Author: Colum McCann
One-sentence summary: On the day a tight rope walker walks between the two World Trade Center towers in August 1974, the lives of New York residents spin around that event yet have vastly different outcomes, attitudes and lives.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 6
Our favorite thing about it: The interconnectedness of the stories was well done and there are some brilliant, poignant, and completely beautiful passages in the book.
Our least favorite thing about it: This is not a book with a traditional storyline; there was no build up to a climax and then a wrap up in the end, which can make it slow at times and also dissatisfying at the end. But mainly, there were several completely unnecessary parts and stories that bugged us.
Main Topics of Discussion: Relationships, Cities, Faith, Human Nature, Death, Hope
Our favorite quote: “It had never occurred to me before but everything in New York is built upon another thing, nothing is entirely by itself, each thing as strange as the last, and connected.” (p. 306)
Notes: Most of us thought the book started out a little bit slowly. But some of us thought that it sort of picked up the pace a little bit toward the end. As noted above, there is no real storyline so the momentum and pace was different than another type of novel. The characters were all written completely differently, which we thought was very interesting. The author really seems to squeeze himself into the skin of each of his characters when he tells their stories. Hearing the lives of the people through their voice and vernacular lends a very real quality to the book. In fact, a general feeling we got about the book was that it was a very real and raw book about life in New York City in the 1970s. Death is a central theme and ties several of the characters together. Crime and corruption are also themes as well as hope, which is where we think the tight rope walker relates to the stories. Love and faith are discussed in a somewhat different way than most books, which was fresh and interesting. There were a few parts that seemed completely unrelated to the underlying string that tied the stories together. Frankly, we wondered why those did not end up getting cut by the editor. They slowed the book down and were even confusing at times. Overall, we didn’t enjoy reading this book as much as some of the others we’ve read; however, the glimpses of truth and beauty that the author wrote were well worth reading. He had a way of saying so much with so few words; he would describe things so explicitly without volumes of language. We really enjoyed those nuggets of writing.
Memorable Meeting Moments: We literally raved about Lindsay’s soup, nearly all gave this book the same rating, and did a little planning for our Christmas meeting next month.
What We Ate: Herb-Simmered Beef Stew (aka: the best beef stew any of us has ever had), corn bread, and (the best) chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream and Dara’s dulce de leche. And hot tea!
Friday, November 06, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Should I?
I'm seriously considering reading this book. Should I?
What about this related one?
You just have to look. Really.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wal-Mart vs. Amazon
This could be good news for us...
Wal-Mart and Amazon.com trade price cuts on books
I've never thought to check out Wal-Mart online before, but I'll be doing it from now on.
Wal-Mart and Amazon.com trade price cuts on books
I've never thought to check out Wal-Mart online before, but I'll be doing it from now on.
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Book a Day
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/nyregion/12towns.html?_r=1
go directly to the web page of a lady who is reading one book per day!!!
You've got to read about this- truly amazing!
Friday, October 09, 2009
Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
One-sentence summary: In the sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss has little time to revel in her victory in the Games before the Capitol is out to seek revenge for what they see as her rebellious act, which ignites hope in the people of Panem that they may yet be free.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9 (another unanimous rating)
Our favorite thing about it: The creativity that we loved in the first book makes its return in this book as well. The imagery, the set up of the Games, and the story itself is just so unique and diverse.
Our least favorite thing about it: If we are forced to pick something, we would say that Katniss’s persistent cluelessness can be a bit annoying. We understood that to be a necessity since Katniss is the narrator and therefore the lens through which the reader sees the plot unfold. If Katniss had known all the details when perhaps she should have, the story would not have been as intriguing. Still, she seemed awfully dense at times as to what was going on around her.
Main Topics of Discussion: Symbolism, Loyalty, Love, War, Oppression, Heroism
Our favorite quote: “Everything is happening too fast for me to process it. The warning, the shootings, the recognition that I may have set something of great consequence in motion. The whole thing is so improbable. And it would be one thing if I had planned to stir things up, but given the circumstances…how on earth did I cause so much trouble?” (p.68)
Notes: This is the first sequel we have ever read together as a book club choice. And only our second book to have an anonymous rating…and a nine again, no less. We were all wondering how well the second book would be written since, traditionally, second books tend to fall in the shadow of the first book. This book did not do that, however, and definitely held our attention again. The same themes and metaphors spoke to us as they were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Most of us came out of this book with completely opposite feelings of who we thought Katniss should be with as opposed to how we felt after the first book: Gale or Peeta. We all agreed that one of the main plot twists in this book was predictable, but also agreed that the author made it completely believable as to how it came about. This book ramps up the stakes, and makes the Games a completely different arena (literally and figuratively) than the first book. We all thought that the actual arena in this book was brilliantly devised. Some of the dangers were of a more psychological nature but just as deadly. And the inner workings of the arena made it a perfect setting for the true intended outcome of the Games.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Lindsay received birthday books (most of which are also movies), Josh prepared another winning meal for us, Becky stepped in as sous chef on the risotto, and Dara aced her first attempt at homemade dulce de leche for her cake.
What We Ate: Bruschetta, Pine Nut and Herb Encrusted Cod with Golden Raisin Reduction, Risotto, Spinach, Ooey Gooey Cake, and Pumpkin Bread.
One-sentence summary: In the sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss has little time to revel in her victory in the Games before the Capitol is out to seek revenge for what they see as her rebellious act, which ignites hope in the people of Panem that they may yet be free.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9 (another unanimous rating)
Our favorite thing about it: The creativity that we loved in the first book makes its return in this book as well. The imagery, the set up of the Games, and the story itself is just so unique and diverse.
Our least favorite thing about it: If we are forced to pick something, we would say that Katniss’s persistent cluelessness can be a bit annoying. We understood that to be a necessity since Katniss is the narrator and therefore the lens through which the reader sees the plot unfold. If Katniss had known all the details when perhaps she should have, the story would not have been as intriguing. Still, she seemed awfully dense at times as to what was going on around her.
Main Topics of Discussion: Symbolism, Loyalty, Love, War, Oppression, Heroism
Our favorite quote: “Everything is happening too fast for me to process it. The warning, the shootings, the recognition that I may have set something of great consequence in motion. The whole thing is so improbable. And it would be one thing if I had planned to stir things up, but given the circumstances…how on earth did I cause so much trouble?” (p.68)
Notes: This is the first sequel we have ever read together as a book club choice. And only our second book to have an anonymous rating…and a nine again, no less. We were all wondering how well the second book would be written since, traditionally, second books tend to fall in the shadow of the first book. This book did not do that, however, and definitely held our attention again. The same themes and metaphors spoke to us as they were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Most of us came out of this book with completely opposite feelings of who we thought Katniss should be with as opposed to how we felt after the first book: Gale or Peeta. We all agreed that one of the main plot twists in this book was predictable, but also agreed that the author made it completely believable as to how it came about. This book ramps up the stakes, and makes the Games a completely different arena (literally and figuratively) than the first book. We all thought that the actual arena in this book was brilliantly devised. Some of the dangers were of a more psychological nature but just as deadly. And the inner workings of the arena made it a perfect setting for the true intended outcome of the Games.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Lindsay received birthday books (most of which are also movies), Josh prepared another winning meal for us, Becky stepped in as sous chef on the risotto, and Dara aced her first attempt at homemade dulce de leche for her cake.
What We Ate: Bruschetta, Pine Nut and Herb Encrusted Cod with Golden Raisin Reduction, Risotto, Spinach, Ooey Gooey Cake, and Pumpkin Bread.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
One-sentence summary: In a post-America sci-fi world called Panem, a common teenage girl finds herself fighting for her life in the cruel and deadly Hunger Games held yearly and enforced by the oppressive Capitol.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9 (the first time we have all given the same rating for a book)
Our favorite thing about it: If we had to pick one thing it would be the creativity of the book. From the concept to the details, the book is extremely creative and different from anything else we’ve ever read.
Our least favorite thing about it: It is hard to pick something we didn’t like, but in some cases, the plot can be a bit predictable. Sometimes it seems that the author intends for that to be the case and sometimes you can just see where she is going. But that didn’t really take away from the overall enjoyment of the book for us.
Main Topics of Discussion: Relationships, Government, Rich/Poor, War, Reality TV, Imagery, Survival, Human Behavior
Our favorite quote: “It’s funny, because even though they’re rattling on about the Games, it’s all about where they were or what they were doing or how they felt when a specific event occurred…Everything is about them, not the dying boys and girls in the arena.” (p.353-4)
Notes: This book kept us on our toes reading it and none of us could put it down. This was one of our fastest reads and definitely one of our highest-rated books. And we all gave it the same rating, which has never happened since we began rating books. Strangely, after reading a summary of the book, a few of us were not sure if we would like it at all. This book is not like any other book we have read but we unanimously enjoyed it. The originality of it was amazing to us all.
Another thing we loved were the parallels the author makes to our own society. She speaks to the dichotomy of rich and poor on many levels and in many different ways. She definitely touches on the themes of social awareness, oppression, control and justice.
Through the narrative, the author speaks to many a basic human instinct - survival - and how that manifests itself in each character, especially the tributes in the Games. But, it takes place not only in the area during the Games, but back home in the Districts as citizens struggle to keep themselves and their families alive.
The images in this book (coal, fire, forest, mockingjay, etc.) really help highlight some of the themes in the book mentioned above. Even the names of the characters and the terminology of Panem (reaping, tributes, etc.) evoke powerful imagery with only one word.
Ultimately, the concept of this book, once discovered, drew us in completely and the momentum of the story kept our attention. We can’t wait to read the second book and the other(s) that follow.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Food, Glorious Food! (see below), Dara’s Birthday, a dip in the hot tub, and our first sequel as a book club pick
What We Ate: Lamb Stew with Winter Vegetables (with significance from the book), Greek Salad, Moroccan Olive Bread, and the most decadent apple pie
One-sentence summary: In a post-America sci-fi world called Panem, a common teenage girl finds herself fighting for her life in the cruel and deadly Hunger Games held yearly and enforced by the oppressive Capitol.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9 (the first time we have all given the same rating for a book)
Our favorite thing about it: If we had to pick one thing it would be the creativity of the book. From the concept to the details, the book is extremely creative and different from anything else we’ve ever read.
Our least favorite thing about it: It is hard to pick something we didn’t like, but in some cases, the plot can be a bit predictable. Sometimes it seems that the author intends for that to be the case and sometimes you can just see where she is going. But that didn’t really take away from the overall enjoyment of the book for us.
Main Topics of Discussion: Relationships, Government, Rich/Poor, War, Reality TV, Imagery, Survival, Human Behavior
Our favorite quote: “It’s funny, because even though they’re rattling on about the Games, it’s all about where they were or what they were doing or how they felt when a specific event occurred…Everything is about them, not the dying boys and girls in the arena.” (p.353-4)
Notes: This book kept us on our toes reading it and none of us could put it down. This was one of our fastest reads and definitely one of our highest-rated books. And we all gave it the same rating, which has never happened since we began rating books. Strangely, after reading a summary of the book, a few of us were not sure if we would like it at all. This book is not like any other book we have read but we unanimously enjoyed it. The originality of it was amazing to us all.
Another thing we loved were the parallels the author makes to our own society. She speaks to the dichotomy of rich and poor on many levels and in many different ways. She definitely touches on the themes of social awareness, oppression, control and justice.
Through the narrative, the author speaks to many a basic human instinct - survival - and how that manifests itself in each character, especially the tributes in the Games. But, it takes place not only in the area during the Games, but back home in the Districts as citizens struggle to keep themselves and their families alive.
The images in this book (coal, fire, forest, mockingjay, etc.) really help highlight some of the themes in the book mentioned above. Even the names of the characters and the terminology of Panem (reaping, tributes, etc.) evoke powerful imagery with only one word.
Ultimately, the concept of this book, once discovered, drew us in completely and the momentum of the story kept our attention. We can’t wait to read the second book and the other(s) that follow.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Food, Glorious Food! (see below), Dara’s Birthday, a dip in the hot tub, and our first sequel as a book club pick
What We Ate: Lamb Stew with Winter Vegetables (with significance from the book), Greek Salad, Moroccan Olive Bread, and the most decadent apple pie
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
One-sentence summary: Despite the racial climate of Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s, a young white woman enlists the help of several brave black maids to help her write a truth-telling book about being a maid in a white household and raising someone else’s children.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 8
Our favorite thing about it: We loved this story and the characters really resonated with us. We also loved the glimpse into the perspective of the black maids.
Our least favorite thing about it: At least one of us did not care for the ending, which seemed to be rushed compared to the pace of the rest of the book.
Main Topics of Discussion: Civil Rights, Raising Kids, Social Rules, Friendships, Relationship Power-Dynamics, Racism
Our favorite quote: “Wasn’t that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I’d thought.”
Notes: We enjoyed the unfolding of this story and getting to know the characters, who we thought were very interesting. We really appreciated learning more about the social structures in Mississippi in the 1960s and hearing about it from the black women’s perspectives. We talked a lot about how the various white women fit into their social circle because of their views. The contrasts between the friendships of the black women and the friendships between the white women were very interesting. The humor and candor of the book was refreshing to balance out some parts that were very real and heartbreaking. We also discussed the fact that the author, a white woman, chose to write from the voice of two black women. We think she did this well, but we also think that is a hard thing to pull off. The fact that the author included the perspective of a white woman added depth and interest to the story as we followed the consequences to her actions, which were different from the black women’s consequences. Again, at least one of us thought that the ending didn’t quite fit the rest of the book and felt like the author just didn’t know how to end it. That may have been the biggest thing that held our rating back from a 9, although some of us rated it that high individually.
Memorable Meeting Moments: We ate dinner at Sawadika Thai Zone Restaurant and we all shared different dishes to get a taste of everything. We gave Becky her birthday books and then made our way over to Half Price Books for a quick browse. Finally, we went to see The Time Traveler’s Wife…one of the first few books we read.
What We Ate: Ginger Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Thai Basil Chicken, Pad Pra Ram, Pad Thai
One-sentence summary: Despite the racial climate of Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s, a young white woman enlists the help of several brave black maids to help her write a truth-telling book about being a maid in a white household and raising someone else’s children.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 8
Our favorite thing about it: We loved this story and the characters really resonated with us. We also loved the glimpse into the perspective of the black maids.
Our least favorite thing about it: At least one of us did not care for the ending, which seemed to be rushed compared to the pace of the rest of the book.
Main Topics of Discussion: Civil Rights, Raising Kids, Social Rules, Friendships, Relationship Power-Dynamics, Racism
Our favorite quote: “Wasn’t that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I’d thought.”
Notes: We enjoyed the unfolding of this story and getting to know the characters, who we thought were very interesting. We really appreciated learning more about the social structures in Mississippi in the 1960s and hearing about it from the black women’s perspectives. We talked a lot about how the various white women fit into their social circle because of their views. The contrasts between the friendships of the black women and the friendships between the white women were very interesting. The humor and candor of the book was refreshing to balance out some parts that were very real and heartbreaking. We also discussed the fact that the author, a white woman, chose to write from the voice of two black women. We think she did this well, but we also think that is a hard thing to pull off. The fact that the author included the perspective of a white woman added depth and interest to the story as we followed the consequences to her actions, which were different from the black women’s consequences. Again, at least one of us thought that the ending didn’t quite fit the rest of the book and felt like the author just didn’t know how to end it. That may have been the biggest thing that held our rating back from a 9, although some of us rated it that high individually.
Memorable Meeting Moments: We ate dinner at Sawadika Thai Zone Restaurant and we all shared different dishes to get a taste of everything. We gave Becky her birthday books and then made our way over to Half Price Books for a quick browse. Finally, we went to see The Time Traveler’s Wife…one of the first few books we read.
What We Ate: Ginger Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Thai Basil Chicken, Pad Pra Ram, Pad Thai
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