Coming soon to March book club

Our good pal Tripp Baltz has picked the March 2011 book club. I figured it was worthwhile posting for you over-achievers who wanted to get an early start. Tripp has picked, what I think is going to prove to be an inspiring read - Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder.

Details from our host, Tripp Baltz:

Haiti has been in the news lately, and this book gives a good history of recent events there. Also, it is a compelling profile of a true hero, Dr. Paul Farmer, the founder of Partners in Health. Farmer fought poverty and infectious disease, and he believed the “only true nation is humanity.” He was not  a demigod, but a human being driven by his set out to do all he could to cure the world.  I was thinking it would be nice for us to read a non-fiction book, and this one won the Pulitzer Prize. I hope you all enjoy it!

Review of the book from Amazon.com by Thomas Loarie:

"Mountains Beyond Mountains" is no exception to Tracy Kidder's excellent body of work. I have been a fan since he wrote "Soul of a New Machine." Kidder impressed me then, as he does now, with his upfront investment of time before putting pen to paper. Fortunately for us, his hard work translates to first class storytelling.

The title "Mountains Beyond Mountains" is a metaphor for life - once you have scaled one mountain (challenge), there are more to come. This is especially true for Paul Farmer, MD, who has devoted his life to what most people call "the impossible." He has faced mountain after mountain in his quest to help mankind.

Farmer starts out devoting his life to providing the most rudimentary medical care to impoverished Haitians (the shafted of the shafted). By age 27, he had treated more illnesses than most doctors would see in a lifetime. With time, he finds himself on the world stage trying to find a cure for drug resistant tuberculosis, undertaking the difficult role of a global fundraiser, and fighting big pharma for lower drug prices. He is a modern day medical hero.

For me, Farmer serves as a startling contrast to Robert K. Maloney, MD, the well known Los Angeles ophthalmologist who has been featured on TV's "Extreme Make-over." Maloney, who was profiled October 26, 2004 in the Wall Street Journal, said that after he completed his medical training, he came to a disquieting conclusion: "I really didn't like sick people." Maloney has since specialized in LASIK refractive surgery (considered cosmetic surgery) and pampers his patients with 25 person staff, and a suit-and-tie concierge who serves pastries and coffee in the waiting room. He then follows up after his patients return home with a gift box of gourmet chocolate chip cookies and a mug bearing the invitation, "Wake up and smell the coffee." He says he now earns more than the $1.2 million in salary and bonuses he made during his last year at UCLA (several years ago), but he won't say how much.

Farmer serves as reminder of what medicine aspired to be - the buck as only a means to an end....ending poverty, ending tuberculosis, ending the plight of many humans who cannot receive treatment from a qualified and trained doctor. Dr. Maloney serves as a reminder of what medicine has become - the buck and celebrity as ends. We should all get one of Maloney's mugs so we, too, can "Wake up and smell the coffee" ...before it is too late.

Welcome Amy!

A big book club welcome to Amy Montgomery, who is joining our little book club. We are happy to have you as a part of the group.

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol for the New Year

From our January hostess, Juli Tingle

To explain why The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown was one of my choices for our book club, I guess I have to go back to the beginning of my reading affair with Dan Brown.  I like many others read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown first even though he wrote Angels and Demons prior to The Da Vinci Code.  I was caught up in the controversy I had read about with regard to The Da Vinci Code.  Being a Christian, I had to see for myself if the book should be getting the heat it was getting from a lot of churches.  I enjoyed the book and decided to take it for what it was which in my opnion was a fictional story with a clever trail of codes and ideas with regard to the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.  So, when a close friend of mine said they loved Angels and Demons even more, I had to read that too!  I had to agree with her. Angels and Demons for me was a pager turner that I could not put down.  So, of course I have had The Lost Symbol on my list to read for some time now.  I have not even started the book yet, but plan to this week.  I am looking forward to it.  I do love the puzzle and codes Dan Brown is famous for putting into his books.  I look forward to more surprises and conspiracy theories in The Lost Symbol.  Should be fun! Dan Brown has a pretty cool website everyone may want to check out too - http://www.danbrown.com.

From Daphne Durham at Amazon.com

Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.

The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.

Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal.

Best book club discussions yet!

Last night was probably the best book club meeting yet. We met to discuss the sex-scandal themed book, Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner. Although, it was not a book I loved by any means, I absolutely loved the conversation this book brought out in everyone as it seemed 1/2 the book clubbers loved the book and 1/2 the book clubbers hated the book. There seemed to be no middle ground and I think this polarity made for the most spirited book club yet. The conversations around woman, their relationship to the men in their lives, the mother/daughter dynamic, sex, perceptions people have of each other and judgments we all make were very interesting.
My thanks to Christy Yeaman for hosting a wonderful book club meeting. The food, wine and treats were delicious. I really appreciated all your hard work for arranging. I know everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you!

December Book Club Selection Announced!

Drum roll please.......(you should be drumming your little hands on a table right now).

From our December hostess, Christy Yeaman

After much pressure I think I will choose "Fly Away Home:  The Novel"  It is a recent publication by a well known and respected author Jennifer Weiner.  I found it as I was looking for an interesting book that was a little more light hearted than the two we have been reading - people have toted this book as witty and hilarious.  Another thing that drew me to the book was the varied. In reading the reviews, I think it may align well with the varied experiences and backgrounds in our book club, making for some interesting discussion.  We will see what people think.

From the book's cover

Sometimes all you can do is fly away home... When Sylvie Serfer met Richard Woodruff in law school, she had wild curls, wide hips, and lots of opinions. Decades later, Sylvie has remade herself as the ideal politician's wife - her hair dyed and straightened, her hippie-chick wardrobe replaced by tailored knit suits. At fifty-seven, she ruefully acknowledges that her job is staying twenty pounds thinner than she was in her twenties and tending to her husband, the senator. Lizzie, the Woodruffs' younger daughter, is at twenty-four a recovering addict, whose mantra HALT (Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired?) helps her keep her life under control. Still, trouble always seems to find her. Her older sister, Diana, an emergency room physician, has everything Lizzie failed to achieve - a husband, a young son, the perfect home - and yet she's trapped in a loveless marriage. With temptation waiting in one of the ER's exam rooms, she finds herself craving more. After Richard's extramarital affair makes headlines, the three women are drawn into the painful glare of the national spotlight. Once the press conference is over, each is forced to reconsider her life, who she is and who she is meant to be. Written with an irresistible blend of heartbreak and hilarity, Fly Away Home is an unforgettable story of a mother and two daughters who after a lifetime of distance finally learn to find refuge in one another.

From random people online we have never met (and who may be crazy)

I read this book over a rainy weekend, and it was perfect! The story was well written; an interesting portrayal of relationships, and our perceptions of ourselves. Light hearted, mostly, but honest subject matter and believable characters. I'd definitely recommend! - shannyp

I just finished this book... I really enjoyed the characters and the story. They are all very human and flawed; but relatable; you could see yourself being friends and in some cases identifying with all of them. A great summer read! - Lori

The first rule of book club…

…if what happens in book club stays in book club. Well, I say f*#k the rules! I am spilling all the details.

Just kidding! I am however very pleased to say the first meeting of the Standley Lake Book Club was a HUGE success.

The club gathered Friday night at my house to meet and discuss, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak,  which is set in Nazi Germany, it describes a young girl's relationship with her foster parents, the other residents of their neighborhood, and a Jewish fist-fighter who hides in her home during the escalation of World War II.

The night was filled with everyone getting to know each other, great conversation about the book, lots of wine and of course some great treats made by Dale, who outdid himself with a German Black Forest cake, cream puffs and fruit with dip. As you can see, it was incredible.

We started at 7:00 PM and wrapped up close to 11:00 PM, which was a sign that everyone had a good time, huh? I also snapped a few photos throughout the night of everyone in full book club conversation. 

Christy & Stacey catching up and starting out with some wine.

 

Sam, Michelle and Juli eye some cake.

 

Dale explains to Anjanette how German Black Forest cakes are born.

 

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   Tripp, Dale, Shannon, Stacey & Juli all chatting about the Book Thief.

 

Sam and Anjanette are…??? Drunk?

What I loved best about this first meeting of our book club meeting was the fact that the conversation come so easy for everyone. It easily flowed from discussions on The Book Thief to talks about Hitler, discussions on World War II, issues facing America to you name it. The conversations touched politics, the economy, religion and a bunch of other stuff. It was great to join a group of intelligent people and talk about books and our world.

Karen and Nicole were unable to make the first meeting, but we look forward to having them join us in November when we discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Happy reading!

Judging a book by its’ cover

I love that The Book Thief has so many different version of cover art. I know they say don’t judge a book by it's’ cover, but let’s be honest that is how we sometimes select a book.

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Which cover do you have? Which is your favorite?

Personally, I love the one with the Grim Reaper in the snowy woods with the drops of read blood. I think it is incredibly haunting. My copy is the version with the dominoes, which I think is not as artistic or edgy.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - Nov. 5 Book Selection

I loved the movie version of The Kite Runner as much as I loved the book by Khaled Hosseini. Before experiencing The Kite Runner, Afghanistan was a complete mystery to me. Other than knowing women pretty much have no rights, there are massive poppy crops that are ultimately sold as heroin and the country seems to be at war continually, Afghanistan was a total mystery to me.

This, along with myriad great reviews from several sites like Amazon.com, I selected A Thousand Splendid Suns by Kaled Hosseini for our second book-club novel for the Nov. 5 meeting. I also have to mention a small component of this decision is the fact that the book is 400 pages long. I know I’ll personally struggle to read anything much longer than this in the weeks between meetings.

This book is about two Afghani women over the span of 30 years, from war with the Soviets and through the Taliban’s ousting.

A review by Amazon.com Top 500 Reviewer Cynthia K. Robinson reads:  “I read many books in a year. Some I read for entertainment and others to increase my knowledge. Then there is the rare book that does both of those things, plus touches your heart as well. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini does just that. Hosseini's The Kite Runner was a magnificent book, and I enjoyed A Thousand Splendid Suns even more.”

I’m excited to read this book and learn more about a country and culture that still seems so different and mysterious. Of course, I have a feeling there will be surprising similarities among the people in this book and the U.S., and I hope this book reveals them.

It is sort of stressful selecting a book for a book club, as Tom has pointed out. I hope the book lives up to my expectations and everyone enjoys it. If not, then I would like to take this opportunity now to blame Tom for my selection (because, ultimately, he started the book club). (Just kidding Tom.)

If only she could…

 

Looking for a book recommendation?

A co-worker, Mark Hansen turned me onto a great social media book site. It allows you to rate books and see what other people recommend. Check out www.goodreads.com.

You can sign up and be my friend. It looks like fellow book clubbers, Shannon and Anjanette already belong. When it is your turn to host, it may be a great way to help in picking out a book for everyone to read. If you do sign up, I am at www.goodreads.com/tomwhittaker.

Interview with Markus Zusak

I found this video by The Book Thief’s author, Markus Zusak fairly interesting. I personally like hearing why an author wrote a book in their own words. It sometimes can give you a different perspective on the book.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I imagine it is never an easy task to select a book for a book club. I personally did not know, as I have belonged to one book club in my life. It was when I was in my mid-twenties and lived in Burlington, VT. For this book club, the books were selected for us since it was held and sponsored by Border’s Bookstore. I guess looking back now, the selection may have been based upon what was not selling in the store and an opportunity got the manager of Borders to push some stock. I really never asked how the selection was made or by who, which looking back now seems very odd. But since I am the shy, quiet, accepting type, maybe not.

So here I am now with my first opportunity to select a book for book club and I will not lie, I feel some pressure.  I want to select a book that I feel others will appreciate, find value and not wonder what the hell I was thinking when I picked that book.  However, I also want to select something I have not read myself and is not your standard book club read (or recommended by Oprah). Since this selection was for a new book club, The Standley Lake Book Club, which I helped to form, I want to start off on a good, but unique note.

I did what I do when I want recommendations, I turned to friends and co-workers.  In this case, I asked my two co-workers, Lana Kellams and Terri Hill. I have worked with both these ladies for many years and I know them fairly well, so their opinion means something to me (but please do not tell them that as it will go right to their heads). I also knew they both belonged to the same book club until it disbanded recently (I tell people an inter-book club romance broke up the group, but actually someone moved and it just seemed like a good time to call it quits). Anyhow, both said that of all the books they read, the book with the greatest impact and that they liked the best was Markus Zusak’s 2006 book, The Book Thief. Both even said they had recommended it several people and Lana even bought a copy for her sister, Lisa.

However, here is the unique part about the book - it is technically classified under young adult. Okay, would everyone think I was a complete freak for selecting a kid’s book for our first selection? Probably, but who cares. Here is how I see it:

1. Neither Lana or Terri would recommend a horrible book (well unless they were getting even for all the work I assign them)
2. A kid’s book may be perfect for the first selection as it may be a good way to ease into the thicker books.
3. The book has one a ton of awards.
4. I doubt anyone in this new book club has read this book.
5. I like to be different.

So what is The Book Thief about? Death and Germany during the Holocaust, which does not really sound like a topic you would expect for young adults, huh?

Here are a few of the reviews I found on Amazon.com regarding the book, which I think give a nice synopsis, without revealing the plot and explains why so many people are surprised the book is classified in young adult.

B.L. Medford wrote:

“Very rarely a book comes out that steals my breath away. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is a revelation. Narrated by Death, this story follows Leisel as she steals books in Nazi Germany while she and her best friend Rudy discover the power of words, language and friendship. Zusak's writing is mesmerizing; it's sarcastic, emotional, sophisticated and wondrous.

If you only read one book this year, read this one. Share it with your friends and family. I don't expect to read anything better this year, or next year either. “

Lesley West wrote:

“This is a story told by Death. An interesting point of view perhaps, but as it is set in Germany during World War II, perhaps it is entirely appropriate. It is also a story of a young girl, who in spite of having a life that no one would wish on anyone, still manages to have glimpses of pleasure through many small things, including the few books that she manages to acquire (or shall we say, steal).

It is interesting to see that it appears to be targeted to young adult readers - please don't be put off by this - it is very much an adult story about children who are doing their best to live a normal life in times of unspeakable horror. It would also be a good way to introduce more mature readers to the history of the times. But be warned, it is quite confrontational at times, and considering who the narrator is, very sad.

To add extra punch to the story, it appears that it is the true story of the author's grandmother. When you consider this, you realize how truly resilient we humans are, and how occasionally, and with a bit of luck, we can hold off death for a time.”

N. Gargona wrote:

"...I will tell you that this is an astounding book, a beautiful book, and a book that I know I will read again and again.

I read a lot, two to three books a week, my family makes fun that I "love" so many that I read...but in the past few years there have only been a handful of books that when I finish reading the book I sit and try to think of who I can send a copy to, who can I share this wonderful experience with. A book that when I finish, I want to go back to the beginning and start over.

I am a little sorry it is listed as a young adult book, I feel that if the bookstores put it in the young adult section, so many people will be missing out on a wonderful experience. Yet it is important that younger readers, high school readers, read this book too. When I was growing up, I remember reading Diary of Anne Frank, and the feelings I had when I read it...and understanding the importance of everyone reading that book. Well, this book is that important, this book is a must read.

I am going to go back and read this author's other book, I don't know how it can measure up to this one, but if it is half as good, I am in for a treat."

So there you have it, the first selection of the Standley Lake Book Club is The Book Thief. We will be meeting in mid-September to discuss the book at my house and if people end up hating it, I guess I can always pin it on Lana and Terri, right?

So why a book club?

I love to read. I always have and honestly, I always hope I do. I love books. I enjoy the escape they offer. For me, the feeling you get from a good book is almost indescribable. The high I feel from not being able to put down a book until I discover the ending is one of the best feelings in the world.

I know it sounds geeky, but who cares. I am a geek. Growing up, I was not the most popular kid. I did well in school, so that automatically put me in the geek category I guess. Now, don’t say poor Tom as it is not like I had no friends. I had friends. I played and hung out with other kids. I just was not the center of attention or the most popular. Often, I found comfort in books when I did not have a group of friends to turn to. We moved often when I was a kid, so sometimes books were just easier than making new friends. I think looking back it was a good thing as it made me realize I loved to read. I did not come from a family of readers, by any means, so I think had I been more popular or into sports, I would have never discovered a passion for books.

So why not take this passion of books and try to find other people who like to read? Great idea, right? Well, book clubs are hardly a novel idea (pun intended). I even belonged to a book club in my mid-twenties, but I did not like it. I think the setting (in the back corner of a book store) and the group (middle-aged men and one middle aged lesbian obsessed with war books) really did little to make me feel connected. I felt passion for the books, but not listening to the other people talk about the books.



Over the years I just continued to read alone and with the exception of the occasional recommendation or blogging about a book I read, my reading was fairly private. It was usually something I did on the bus ride to or from work. However, I decided recently why not give this book club thing another try. I have a great community of friends and neighbors, who I adore, so why not see if they shared my passion for reading. To see who was interested, I sent some messages on Facebook. I had a few pre-requisites to who could join the club though. To be a part of the club, each member must:

1. Like to read.
   
2. Be willing to meet once every 5 to 6 weeks.
   
3. Be willing to host once a year.
   
4. Be someone I like.
   
5. Like me.
   
6. Live near me (within 3-5 miles).

I was happy to see that within a week I had about 8 people who were interested in joining. Since it was people who lived within a few miles of me (for the most part), I figured the name of the club should be something we all share besides a love for reading. I quickly decided on the Standley Lake Book Club, since our houses were all positioned near Standley Lake.



So every 6 weeks, we will meet to discuss the book we just read. The person who hosts the book club meeting will have the honor of selecting the book, but also the chore of hosting the event in their home, which will include some wine, some appetizers and maybe even the occasional dessert. Let’s be honest, what is book club without some wine and food, right?

I think it will also be a great opportunity for some new friendships to form and a chance every 6 weeks to kick back and have a good time. And if it does not work out, we will go with my plan B – fight club.
I know each member of the book club will have their own reasons for joining, whether it be the social aspect, the love for reading, the wine or just a chance to see everyone else's home, but I hope that most of all, everyone has a great time and sticks with it, as these clubs take time to get into a rhythm.

Happy reading!