The Book Club Blog

5 1/2 years of books!

2011-11-20T21:44:00.002-06:00

WOW! Take a look at all the books we have read! We are still missing about 4 books I think. If anyone can fill in the blanks, let me know!

BOOK CLUB BOOK LIST

2006

July 2006 - Unwanted by Kien Nguyen

August 2006 – Making It Up by Penelope Lively

September 2006 – My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

October 2006 – The Plot Against America by Philip Roth

November 2006 – Are you There God, It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

December 2006 – Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West

2007

January 2007 – Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

February 2007 – Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

March 2007 – March by Geraldine Brooks

April 2007 – You're Not from Around Here, Are You? A Lesbian in Small-Town America by Louise A. Blum

May 2007 – Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

June 2007 – Life of Pi by Yann Martel

July 2007 – The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

August 2007 – Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

September 2007 – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

October 2007 – The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

November 2007 – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

December 2007 – Christmas Mystery Month - Vital Lies by Ellen Hart

2008

January 2008 – To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

February 2008 – Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

March 2008 – A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris.

April 2008 – Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

May 2008 – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

June 2008 –

July 2008 – Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

August 2008 –

September 2008 –

October 2008 – The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason

November 2008 – A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

December 2008 – Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

2009

January 2009 – Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

February 2009 – Working by Studs Terkel

March 2009 –

April 2009 – The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

May 2009 – Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

June 2009 – An Invisible Sign of My Own by Aimee Bender and Flatland by Edwin Abbott

July 2009 – Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

August 2009 –

September 2009 – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

October 2009 – Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins

November 2009 – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

December 2009 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

2010
January 2010 – A Whole New Mind by Daniel H Pink

February 2010 – Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie

March 2010 – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith

April 2010 – Garbageland by Elizabeth Royte

May 2010 – Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

June 2010 – Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

July 2010 – Late Homecomer by Kao Kalia Yang

August 2010 – Ordinary People by Judith Guest

September 2010- The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

October 2010- Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons by Lorna Landvick

November 2010- Atonement by Ian McEwan

December 2010- Christmas Mystery Month - Plum Pudding by Joanne Fluke

2011 – We started individual book choices this year!
January 2011 – Amy’s choice – On the Road – Jack Kerouac

February 2011 – Jane’s choice – Ishmael – Daniel Quinn

March 2011 – Karen G’s choice – A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute

April 2011 – Karen H’s choice – The Help – Kathryn Stockett

May 2011 – Kelly’s choice – Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – Jonathan Safran Foer

June 2011 – Kim K’s choice – Devil in the White City – Erik Larson

July 2011 – Kimberly S’s choice – Crescent – Diana Abu-Jaber

August 2011 – Movie Month – The Secret Lives of Pippa Lee – Rebecca Miller

September 2011 – Michelle’s choice – The Color of Water – James McBride

October 2011 – Amy’s choice – When You are Engulfed in Flames – David Sedaris

November 2011 – Jane’s choice – Cold Mountain – Jonathan Frazier

December 2011 – Christmas Mystery Month – Long Goodbyes – Nikki Baker

Catch Up Part 3

2011-10-24T18:37:00.001-05:00

October: When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
November: Cold Mountain by Jonathan Frazier.

Catch up Part 2

2011-08-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

August -- The Secret Lives of Pippa Lee
September -- The Color of Water

Catch up

2011-06-24T19:33:00.001-05:00

June -- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
July -- Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber

May 2011

2011-03-28T16:06:00.001-05:00

For May, I have selected Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: A Novel by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Location to be determined!

April 2011

2011-03-28T16:03:00.003-05:00

Karen H's choice for April: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

See you all at Michelle's or Karen G's. Have we decided???

For March: A [Bonza] Town Like Alice

2011-02-28T21:35:00.000-06:00

I just finished it tonight, oh my word. It was a fair cow.

I believe we are meeting at Skare-Klecker station in March.

February 2011

2011-01-01T14:30:00.000-06:00

Jane's Choice for February 2011 Book Club:

Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn

Limo ride, and plans for January

2010-12-14T18:04:00.000-06:00

The book club blog lives! No one has posted since September, but somehow most of us managed to show up for the limo ride last night.

For January, we will meet at Amy & Kelly's house and discuss On the Road by Jack Kerouac.

Happy 4 Year Anniversary!

2010-09-27T20:37:00.002-05:00

In honor of our 4 year anniversary -- we'll be reading Minnesota's own Lorna Landvik -- Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons for October 2010.

Also -- don't forget to check out:

Atonement, by Ian McEwan for November 2010; and
Plum Pudding, by Joanne Fluke for December 2010.

Get those 2011 book selection caps on!

Late Summer Updates 2010

2010-08-28T09:29:00.002-05:00

Hey Book Club Team --

After August Movie Month (Ordinary People), we're back to the written word. For July, plan on re-reading (for most of us) Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.

Also, here are my suggestions (i.e. books I haven't read that are on my bookshelf):

Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
Ian McEwan's Atonement
Tracy Kidder's House

See you all soon!

Jane

Summer 2010 Picks!

2010-05-11T19:26:00.002-05:00

Announcing:

June: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

July: Late Homecomer by Kao Kalia Yang

Jane is hosting, don't forget June's meeting is also Kelly's birthday!

May 2010 & Suggestions

2010-04-16T19:38:00.001-05:00

So, our book choice for May is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. by Lisa See. It was published in 2005 so it should be easy to get at the library.

We are suggesting the following 2 books to read sometime this summer. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Let the Great World Spin. Check them out before next month. We're assuming we'll meet at Amy and Kelly's next month since it's been a few months since we have been there.

Spring 2010

2010-03-25T21:54:00.002-05:00

April -- Garbageland
How about we have a garbage-free Book Club?

Also, ftr: March was Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Taking us into 2010

2009-10-14T20:31:00.001-05:00

November 2009: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Shaffer and Barrows
December2009: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stig Larsson
January 2010: A Whole New Mind (Non-fiction) by Daniel H Pink
February 2010: Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie

See you all at my place in November!

Skinny Legs and All

2009-09-30T21:17:00.001-05:00

by Tom Robbins

for October folks!

Michelle, don't let this book give you any crazy ideas about what to attach to your car!

September 2009 -- Huck Finn

2009-08-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

See you soon ladies -- who is hosting?

Twilight in 5 words

2009-07-14T18:10:00.002-05:00

I have two more:

Did Jasper have any lines?

Edward Cullen is no Darcy.

Math Math Everywhere

2009-06-11T11:12:00.003-05:00

Publish Post

Math cookies are the BEST! Even if the books weren't! :-)

Watch for me in the parade

2009-06-10T21:45:00.002-05:00

Okay I may be the token straight person in book club, but I am marching in the Pride parade this year for the second time! I'll be with the kids in the stroller, representing Edina Community Lutheran Church. Costume suggestions welcome.

July - Twilight at Kim's

2009-06-10T21:43:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd update this as long as I'm online...July 13th we'll watch the Twilight movie at Kim & Tari's, meeting a little early, at 6:30.

June- Math Books!

2009-05-18T10:26:00.003-05:00

In honor of Kelly's birthday in June, she picked the following math books for us to read!

An Invisible Sign of My Own by Aimee Bender

(Something I was not aware of: While googling this I found it is a 2009 movie with Jessica Alba! See here for more info!)

The second book is Flatland by Edwin Abbott. Started reading this... crazy weird!

Book club will be at our house: June 8th!

May: Catch 22

2009-04-23T10:50:00.002-05:00

For May we will be reading Catch 22. Book club will be hosted by... Karen? I am pretty sure that is who is hosting. Someone tell me if I am wrong.

April Book Club 2009

2009-03-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama!

Nothing says Book Club like "S'mores!"

2009-01-13T18:06:00.002-06:00

Books Club's newest member -- Welcome Timothy!

* Next Books *

2008-12-16T21:04:00.001-06:00

January 2009: Out Stealing Horses

February 2009: Working

Purple Hibiscus

2008-11-10T21:57:00.001-06:00

Get it. Read it. Discuss it.

Book Club at Kelly, Amy and Jason's, December 8th, 7:00 p.m.

A Million Little Pieces

2008-10-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

Apparently, you can get a copy at any used book store. . .

Hosting: Karen, pre-baby

October Book Club

2008-10-02T11:03:00.004-05:00

Aaaah October... The crisp, cool fall air makes one ready to escape to other lands. This months book, The Piano Tuner, will take you from rainy England to the sultry heat of Burma. And then Book Club will take you to the tree lined streets of St. Louis Park. That's right, book club will be taking place at Tari and Kim's new house. Right Kim? Hopefully she will send out her address to all ya'll-- because I don't know it off the top of my head, nor do I think I should publish it on a blog. See you all Monday, October 14!

July Book Club

2008-06-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

Middlesex! Read it and weep. Just kidding.

Who is hosting?

What is Stephen Harper Reading?

2008-04-24T16:39:00.002-05:00

I thought you would enjoy this web site by Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi. He is sending the prime minister of Canada a book every week, along with a letter explaining his choice and commenting on the book.

Maybe it will give us some ideas for our next book!

Amy's Choice

2008-04-16T21:51:00.003-05:00

It better be a good one Amy!

Karen -- we were all very sad to miss your cheese! Feel better soon.

Book club at Karen's
May 12 -- 7:00 p.m.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

2008-03-17T18:23:00.002-05:00

by Barbara Kingsolver

I believe Karen is hosting? Let's hope this snow is gone and gone by the time we talk about this spring-y book!

Please wear overalls and bring your spade.

March Book Club

2008-02-13T09:09:00.003-06:00

For March we will be reading "A Yellow Raft in Blue Water" by Michael Dorris. Pick up a copy today! Sneak peek ahead to April-- we will finally read "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" by Barbara Kingsolver.

February Book Club

2008-01-22T12:24:00.000-06:00

Hey Book Clubbers --

February is Three Cups of Tea. Good luck finding it used/at the library!
Date: February 12th, 7:00 p.m.
Location: ????

Also -- Question: How awesome is everyone in BC for the totally appropriate/perfect graduation gift? Answer: Totally Awesome! I'm hoping to get some pictures posted. . . .

Who wants to be Gregory Peck? Me!

2007-12-15T10:27:00.001-06:00

Next Book Club: To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
Michelle has extra copies
Date: January 14th (Amy's Birthday!)
Amy & Kelly's House - 7:00 p.m.
I'll come dressed as Boo Radley -- and I'll even hang out behind the door.

Bring your lover to Betsy's for December Book Club

2007-11-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

The December meeting is at Betsy's Back Porch, which is on the southeast corner of Nicolet and 54th St. (aka Diamond Lake Rd) in Minneapolis.

Directions:
IF the Diamond Lake exit is open, take 35W to Diamond Lake Road/54th Street, turn toward the west, and it's about a block down on your left. (The exit has been under construction and is supposed to be finished any day now.)

If Diamond Lake is closed, go south to the next exit - 60th Street - and turn right (west). Turn right on Nicollet (by Cub) and go up 5 blocks, then get ready to turn right into the little strip-mall parking lot where Betsy's is.

Vital Lies

2007-11-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

Karen -- we accept your trashy romance and raise you one. Vital Lies by Ellen Hart -- TC based lesbian mystery writer. Seriously, top that!

We have to read this book!

2007-10-27T21:31:00.001-05:00

Imagine for a moment that you are Minnesota Author Patti O'Shea, and a bunch of brainy lesbians (and one brainy straight person) read your trashy "action romance" novel and then invite you to come speak at their book club meeting...the first question you are asked is, "What inspired you to have your name appear in huge hot pink letters on your web site?"

Okay seriously, I think we would all regret it for the rest of our lives if we did not give this book a chance. Get a load of the description (emphasis mine):

"Alone on a strange planet. Their teammates murdered by an unknown enemy. Help weeks away. Could there be a worse time to fall in love?

Ravyn Verdier was the communications specialist on a mission to test the habitability of Jarved Nine. Damon Brody was the commander who rescued her when the rest of her team is mysteriously killed. Trapped on a planet that harbored an unimaginable evil, they must depend on one another, trust each other implicitly.

An abandoned city held the key to their survival, but what they found behind its ancient walls defied all their preconceived notions, tested the very limits of the bond that had formed between them. To succeed, they would have to cast aside their doubts and listen to their hearts. For only when they were linked body and soul—when they realized love was their greatest weapon—would they be able to defeat the monstrous force bent on destroying all life."

Book Club Trivia Night

2007-10-11T17:56:00.000-05:00

It was decided by the Powers that Be that Book Club should attend an up-coming Trivia Night at Pi. Although there aren't any currently schedule, save your Tuesday nights for Trivia Night!

http://www.pibarandrestaurant.com/text/trivia.html

Kiss Me, I'm Irish!

2007-10-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'm not really Irish. So...this was the book that I was yakking on about at book club the other night, We discussed reading it in December and heading to an Irish pub. Then I looked at it on Amazon.com today and read a whole bunch of scathing reviews. Apparently historians hate this book, because of Cahill's loose interpretation of history and lack of detail. So we can rethink it of ya'll want to! As long as we come up with something that involves a field trip I am happy.

Happy Anniversary!

2007-09-13T10:48:00.001-05:00

In honor of one full year of book clubbing, let us take a moment to reflect back on the books we have read together. Go to these surveys to make your opinion heard! There are comment sections for each book, so feel free to rant and rave all you want. I'll bring the results to a future meeting to share.

There are two surveys because stupid Survey Monkey wouldn't let me ask more than 10 questions without signing up for a subscription! So don't forget to take both.

Click Here to take survey

Click Here to take survey

Quote in word-a-day

2007-09-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that our three basic needs for food and security and love
are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of
one without the others. -M.F.K. (Mary Frances Kennedy) Fisher, writer
(1908-1992)

November: The Book Thief

2007-09-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

There is no excuse for missing November's b0ok club, including a stolen book.

Host: TBA

October: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

2007-09-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

October's Book Club Assignment:

. . . one of Anne Fadiman's finest. And I say that haven't read none of her other books. ;)

Karen is hosting, thanks Karen!

Water for Elephants Recap

2007-08-15T17:42:00.001-05:00

Thanks Michelle for your spirit!

Thirsty? Anyone?

Yeah for sugary goods.

I'm not even going to say anything about this. . .

September: Eat Pray Love

2007-08-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

Um, who is hosting?

Last night was udderly delightful.

P.S. I thought you book-clubbers would enjoy this post on my personal blog.

Water & Elephants

2007-07-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

August Book Club at my place this month! E-mail me for directions.

Also, dress as your favorite circus animal or act. Who wants to be the bearded lady? I also wants lots and lots of people getting pissed off really dramatically and storming out. Be sure to throw things around and hit people before you storm out.

Lastly, don't expect anything special from me, maybe some water in buckets. Maybe some foul meat in buckets.

Life of Pi

2007-06-17T18:05:00.000-05:00

Michelle took her job as book club hostess very seriously when she made this cake. It is decorated with poor Pi Patel floating about in the ocean...

Also, we took a break from literature for a moment to conduct this science experiment. Bananas really do float! Unfortunately we were not able to test whether an adult orangutan could float on a bunch of bananas. At this question we can only speculate.

August: Water for Elephants

2007-06-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

I'll be back in August! Yeah! I'm hosting this one peeps.

July: The Memory Keeper's Daughter

2007-06-12T12:03:00.000-05:00

I know everyone will have a good cry since I can't be there for this book. very very sad.

June 11 - Life of Pi

2007-05-14T21:35:00.000-05:00

Michelle, as punishment for not coming this time, next month you are hosting! We picked Life of Pi.

Next meeting is May 14 at Karen's house

2007-05-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

We are discussing Pope Joan, the thrilling tale of secret identities, healing herbs, and ridiculous sex scenes.

Bring your ideas for the next book selection.

If you need directions, email me or give me a call.
karen_theresa @ hotmail.com

May: Pope Joan

2007-04-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

Book Club for May: Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. Karen is hosting!
See you soon.

We are TOUGH at Book Club!

2007-03-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

Just let Amy demonstrate. Whoa, I bet that book weighs a whopping 4 ounces!

Also, next meeting date is April 9th, 7:00 p.m.

You're Not from Around Here, Are You?

2007-03-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

Biography for April's book club!

You're Not from Around Here, Are You? A Lesbian in Small-Town America by Louise A. Blum

HQ75.4.B55 A3 2001

Location: Jane's Place
E-mail me for directions!

March Already?!?!?!?!?!?

2007-02-27T15:52:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that for March we are reading March by Geraldine Brooks. Our meeting will be at Amy and Kelly's house at 7:00- March 12.

I'll be honest, I have not even picked up the book yet. But I am planning to do so this week and am hoping to blaze through it quickly.

Looks like we might be looking at an autobiograpy for April. Read through Jane's post and bring ideas of books you might be interested in.

Autobiography!

2007-02-13T14:28:00.000-06:00

Hey team,
I think we should read an autobiography or a biography in the near future.
Check out this website:
http://www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress/books/livingout.htm
There is a plethora of queer options!

Here are my top picks:

You're Not from Around Here, Are You? A Lesbian in Small-Town America by Louise A. Blum
Surviving Madness: A Therapist's Own Story by Betty Berzon
An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin by Gad Beck

Jane

Fahrenheit 451

2007-02-12T08:23:00.000-06:00

Hey all!
Tonight's book club details have been sent via email. Just in case I didn't have the correct email address for you, please let me know so I can send directions to Kim's place. My email is mrgricus@yahoo.com.

See you this evening!
Michelle

Guess who I talked to the other day...

2007-01-19T11:22:00.000-06:00

...Stanley Gordon West, the author of Until They Bring The Streetcars Back. When I found out he lives in Shakopee, I decided to contact him and tell him about our field trip. I left a message at the publishing company and then Stan himself called me back.

He seemed like a really nice guy, and we chatted for quite a while. I think he was thrilled to get the call! He said if we liked the Streetcar book, we should read the other two in the trilogy (did you know it was a trilogy?) which have Sandy as more of a major character.

I asked him about what he is working on now. He told me that one of his more recent books is probably going to be made into a movie, and he is so busy with that and promoting the other books, that he doesn't have any time to write.

I got his mailing address and I'm going to send him a photo of the book club in front of the street car.

Hot, hot, Fire, fire!

2007-01-09T20:17:00.000-06:00

For our February 12 meeting, we will be discussing "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury. It's an American classic, and it's about time we find out why... Don't you think?

This meeting will be hosted by Kim K in St. Louis Park. If you don't know where she lives, you can contact her or myself for her address. 7:00 pm as usual.

Also, look ahead to our March meeting, where we will be discussing "March" by Geraldine Brooks. How clever is that???

January Book Club Details

2006-12-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello all!
I'm grateful to Jane for getting the word out about the book for January, since I have been a big slacker. January's meeting is set for Monday, January 8th at 7pm. A lively discussion about Mormonism will take place at my house, located at 625 7th Ave. S. in South St. Paul. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from many places so you shouldn't need to pack a lunch for the journey! I'll send directions in an email if anyone asks.

I can't think of any themed foods for this month's meeting, so feel free to make suggestions!

Check out this thorough website if you wish to know more about the LDS Church. http://www.mormonbeliefs.com/

Happy New Year!

Michelle

More Streetcar pics!

2006-12-16T16:12:00.000-06:00

January Book Club

2006-12-13T10:51:00.000-06:00

Be prepared to discuss "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer for January's meeting!

I believe there are two copies of the book available at St. Paul's Central Library (until I get there, and then there will only be one! suckas!)

Yeah streetcars!

2006-12-11T22:58:00.000-06:00

Streetcar Books

2006-11-26T19:59:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! I have scored us some copies of Until They Bring the Streetcars Back. We can use them as long as I PROMISE (which I did!) to get them back to my school's English department in as good of shape as the high schoolers have left them! :-)

Please let me know if you would like to borrow a copy. I might be able to drop some off tomorrow (Monday 11/27) afternoon/evening in the St. Paul area. Otherwise, we can arrange for you to pick one up in Roseville!

The Book Club field trip to the REAL streetcars sounds like it's a go...so hopefully everyone will have time to read it and get in on the fun on December 11th! WOO HOO!

Until They Bring the Streetcars Back

2006-11-20T22:35:00.000-06:00

For any of you who missed the November meeting (or were too busy looking at the NKOTB magazine to listen in), we will be reading Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West for December... And check out Karen's post below to find out about how she hooked us up with a rockin' field trip for the December meeting!

December 11 at the Lake Harriet streetcar barn

2006-11-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

I confirmed everything with Bill, and we can meet at the Minneapolis streetcar barn for our next meeting, December 11th. As long as there isn't a lot of snow on the tracks, we can go for a ride. In case of snow, we can still meet there, and climb around in the car and hear about how they restored it. Dress warmly!

The streetcar barn is on the west side of Lake Harriet. The boarding platform is by the corner of 42nd Street and Queen Ave South. (Map) If you look down the tracks to the south, you will see the barn.

Afterward, we could go to the nearby Dunn Brothers at 2814 West 43rd Street, have some cocoa and warm up.

One more thing - the streetcars are run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. They usually charge $55 for a private tour, which helps to fund the renovation and maintenance. Do you think we can pitch in for that?

I was so damn cute!

2006-11-15T19:39:00.000-06:00

Yeah for pictures from Junior High. Double Yeah for NEVER having to go through it again!

Field Trip anyone?!

2006-10-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

The Guthrie Theatre has a Playwrights' Center Reading of "The Book Club Play" on November 3rd. It's free and, hey, it's totally unfair that adults don't get to go on field trips! (However, it doesn't give a time...could be during work hours.) Just thought I would mention it!

The Book Club Play
By Karen Zacarías:
A comedy that looks at the impact of books on our lives and friendships, as we watch a tight knit book club dissolve when Alex, so smart, so funny, and so annoying, joins the group.

http://www.guthrietheater.org/PLAYSTICKETS/StudioPresentations/TheBookClubPlay/tabid/166/Default.aspx

Another book we might be interested in - nonfiction

2006-10-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

Shafted: Free Trade and America's Working Poor

http://www.foodfirst.org/wto/shafted

Book Idea

2006-10-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hey...I heard a super interesting MPR interview about this book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City". It's about the US idealism, hubris, greed and good intentions gone awry in Iraq and the making or not making of a nation. Check out the author's web site http://www.rajivc.com/
It looks like it would make great fodder for our club.

Looking ahead to December...

2006-10-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

We talked about reading "Holidays on Ice" by David Sedaris for the December meeting... Gotta love a little humor in the holiday spirit. Check it out from your library now to beat the holiday rush!

Judy Blume Fever!

2006-10-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

The Nov. 13 meeting will be hosted by Kelly and Clare, and there is an assignment. Everyone must bring a picture of themselves in Middle School/Junior High. This will help us to get in touch with our inner adolescents for our discussion of "Are you there God? It's me Margaret."
See you November 13!

Potato Sex

2006-10-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

Just for you Amy!

What is stigmata?

2006-09-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it,

"Stigmata is when Jesus gets his, you know, business all over you."

November 12th: Are you there God?

2006-09-19T21:00:00.000-05:00

It's me, Margaret!!! Is anyone else slightly dreading the November meeting? On one hand, from this distance the awkwardness of puberty seems like it might be good for some laughs. On the other hand...do I have to talk about, um, woman things? With a group of people I don't know very well? Granted, seven months ago I had a complete stranger's hand all the way up my you-know-what, (and meanwhile I was carrying on a cheery conversation with her about why she quit her job at 3M), but that was The Miracle Of Birth, and that is different.

So, as I said to that nice lady who left 3M to go to nursing school, please be gentle. We have to make it a rule: nobody gets made fun of for what a dork they were in junior high.

Our next meeting is the second Monday of November, the book is a pre-teen classic, and I don't think we decided where we are gathering yet...? I will try to think of some theme related snacks. :)

October 9th: The Plot Against America

2006-08-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks everyone for agreeing to read "The Plot Against America" by Philip Roth. He's a prolific author, winner of many awards, so this should be an exciting endeavor. Apparently it was quite controversial when it came out.

I'm postponing my hosting to October, since I might not make the September gathering. My address is 713 Portland Ave #101 in St. Paul. Portland is one block north of Summit, and I am between Dale and Victoria.

The Minneapolis Public Library system has a waiting list for this book, but there seems to be several copies available in the St. Paul Public Library System.

I'll see you on October 9th at 7:00 p.m.!

October Meeting - The Plot Against America

2006-08-14T21:51:00.000-05:00

We picked The Plot Against America by Philip Roth for the October meeting. Might want to reserve this at the library, because it's fairly new and there are wait lists. Or order online - Powell's has it used for $9.95.

September Meeting: "My Sister's Keeper" and Diarama Construction

2006-08-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

Our next book is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. We're meeting at Jane's House of Crafts. Rumor has it she is knitting us book covers. Not sure of the date yet, due to a most unfortunate Football Conflict.
Correction: We are meeting at Jane's in OCTOBER...not sure where we are meeting in September.

New book ideas

2006-08-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

Post them here by clicking "comment."

Making it up...

2006-08-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hope you're all reading away and imaging the infinite possibilities in life! Kind of creepy to think about all the things that could be different based on one decision or twist of fate...

Like for example, the fact that I don't know how to blog... I could hit "publish post" and any number of things could happen. Here I go!

Making It Up . . . As I Go Along

2006-08-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

What a great work of fiction to discuss! There are so many angles to take; time, place, narrator, etc. Personally, I think we should describe the character with which we identify the most -- and why? I was going to go with Chloe, but then she turned up so anal, so I ditched that one. Back to the drawing board!

In case anyone hasn't gotten the book yet, it turns out you can't get it in the stores yet (the paperback isn't out yet, and the hardback isn't stocked), so to the library it is. Most of the TC libraries have a copy, so just check to see if it is checked out at either The St. Paul Public Library System, or the Minneapolis Library System. I don't think either library will hold it for you, since it is so new, but first come, first serve. . .

Next meeting: August 14

2006-07-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

We decided to meet every 2nd Monday, which means our next meeting is August 14th, 7:00pm at Molly's house. The book we picked is Making It Up by Penelope Lively, only 200-some pages so hopefully we can all finish in 2 weeks.

Molly can you reply with your address/directions?

The Unwanted

2006-07-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

Our first meeting was Tuesday night, July 25 and we discussed The Unwanted by Kien Nguyen. If you'd like to make more comments about this book - especially if you missed the club - here's your chance.

Welcome to the Book Club Blog

2006-07-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

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