesting to see how the author interlaced the folklore from two different cultures to give us a glimpse into the experience of being an American immigrant at the turn of the century.  Ellen noted that the book did a good job of exploring what it is to be human.

Julie surmised that these folklore stories may have come about as an explanation for mental illness and other unexplained phenomenon.

It would seem that most of us took a liking to Chava (the golem), in particular, as her character was serious, timid, and selfless, while Ahmad (the jinni) was impulsive, a bit amoral, and selfish.  Jo felt for Chava when she read the list of Rotfeld's desires in a wife: "Obedience. Curiosity. Intelligence. Virtuous and modest behavior."  We also enjoyed many of the secondary characters, particularly Ice Cream Saleh.

On a humorous note, Annie said she could identify with Chava being restless at night as she has been having sleep issues due to menopause.

Our September book is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.

Also, our October book will be The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd

Next meeting:

     Location: Annie Larkin's

     Date: Thursday,  September 18 (3rd Thursday so Judy, who chose the book, could attend)

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: July 9, 2014

Christe Berth hosted our July meeting.  After visiting outside for awhile and admiring all the work Christe and Steve have done in their flowerbeds, we moved indoors for some additional social and snack time.  It was wonderful to catch up with Grace, who was able to join us this month.  Those attending included: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Judy Lee, Grace Nicholson-Maly, and Jo Smith.

It appeared that everyone enjoyed reading The Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline. Many had no previous knowledge of the orphan train in our country's history.  Kline was able to weave this part of our history with a contemporary story line.  Vivian and Molly befriended each other in the contemporary portion and facilitated one another in breaking down some emotional barriers.

Judy read this excerpt because it reminded her of Annie imitating her grandmother as she wiggled her fingers and revealed that she heard 'they nibble on it' now.  

"Well, you're not exactly effervescent now, are you?"  Vivian says.  "But I saw you oustide earlier when Jack dropped you off, and your face was -- Vivian lifts her knobby hands, splaying her fingers-- "all lit up.  You were talking up a storm."

Jo was especially taken by the concept of portaging.  Molly learned in her history class that the Wabanaki Indians had to decide what possessions were necessary and what could be discarded when portaging their canoes.  The project assigned to the class required students to 

"...interview someone -- a mother or father or grandparent -- about their own portages, the moments in their lives when they've had to take a journey, literal or metaphorical...  ... The questions on the assignment sheet are: What did you choose to bring with you to the next place?  What did you leave behind?  What insights did you gain about what's important?

Kathy shared her favorite quote from when Molly was listening to the tape of her interview with Vivian for her school project.

"Time constricts and flattens, you know.  It's not evenly weighted.  Certain moments linger in the mind and others disappear.  The first twenty-three years of my life are the ones that shaped me, and the fact that I've lived almost seven decades since then is irrelevant.  Those years have nothing to do with the questions you ask."

Our August book (as previously reported) is The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker.

We have also selected books for the next two months:

     September: Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides
     October: The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd


Next meeting:
     Location:  Ellen Bowes home
     Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 (Wednesday, due to Larryfest)
     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: June 12, 2014

Our June meeting was at Linda Jenkins home, with yet another varied view of the Mississippi River and Minnesota bluffs.  We had a lengthy social time, which I am always grateful for because I'm still getting to know all of the women in the neighborhood.  And with Liz Webster finally in town for a meeting, it was fun to meet her after only "knowing" her via e-mail.  Those attending were: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, Jo Smith, and Liz Webster.

The book this month was Breaking Free, edited by Marilyn Sewell.  The book is a collection of essays by women in mid- to late-life.  When we sat down to discuss the book, a number of members shared snippets that resonated with them.  Unfortunately, I returned my copy of the book to the library before jotting down any of these thought provoking examples, so I am unable to post them here for those who weren't in attendance at the meeting.  As is typical, we discussed how these citations related to our own lives.  

Our selection for July (as previously reported) is The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.

We have also selected books for the next several months:

August: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

September: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

October: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Next meeting:

     Location: Christe Berth's home

     Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 (to avoid conflicting with Catfish Days)

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: May 8, 2014

We met at Nancy French's to discuss The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. After general socializing, we discussed the book a bit, but focused mostly on our own experiences with the deaths of loved ones.  This was mostly because the book opens with Enzo looking forward to the end of his life because he believes he will be reborn as a human.  Also, Enzo's reflection on his life included Eve's illness and her subsequent death. Those attending included Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith.

Annie read a couple of her favorite quotes.  One was: "People speak of a will to live. They rarely speak of a will to die.  Because people are afraid of death. Death is dark and unknown and frightening.  But not for me.  It is not the end."  We did think that there is a point when a person is nearing the end of their life that a "switch is thrown" and one no longer fears death.

Some felt that the author did such a great job of writing from the dog's perspective that they almost felt like the dog had actually written the book.  Although some didn't like the story itself, everyone seemed to be intrigued by Enzo the philosopher.  There was a repeated saying throughout the book that came from a French race car driver. "That which we manifest is before us."  Basically meaning that our behavior and thoughts align with our expectations.  Each thought you have, each action you make, draws in positive or negative energy.  If you see yourself as having complete control over your own destiny, you will act and think and behave in a way that creates the outcome you desire.  If you are fearful, you will see everything around you as a possible obstacle.

After Linda suggested it, we selected Breaking Free, edited by Marilyn Sewell for our June book.  

We also chose our July book, The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline which was suggested by Grace.

Next meeting:
     Location: Linda Jenkins home
     Date: Thursday, June 12, 2014
     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: April 22, 2014

We met at Julie Howard's home to review The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  Julie has a great view above the river and had plenty of delicious food for us.

Those attending the meeting were Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, and Jo Smith.

Everyone loved the book.  Annie played an excerpt of the author reading a few passages. His delivery was sort of "flat" and yet was appealing.  Kath read several quotes that really brought some of the themes to light.  We got off on tangents (as usual) and discussed mascots, education, etc.  It was a really delightful evening of engaging, thoughtful discussion.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (which was chosen at the March meeting) will be our May book.

It was suggested that we all come with a list of some possible books we'd like the group to read.  Annie thought we should plan further ahead (perhaps a whole year) so that folks that have to struggle to get the books read can more easily plan a course of action.

Next meeting:

     Location: Nancy French's home

     Date: Thursday, May 8, 2014

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: March 12, 2014

We met at Jo Smith's house to discuss Life After Life by Kate Atkinson.  We spent well more than an hour socializing.  Among other things, we discussed our dismay with regards to the many trains that stop for long periods of time on the tracks in front of our homes. Annie needs to give the rest of us the phone number that she called to encourage them to stop the trains before entering the village.  She made sure they knew that there are long stretches of track that wouldn't be blocking anyone's view nor contributing to constant noise pollution when the engines are nearby.  In the warmer weather, when our windows will be open, the diesel smell will also be unpleasant.  

We finally settled down to discuss the book.  Many of us had trouble getting into the book and some weren't able to finish it in time for the meeting.  But, we were still able to discuss our thoughts about Ursula's many incarnations.  The repeated and vivid descriptions of the blitz also brought to life the grim circumstances of the time.

Christe was the star of the night when she thought to bring our attention to the purposely misquoted Edmund Burke.  "All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for enough good women to do nothing."  

We have chosen The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie for our April book.

Next meeting:

     Location: TBA

     Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2014

     Time: 6:30 pm

We also chose the book for the May meeting for those who may want to get the book ahead of time.  The May book will be The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

Meeting: February 13, 2014

Our February meeting was hosted by Ellen Bowes.  After some tasty treats and beverages, we settled down to discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  In general, the book received favorable reviews from our group.  Our meeting morphed into a discussion of other social issues both from our past and currently.

Those attending the February meeting included: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith.  We're all hoping that Grace Nicholson-Maly, who has moved away from Trempealeau, will still be able to join us regularly.

The March meeting date has been moved from the typical "second Thursday" to the second Wednesday in March.  The book selected for the March meeting is Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson.

Our next meeting:

     Where: Jo Smith's home

     Date: Wednesday, March 12th

     Time: 6:30 pm