Saturday, December 10, 2016
January Meeting
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 7th at 11am for our meeting at Chris Mallon's home. Chris will provide a brunch casserole with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you wish to bring something, Chris suggests an orange juice or other juice. We will be discussing "The Rosie Project" which is Nika's selection. Carpooling with 4WD is recommended. See you then. Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Barbara hosted our December meeting, which was held at Claudia's home. Again, a delicious meal featuring meatloaf and scalloped potatoes (which really pleased Ron!). Always a pleasure to gather, share and discuss, this time by the much-appreciated fire!
Our book, "When Breath Becomes Air", was written by Paul Kalanithi, a man well-studied in both literature and medicine. His life was tragically cut short, but he contributed to every moment of it to his fullest. The author examined the meaning of his existence , answering his own questions of "What makes human life meaningful, even in the face of death and decay." The epilogue, written by his wife after his death, stated "...he did more than just describe the terrain. He traversed it bravely." "Literature not only illuminated another's experience, it proved...the richest material for moral reflection." This particular piece of literature provided materials for individual philosophical reflection of our own lives.
We all contributed children's books for holiday gifting. Thank you, Nika, for arranging the wrapping and distribution of these books within our community. Several of us also participated in our secret Santa gift exchange, which is always fun!
"You could not help but feel your specklike existence against the immensity of the mountain, the earth, the talus, reaffirming your presence amid the grandeur."
"There is a moment, a cusp, when the sum of gathered experience is worn down by the details of living. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment."
"Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still it is never complete."
Our book, "When Breath Becomes Air", was written by Paul Kalanithi, a man well-studied in both literature and medicine. His life was tragically cut short, but he contributed to every moment of it to his fullest. The author examined the meaning of his existence , answering his own questions of "What makes human life meaningful, even in the face of death and decay." The epilogue, written by his wife after his death, stated "...he did more than just describe the terrain. He traversed it bravely." "Literature not only illuminated another's experience, it proved...the richest material for moral reflection." This particular piece of literature provided materials for individual philosophical reflection of our own lives.
We all contributed children's books for holiday gifting. Thank you, Nika, for arranging the wrapping and distribution of these books within our community. Several of us also participated in our secret Santa gift exchange, which is always fun!
"You could not help but feel your specklike existence against the immensity of the mountain, the earth, the talus, reaffirming your presence amid the grandeur."
"There is a moment, a cusp, when the sum of gathered experience is worn down by the details of living. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment."
"Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still it is never complete."
Saturday, November 5, 2016
My Friend Flicka
We gathered at Sandy's lovely home to share another delicious meal and great discussion. Sandy, it was so nice to enjoy your festive Halloween decorations, which included many of your own counted cross-stitched pieces. It is always a pleasure to be able to relax and spend time with friends. Thank you, Sandy, for hosting our gathering.
Our book was a classic coming-of-age story about an American West ranch family. The main character was a young boy - a dreamer who was finding it difficult to please his demanding father. His mother helps him find his abilities by encouraging her husband to give the boy the horse of his choice during one summer break from school. The summer becomes a long, hard lesson about life and gaining ones' own self confidence. The boy is not the only one with lessons to learn; his father, who is actually a lot like his youngest son, has lessons to learn that summer also.
It was revealing to realize that this was written in the 1940s and that the economics of ranching haven't changed much over the years, save the introduction of modern farm equipment. The author had moments of waxing poetic surrounded by repetition as she set the scene. She beautifully describes Wyoming:
"The East is cozy. There is never the distance, the far, empty distances - the wide loneliness. You can smell the emptiness - almost a desert. A sweet, fresh, singing wildness - you can breathe it in. And it lifts you."
We did feel that the first two thirds of the book were somewhat boring and repetitious, but agreed that the end was compelling and made it all worth the read.
We set the date of our December gathering. It will be Wednesday, December 7th at 5:30 pm. Although Barbara will be our host, the meeting will be held at Claudia's home. This will be our meeting to collect children's books to donate to local children of need. We will wrap our selections that evening. We will also have a "secret Santa" book exchange. If you care to join in, please bring a book/gift which is already wrapped. We will draw numbers and each select a surprise gift!
Our book was a classic coming-of-age story about an American West ranch family. The main character was a young boy - a dreamer who was finding it difficult to please his demanding father. His mother helps him find his abilities by encouraging her husband to give the boy the horse of his choice during one summer break from school. The summer becomes a long, hard lesson about life and gaining ones' own self confidence. The boy is not the only one with lessons to learn; his father, who is actually a lot like his youngest son, has lessons to learn that summer also.
It was revealing to realize that this was written in the 1940s and that the economics of ranching haven't changed much over the years, save the introduction of modern farm equipment. The author had moments of waxing poetic surrounded by repetition as she set the scene. She beautifully describes Wyoming:
"The East is cozy. There is never the distance, the far, empty distances - the wide loneliness. You can smell the emptiness - almost a desert. A sweet, fresh, singing wildness - you can breathe it in. And it lifts you."
We did feel that the first two thirds of the book were somewhat boring and repetitious, but agreed that the end was compelling and made it all worth the read.
We set the date of our December gathering. It will be Wednesday, December 7th at 5:30 pm. Although Barbara will be our host, the meeting will be held at Claudia's home. This will be our meeting to collect children's books to donate to local children of need. We will wrap our selections that evening. We will also have a "secret Santa" book exchange. If you care to join in, please bring a book/gift which is already wrapped. We will draw numbers and each select a surprise gift!
Friday, October 14, 2016
Next Meeting Wed.,November 2
Thanks Sandy for offering to be next to host, Wed. Nov. 2...discussing My Friend Flicka.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Circling the Sun
Many thanks to Chris P. for a wonderfully delicious and relaxing evening at her beautiful home overlooking the wide Columbia River. We started the evening off with a toast to adventure, and were reminded that a few of our regulars were off on adventures of their own. Conversation about the book touched on aspects of the unusual and daring life of the main character, Beryl Markham, the challenges she faced in the circumstances of her upbringing, and the surprising liberal lifestyles of the English colonialists in Kenya. As the joke went, "Are you married or do you live in Kenya?" Several of us had read or watched a film of other accounts of either Beryl or Karen Blixen.
We had mixed feelings about Beryl's love interests, especially with a man who was the lover of her good friend, but considering the culture of free love that existed in that society, and her lack of strong family ethics, hers was a natural response to a strong attraction to a man with a sense of freedom and adventure to which she aspired.
We all loved the descriptions of Africa. " This close to the equator, we had almost no twilight. Day turned to night in minutes, but they were lovely ones. Around us the yellow grasses stretched and moved like the sea sometimes dipping into antbear burrows and pig holes, or lifting towards the knuckled spires of termite mounds, but never truly ceasing. There was a powerful illusion that the bush didn't end - that we could ride for years like this, carried by the grasses and the sense of distance, on and on for ever. "
We will need to to discuss over email the plan for our next meeting.
We had mixed feelings about Beryl's love interests, especially with a man who was the lover of her good friend, but considering the culture of free love that existed in that society, and her lack of strong family ethics, hers was a natural response to a strong attraction to a man with a sense of freedom and adventure to which she aspired.
We all loved the descriptions of Africa. " This close to the equator, we had almost no twilight. Day turned to night in minutes, but they were lovely ones. Around us the yellow grasses stretched and moved like the sea sometimes dipping into antbear burrows and pig holes, or lifting towards the knuckled spires of termite mounds, but never truly ceasing. There was a powerful illusion that the bush didn't end - that we could ride for years like this, carried by the grasses and the sense of distance, on and on for ever. "
We will need to to discuss over email the plan for our next meeting.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
October Meeting
Our October meeting will be hosted by Chris Peek. Currently enduring a full kitchen remodel, Chris has selected to host the meeting at the Entiat Fire Station. It is scheduled for Wednesday October 5th at 5:30 pm.
Edit update: Location will be at Judy Bell's unless Chris P's kitchen is available next door!
Edit update: Location will be at Judy Bell's unless Chris P's kitchen is available next door!
Relaxing by the River
Esther went above and beyond to provide us with a wonderful meal and great time at her family's retreat up river - The Pines. The cooler temperature and the wind moved our meal indoors instead of outside along the river, keeping Esther busy setting up inside. As always, a delicious selection of wonderful and bountiful treats were shared. Esther and Gary have done a great job creating their cozy and comfortable retreat! Thank you both for letting us explore and enjoy your hide-away!
Our book selection, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, received rave reviews by all. This story was well constructed and smooth with no rough edges. The author built in the current style for our modern short attention span, moving backwards and forwards in time while weaving together the unique stories of all the well developed characters. It was all about feeling, both physical (touch, smell) and emotional, as well as various forms of light: visible light (sun, moon), invisible light (ultraviolet, infrared, radio waves) and darkness from the lack of light. While set in World War II, it only touched on the Jewish aspect, focusing on the German invasion of France and the French resistance. The author brought it full-circle by pulling quotations from the beginning of the story and revisiting them at the end of the tale.
"Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever."
"This is cleaner, more mechanical, a war waged through the air, invisibly, and the front lines are anywhere."
"So many windows are dark. It's as if the city has become a library of books in an unknown language, the houses great shelves of illegible volumes, the lamps all extinguished."
"The moon sets and the eastern sky lightens, the hem of night pulling away, taking stars with it one by one until only two are left."
Our book selection, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, received rave reviews by all. This story was well constructed and smooth with no rough edges. The author built in the current style for our modern short attention span, moving backwards and forwards in time while weaving together the unique stories of all the well developed characters. It was all about feeling, both physical (touch, smell) and emotional, as well as various forms of light: visible light (sun, moon), invisible light (ultraviolet, infrared, radio waves) and darkness from the lack of light. While set in World War II, it only touched on the Jewish aspect, focusing on the German invasion of France and the French resistance. The author brought it full-circle by pulling quotations from the beginning of the story and revisiting them at the end of the tale.
"Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever."
"This is cleaner, more mechanical, a war waged through the air, invisibly, and the front lines are anywhere."
"So many windows are dark. It's as if the city has become a library of books in an unknown language, the houses great shelves of illegible volumes, the lamps all extinguished."
"The moon sets and the eastern sky lightens, the hem of night pulling away, taking stars with it one by one until only two are left."
UPDATE for "Love That Dog"
Kris Boisen has selected Thrusday September 29th from 8:15am-8:50am as the date for her Entiat school class book club review of "Love That Dog" by Sharon Creech. Please let Kris know if you will be participating.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Kris Boisen's 4th Grade Book Club
Hi everyone. Kris B has requested our help. Her 4th grade class will be reading "Love That Dog" by Sharon Creech. Kris would like us to assist her by also reading this book and participating in a "book club" discussion of the story with her 4th graders. This will help the kids learn how to discuss different aspects of a book - learning by the example we will provide. The tentative dates for this event, which were discussed at our last meeting, are either September 9th or September 12th. This is not a "required" book club read, but Kris would really appreciate our help for her class.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Wonderful Job Scott!!!!!!!!!
Kris kindly hosted our August meeting to show off the beautiful new patio that Scott recently built with paver stones and complete with a cover (still in process). It was lovely dining in the back yard enjoying the comfortable summer's eve. And we had so much to dine on - a delicious heritage pot-luck with Guinness Irish Stew, Irish Soda Bread, Shepard's Pie, Irish Potato Salad, Currant Bread, Kasespatzle, Avocado Salad and Apple Cake.
The Orphan Train was well liked. Some of us preferred Vivian's character over Molly's. We all appreciated learning about a large event - 200,000 children over several decades - that is rarely mentioned in our history lessons. I liked the author's comparison of our journeys through life as a form of a portage. Two quotes we like from this story:
"Aspects of Vivian’s memory are triggered with each box they open. The sewing kit wrapped in cheesecloth evokes the Byrnes’ grim home. The mustard colored coat with military buttons the felt lined knit gloves, the brown dress with pearl buttons. Soon enough Molly is able to keep the cast of characters straight in her head…..as if joining scraps of fabric to make a quilt, Molly puts them in the right sequence and stitches them together, creating a pattern that was impossible to see when each piece was separate.
"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."
Our next meeting will be at the Dalgas retreat "The Pines" on September 7th where we will review "All the Light We Cannot See". Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
The Orphan Train was well liked. Some of us preferred Vivian's character over Molly's. We all appreciated learning about a large event - 200,000 children over several decades - that is rarely mentioned in our history lessons. I liked the author's comparison of our journeys through life as a form of a portage. Two quotes we like from this story:
"Aspects of Vivian’s memory are triggered with each box they open. The sewing kit wrapped in cheesecloth evokes the Byrnes’ grim home. The mustard colored coat with military buttons the felt lined knit gloves, the brown dress with pearl buttons. Soon enough Molly is able to keep the cast of characters straight in her head…..as if joining scraps of fabric to make a quilt, Molly puts them in the right sequence and stitches them together, creating a pattern that was impossible to see when each piece was separate.
"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."
Our next meeting will be at the Dalgas retreat "The Pines" on September 7th where we will review "All the Light We Cannot See". Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Meeting Schedule
Kris Boisen has generously invited us to meet at her home Wednesday August 3rd at 5:30pm. Potluck, possibly on the newly completed patio! Be sure to mark your calendars. Also, Esther has invited us to meet at The Pines - her get-away up river - in September (date to be decided at the August meeting) and Chris P has invited us to meet at her home in October (date to be decided at the September meeting) to oh and ah over her newly remodeled kitchen. Boy, won't all the hubbies be busy getting ready for us!
We will discuss our schedule of hosts during a future meeting. We need to get Barbara back on the schedule after she has fully recovered from her ankle surgery. Also, Chris M and Nika are coming up to host during our winter months. We may need to move them out into spring, or we may meet at an alternate location such as the Entiat fire station.
Keep enjoying your summer, and we will see you on August 3rd!
We will discuss our schedule of hosts during a future meeting. We need to get Barbara back on the schedule after she has fully recovered from her ankle surgery. Also, Chris M and Nika are coming up to host during our winter months. We may need to move them out into spring, or we may meet at an alternate location such as the Entiat fire station.
Keep enjoying your summer, and we will see you on August 3rd!
Friday, July 8, 2016
Thank you Kris and Scott
Not wanting to base our meal on those "enjoyed" (endured) by book character John William ("The Other"), we opted for a 1970's themed pot luck. Delicious with several "family favorites" included! We enjoyed our time together sharing at the Boisen's lovely home.
Again, mixed reactions to our selection. The author loved long descriptive sentences, so long you could loose your train of thought. The book's main characters graduated from Seattle's Roosevelt HS in 1974; the setting and the time-frame prompted many memories. A few of us did not feel the actions of the story rang true. It did open discussion on friendships and living with our choices throughout life.
Mark your calendars:
Don't forget, we need to give Esther the titles of two books we would like to read. This will give the book club coordinator options for setting up our on-going reading list. Once our list is updated, I will bring our list up-to-date on this blog.
Again, mixed reactions to our selection. The author loved long descriptive sentences, so long you could loose your train of thought. The book's main characters graduated from Seattle's Roosevelt HS in 1974; the setting and the time-frame prompted many memories. A few of us did not feel the actions of the story rang true. It did open discussion on friendships and living with our choices throughout life.
Mark your calendars:
- July 21, Entiat Library, 5:30 - 7pm, come to the film screening "He Named Me Malala".
- Kris requested volunteers to read a portion of the best-selling children's book "BFG" by Roald Dahl and then participate in a "book club discussion" with her 4th grade class in September.
- I have not updated the info on our next meeting. I will check with Barbara. Once details are finalized I will post the information, so stay tuned!
Don't forget, we need to give Esther the titles of two books we would like to read. This will give the book club coordinator options for setting up our on-going reading list. Once our list is updated, I will bring our list up-to-date on this blog.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Bring your Suggestions July 6
Esther will take suggestions for your second book selection, everyone, at Kris's house or by email. October is Nika's selection then we start a new round.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
An Evening Along the River
Thank you Judy for hosting our gathering this month. After a hot week, we all expected to be out on the deck overlooking the Columbia. This fickle spring turned on us and the wind rattled the windows, so we gladly enjoyed the view from inside. We also enjoyed a pot luck for which Judy provided two delicious main entrees. The sharing of good food and friendship combined with discussions of our book and other topics always makes for a wonderful evening.
"Ancient Places" is a compilation of short essays revolving around subjects related to the history of our Pacific Northwest home. While we all agreed that the author provided interesting information, we also felt the book would have been more intriguing if there were a stronger link between the chapters. Most chapters discussed the geology of our area and some revealed daily lives of those who came before us, but a couple chapters felt disjointed from the bulk of the book.
"The climate that created them (fossils) doesn't quite match the weather we think we know. The habitats they suggest refuse to fit into neat catagories recognised by current ecologists. Yet the species that pour out of them..continue to provide a flood of tantalizing information: full of names and new directions, contradictions and unsolved mysteries."
"Ancient Places" is a compilation of short essays revolving around subjects related to the history of our Pacific Northwest home. While we all agreed that the author provided interesting information, we also felt the book would have been more intriguing if there were a stronger link between the chapters. Most chapters discussed the geology of our area and some revealed daily lives of those who came before us, but a couple chapters felt disjointed from the bulk of the book.
"The climate that created them (fossils) doesn't quite match the weather we think we know. The habitats they suggest refuse to fit into neat catagories recognised by current ecologists. Yet the species that pour out of them..continue to provide a flood of tantalizing information: full of names and new directions, contradictions and unsolved mysteries."
Sunday, May 8, 2016
An Evening that was Out of This World
Potatoes were the dinner fare for our meeting to discuss "The Martian". Debbie G laid out a wonderful "stuff your own baked potato" bar - Idaho potatoes, of course, as there were no Martian potatoes available. Delicious! Chris P provided dessert - a chocolate cake made with potato. Bet our astronaut wish he'd had that recipe!
There was a bit of mixed reaction to this book. Some of us enjoyed the concept of the story and also the humor throughout the book while others found it too hard to get through. Were all the situations and also the solutions possible? The author stated that this story was originally published on the web chapter by chapter. He received comments from experts on the technical aspects of the story; what was and was not probable. These experts also gave suggestions of what would really work, which Andy Wier incorporated into his story before it was published in book form. The probability of this situation every happening and resolving as it did in this book are pretty small, and I certainly wouldn't want to eat potatoes as the mainstay of my diet for one and a half years, but it made for an interesting book and also a movie.
It's always a pleasure to gather together and enjoy friends, conversation and good food. Thank you Debbie G for providing a lovely evening!
There was a bit of mixed reaction to this book. Some of us enjoyed the concept of the story and also the humor throughout the book while others found it too hard to get through. Were all the situations and also the solutions possible? The author stated that this story was originally published on the web chapter by chapter. He received comments from experts on the technical aspects of the story; what was and was not probable. These experts also gave suggestions of what would really work, which Andy Wier incorporated into his story before it was published in book form. The probability of this situation every happening and resolving as it did in this book are pretty small, and I certainly wouldn't want to eat potatoes as the mainstay of my diet for one and a half years, but it made for an interesting book and also a movie.
It's always a pleasure to gather together and enjoy friends, conversation and good food. Thank you Debbie G for providing a lovely evening!
Thursday, April 14, 2016
An Evening Up River
Thank you Debbie D for hosting our April meeting. It was nice to travel up river to see you and Terry too! Our group was small due to spring break vacations, among other things, but it is always pleasant to get together and share friendship, a delicious meal and our book discussion. We also enjoyed that Terry joined us for dinner. Keying on events in our book, Debbie served ice cream sandwiches for dessert and Kris B wore her red shoes.
We had mixed reactions to this novel, from a bit tedious to thought provoking. The story was constructed around random people's lives and how they intersected. Events included a divorce, a shooting and trying to adjust to life back home after deployment in the Middle East. The story was sad but hopeful. Nika commented, via an email report, "Once I got into it, the story hit home to me in how the world can be such a small place. What you do and say can impact more people than you know".
Here are some quotes from the novel:
"...something small changes everything. Where the tiniest act, the smallest space of time, the most inconsequential of decisions, changes a life."
"...things happen to us that are more than we can take. And we break, We break for a moment, for a while. But that break is not who we are. It's not the sum total of who we are.
"We never know how high we are
'Til we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies."
-Emily Dickenson
We had mixed reactions to this novel, from a bit tedious to thought provoking. The story was constructed around random people's lives and how they intersected. Events included a divorce, a shooting and trying to adjust to life back home after deployment in the Middle East. The story was sad but hopeful. Nika commented, via an email report, "Once I got into it, the story hit home to me in how the world can be such a small place. What you do and say can impact more people than you know".
Here are some quotes from the novel:
"...something small changes everything. Where the tiniest act, the smallest space of time, the most inconsequential of decisions, changes a life."
"...things happen to us that are more than we can take. And we break, We break for a moment, for a while. But that break is not who we are. It's not the sum total of who we are.
"We never know how high we are
'Til we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies."
-Emily Dickenson
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Oriental Flavor
Thank you Sandy for the wonderful evening. Everyone enjoyed your home and your warm hospitality. The meal was delicious: summer spring rolls and beef broccoli! Perfect for our discussion of "The Girl Who Wrote in Silk".
"The Girl Who Wrote in Silk" was a first effort by author Kelli Estes; a historical romance with a modern-day twist. The author combined two love stories; one based on historical information about the treatment of the Chinese in the US and in Seattle during the 1800's, and the other set in the present on Orcas Island. In the book notes, the author explained that she wrote both stories separately and then combined the two, weaving them into one novel. Parts of the story were hits and parts were misses, not quite ringing true for some of our readers. We all appreciated being exposed to historical information we had little knowledge of and wonder about mankind's need to despise particular ethnic groups throughout history. We also marveled in the description of the Chinese embroideries and techniques. Sandy shared with us some gorgeous silk and beautiful buttons she has along with a very fine (as in minutely tiny stitching as well as very finely done!) cross-stitch sampler she had made on silk. Judy also shared with us a silk embroidery she has from China of the Great Wall.
It is always a pleasure to attend our gatherings and spend time sharing with friends. Thank you again Sandy for hosting us this month!
"The Girl Who Wrote in Silk" was a first effort by author Kelli Estes; a historical romance with a modern-day twist. The author combined two love stories; one based on historical information about the treatment of the Chinese in the US and in Seattle during the 1800's, and the other set in the present on Orcas Island. In the book notes, the author explained that she wrote both stories separately and then combined the two, weaving them into one novel. Parts of the story were hits and parts were misses, not quite ringing true for some of our readers. We all appreciated being exposed to historical information we had little knowledge of and wonder about mankind's need to despise particular ethnic groups throughout history. We also marveled in the description of the Chinese embroideries and techniques. Sandy shared with us some gorgeous silk and beautiful buttons she has along with a very fine (as in minutely tiny stitching as well as very finely done!) cross-stitch sampler she had made on silk. Judy also shared with us a silk embroidery she has from China of the Great Wall.
It is always a pleasure to attend our gatherings and spend time sharing with friends. Thank you again Sandy for hosting us this month!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
"Circus" Addendum
Belated Happy Birthday Nika! Also, surely Chris P. you are enjoying your warm weather. Looking forward to seeing you up north again soon. Enjoy your insightful book reviews!
An Evening at the Circus
Thank you Judy B. for our lovely circus evening! Starting with hot apple cider, popcorn and caramel apples and ending with caramel apple cake, ice cream and the most adorable chocolate mice! (Magical works of art!) Wished it hadn't been snowing so Debbie D. would have been able to join us. We missed you Debbie D., but understand your absence.
"The Night Circus" is an adult fantasy; an unusual story intertwining a competition with an antagonistic romance. Black versus white, dark versus light, good versus evil. The competition involves magic and your perception of reality and of time. The circus is a spectacular production that is unusual yet beautiful, provocative yet elegant. The author conjures wonderful descriptions which take you along on this dreamlike adventure. I'm sure we all would have enjoyed spending a night at Le Cirque des Reves. Several of us did feel that the story could have been edited more so it could have been enjoyed in less time (500 pages!).
When interviews about her book, author Erin Morgenstern said, "I think it's something that I knew already but explored more with these characters, that nothing is a simple as black and white, good or evil. There are all those shades of grey and everyone acts from a place that they see as right and true. (Though they are allowed to change their minds.)"
"The Night Circus" is an adult fantasy; an unusual story intertwining a competition with an antagonistic romance. Black versus white, dark versus light, good versus evil. The competition involves magic and your perception of reality and of time. The circus is a spectacular production that is unusual yet beautiful, provocative yet elegant. The author conjures wonderful descriptions which take you along on this dreamlike adventure. I'm sure we all would have enjoyed spending a night at Le Cirque des Reves. Several of us did feel that the story could have been edited more so it could have been enjoyed in less time (500 pages!).
When interviews about her book, author Erin Morgenstern said, "I think it's something that I knew already but explored more with these characters, that nothing is a simple as black and white, good or evil. There are all those shades of grey and everyone acts from a place that they see as right and true. (Though they are allowed to change their minds.)"
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
"What Claudia Forgot" to do
Thank you Chris M. for reminding me that I hadn't posted the results from our January meeting at Esther's home where we reviewed "What Alice Forgot" by Liann Moriarty. Dinner was wonderful, of course, featuring a delicious beef broth tomato soup. Esther did not attempt the world's largest lemon meringue pie (as the characters of our book had done), for which we are all grateful (so soon after the holidays!).
This book dealt with memories and what can trigger a memory. It also touched on how we perceive our lives - wonderful, exciting, disappointing, happy, sad, lonely. Good memories versus bad memories. About how we can "twist the lens" on our lives and see things from different perspectives, and be wiser and more sensible about our views and expectations. It was a light read which was nice after the holidays and our previous selection. An interesting story which gives you the chance to stop and ponder if you would like to go back in time and change things you did, and how your views and expectations of life have changed as you got older. Would you change anything, or keep the course?
This book dealt with memories and what can trigger a memory. It also touched on how we perceive our lives - wonderful, exciting, disappointing, happy, sad, lonely. Good memories versus bad memories. About how we can "twist the lens" on our lives and see things from different perspectives, and be wiser and more sensible about our views and expectations. It was a light read which was nice after the holidays and our previous selection. An interesting story which gives you the chance to stop and ponder if you would like to go back in time and change things you did, and how your views and expectations of life have changed as you got older. Would you change anything, or keep the course?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)