November Meeting

Robyn:

Thanks to good books and good friends to share them with.

I found this book haunting and beautiful. I have to admit that I knew about Jews in France, but I
was never clear on the details. I want to go back to Paris now and see all the things I missed the
first time. I really liked the author’s method of interweaving the two storylines and the
development of the apartment on la rue de Saintonge as a critical character in the story.

As I read this book I could not help comparing it to what is happening today. People are always
looking for someone to blame for all their problems. I found this statement thought provoking -
the German soldier on the train to Paris said “Blue eyes, blond hair, like the children back home…”
which made Sarah wonder “was being Jewish something that one could immediately see?” Today
we blame Muslims and Mexican immigrants for all the problems in our country. Its easy to blame
something or someone else instead of working on solutions. I have a very good friend who
happens to be a Muslim from Bangladesh. He has a daughter who is a few years older than Jared.
When she was in junior high (the same junior high Jared now attends) she was ostracized because
of her religion. She ran for a school office and a text circulated among the student body saying
"don't vote for Sama (her name) bin laden." The principal did nothing, nor did the school board.

Another lesson from this book is the danger of indifference. I was struck by the conversation Julia
had with an old man “One day the camp was empty. I thought the Jews have gone. I didn’t know
where. I stopped thinking about it. We all have. We don’t talk about it. We don’t want to
remember. Some people here don’t even know.” And the conversation with Eduard “He had
closed his eyes.” One of my favorite quotes (not from the book) is from The Devils Disciple by
George Bernard Shaw:

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them,
that’s the essence of inhumanity.”

And of course there is the famous quote by Edmund Burke: “All that is necessary for the triumph
of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Good thing for people like the Defaures (spelling?), Helmuth Hübener, Sophie Scholl and many
others who in the advent of evil have the integrity to stand up for what they believe and the
courage to act.

Always remember; never forget.

Robyn

Lisa:

Sarah's Key was gripping. It is always haunting to think about what one would do if placed as any
of the characters in such a situation, whether a Jew, French police person, or just a French citizen.
I can't remember, but I don't think we've read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which is another
take on the Holocaust that also really made me think about what just the average, ordinary
person would do- the book gave insights into how an everyday German citizen of the time may
have lived just before and during Hitler's rise to power, how bad things were for everyone. If
you're interested in reading more on the subject, it's a good book to read, also gripping. The
language is harsh (some swearing), but so is the subject and the lives of the people. Elisabeth, you
served your mission in Germany, right (or am I going crazy, I know you were in the German
choir, anyway...) you've probably talked to some people with some amazing stories and sad
memories. The only thing close I have in my expereience is the whole North/South Korea thing.
I did meet one elderly lady on my mission who fled North Korea, leaving her family behind. Which
has nothing to do with the Holocaust, but just another way in which so many people have
suffered in the hands of a corrupt government and leaders. Speaking of which, tomorrow is
election day. I have not studied the issues or candidates nearly as thoroughly as I should- but I do
have a politcal sign in my yard. "Vote YES for a countywide library system in Cache county." If it
passes I may be able to stop having to resort to my mom's library system in Salt Lake for half of
our book club picks. Sorry this is a bit rambling. Suddenly I'm much more tired than I realized, but
I wanted to write tonight.

I also am thankful for great books and great friends.

Lisa

Elisabeth:

I am really looking forward to reading Sarah's Key now. Unfortunately there are about 100 people
ahead of me on the hold list at the library. Maybe I'll break down and buy it for my birthday. I was
able to read the life histories of a couple who served in the Berlin Mission while I was there. It
was so amazing to read of his experience in the German Army and as a POW. He was able to
escape. The wife and her family had to flee East Germany as the Russian Army advanced at the
end of the war. My first Sunday in Germany I was asked to bear my testimony. I was so homesick
I began to cry, and cried for the next three hours. It didn't help that this sweet woman took me in
her arms and started to cry with me! After I read her history, I understood her empathy: she had
experienced leaving her home behind many times. Lisa, this was the couple that invited me to
sing with the German Choir.

Elisabeth

Ann:
I agree with you Robyn...in fact it really takes these stories of ordinary people to really help me
understand history. My favorite thing about traveling to new places is to see how everyday life is
different from mine, what people eat, how they get around, how they spend their time. I too
thought for a long time about whether or not I have enough strength of character to do what the
Defaures did. I want to say yes, but I guess the true test is what I do now for others and how I
stand up for what I believe in any situation.

Karen:
Hello All,

Thanks, Robyn, for getting the discussion going. "Haunting" is a great way to describe how I felt
about this book. I remember learning that Jewish people in France and Italy had been "rounded
up", but nothing really more than that. This was a heart breaking story that (maybe due to just
having had a baby and being extra emotional) brought me to tears several times. I thought the
same as Ann, how would I have responded if put in the Dufaure's situation. I like to think that I'd
have the courage to stand up for what I believe is right, no matter the consequence. I really liked
how she merged the two stories together.

For November, we'll be reading The Westing Game, chosen by Micah. If we're still going in order,
Becca should choose the book for December. Are you up for it?

Karen

Micah:

OK, I'm finally getting around to making my comments about Sarah's Key....because finally after 3
times of it being on hold at the library, I actually picked it up before they took it off hold. I'm
wondering if it's currently the "yuppy" book around town. My mom's bookclub was reviewing it
this month. And yesterday I read an article in the paper about it being one of the author's favorite
books. It was then that I clued into the fact that I'd already read it. But not to be deterred, I
decided to re-read it starting last night. I LOVED it the first time I read it and I'm sure I'll feel the
same way about it round 2. Such a sad time in history. And the kids. Wow! It kills me.

The one thing I'm not sure if I noticed the first round or not (probably did but it's been several
years since I've read it) is that the font is different when they go back and forth from modern day
to history. I like that. I'm not sure that I've read a book that does that before. Anyway, I'm
excited to be re-reading it.
Micah

December book: The WEsting Game, by Ellen Raskin
Chosen by: Micah

October Meeting

Karen:
Hello fellow Bluestockings!

It has been one year since we revived our beloved bookclub! I am very proud of us, even though
we've all struggled at one time or another to finish (or even start) some of the books.

I really enjoyed The Seven Miracles that Saved America. I learned quite a bit about our country's
history and really feel that much of how the U.S. came to be was divinely inspired and directed.
That said, I kept trying to think of what people born in other countries would think if they read it.
I remember on my mission having some people comment on how "American" the LDS church is
and even express a feeling of superiority coming from American members of the church. That
made me sad. I appreciated the paragraph at the end of the book that said,

"A person might ask, by what right do any people claim that God would select a particular people
or country for special blessing? It is important to understand that He accomplishes this not by
diminishing other nations, but by lifting a nation up. And if He raises up a nation, it is with the
expectation that that nation will then lift up others. The divine selection is not alone a prize; it is a
duty imposed. In the speech that President John F. Kennedy would have delivered had he not
been assassinated, he boldly proclaimed, "We in this country, in this generation--by destiny rather
than choice--are the watchmen on the wall of world freedom".

That's quite a responsibility and one I sometimes wonder if our nations leaders think about.

Other thoughts???

Any takers for choosing the book for November? I think I skipped Micah, if we're starting over in
order. I have Sarah's Key waiting for me at the library. I'm going to get it tomorrow and try to get
through it before this little one decides to arrive! 16 days to go (or less, I hope!)

Karen

Lisa:

Less than 16 days now, Karen. It has taken me a while this month...lots going on:).
I took the advice to read a chapter, at least. The chapter I choose to read was the one on
Lincoln. So, now I have two more books to read on my list...the seven miracles (since I only read
one chapter before it was due back at the library) and With Malice Toward None- a biography on
Lincoln.

Sorry I don't have much to add to the discussion this month other than hurrah for bookclub!
Thank you to Karen, our eternal secretary. And do read Sarah's Key. I borrowed that one from a
friend and read it last month. It's a goodie.

Lisa

November Book: Sarah's Key
Chosen by: Robyn

September Meeting

Lisa:

Karen even reminded me 2 days ago to start this (yesterday) and it was on my calendar To Do list (yesterday). I guess it helps if you read your To Do list periodically instead of just adding to it...
I loved Left To Tell, which is why I recommended it. When it was first recommended to me I thought a book about such a difficult subject would surely be a difficult book, but I found her message of hope inspiring.
Favorite quotes "(I had wanted vengeance) But that was before I'd opened my heart to God's forgiveness and made peace with the killers." p. 158. " I would try to bring hope and happiness to their (the children of the Holocaust's) lives, and steer them from embracing the hatred that had robbed them of their parents, and of a family's love." p. 165. "I could see that whatever path God put me on, helping others to forgive would be a big part of my life's work." p. 159.
I also liked, somewhere towards the end of the book, when she decided to leave Rwanda. Sometime's it seems in order to help out in a terrible or hard situation you need to stay or be right in the middle of it, whereas sometimes you can actually help more by removing yourself first. Put yourself in a strong spot to then give you the strength to help others through their difficulties. I remember once being in a not so great roommate situation (not with any of you, of course, all of you I had the privilege of living with were wonderful roommates), but I remember thinking rather than stay in the situation to help make it better it would be better for me, and ultimately for those I served and had responsibility for, if I found a better situation for myself. Which I did.
Karen, please forward this to anyone I missed. Amy, I didn't integrate the quotes as eloquently as you did with the old ladies book, maybe you can help me out with that;).
I've already got Seven Miracles... on my desk and ready to read.
Thank you all for being so great! I love our bookclub.
Lisa

Micah:
I've been waiting for this discussion to start because I actually read AND finished the book. I'm so proud of myself. :) I had to get in Mockingjay and The Silence of God but with 2 days to spare I started Left to Tell.

Honestly, the thing that amazed me the most was that this happened in 1994. Granted I was on my mission for part of that year but I was an adult and I don't remember a thing about this. We hear about the Holocaust all the time but 1 million people were killed in this. Wow! I also can't imagine being crazed enough to think I'm that much better than someone...especially someone I've known my whole life....to go and kill them off in the manner that these people were being killed. I'm assuming Hotel Rwanda was about this same thing?

I was amazed at how much faith she had (can't remember how to spell "her" name). So the quotes I liked the most were about that. Here are a couple towards the end of the book that I really liked:

"I was living proof of the power of prayer and positive thinking, which really are almost the same thing. God is the source of all positive energy and prayer is the best way to tap in to His power."

"....others had lost much more than me..... They'd lost their faith - and in doing so, they'd also lost hope. I may have lost everything but I'd kept my faith and it made me strong."

I received an email on a talk a general authority had given and it said "Faith fuels hope." And that's what "I" had in the book. She had faith and it fueled hope.

I also have Seven Miracles ready to read but I think it's due back to the library soon. I'll have to put it on hold again.

I hope everyone is well!! I'm hoping for a long and beautiful fall!!!
Micah

Karen:
I also have to pat myself on the back for finally finishing the book on time! As sad a story as it was, I kept reading because I was so in awe of her continued faith in God amid such horrible circumstances. I don't know if I would react the same way.

A favorite quote of mine was (pg 114): "I was certain that God had a great purpose for me, and I prayed every day for Him to reveal it to me. At first I was expecting Him to show me my entire future all at once--maybe with a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder thrown in for good measure. But I came to learn that God never shows us something we aren't ready to understand. Instead, He lets us see what we need to see, when we need to see it. He'll wait until our eyes and hearts are open to Him, and then when we're ready, He will plant our feet on the path that's best for us...but it's up to us to do the walking."

I've come to realize that a few times in my life as well. I also couldn't help but think of the Book of Mormon as I read this book. We recently read about one of the many wars between the Nephites and Lamanites and how the Lamanites (in this particular passage) were a "ferocious people who delighted in the shedding of blood". It's hard to imagine how people can develop such hatred and pride. And I'm with you Micah, I felt so bad for not remembering that this went on. I blame it on being 18 and totally clueless.

As Lisa reminded us, the book for September is The Seven Miracles that Saved America, by Chris & Ted Stewart. Don't be intimidated by it's length. If you can only read a "miracle" or two, we can still have a great discussion.

If we're starting over from the beginning, that puts Robyn in charge of choosing our October book. Let me know if that's a problem.

Happy September everyone!

Karen

October Book: Seven Miracles that Saved America, Ted & Chris Stewart
Chosen by: Karen

August Meeting

Discussion

Amy:

See, I really did choose this book because I'm feeling middle-aged, ladies. Let's just put that out there right now! I just needed someone to say, "You go, girl" despite the upcoming 40th birthday. (Y'all know what I'm talking about?)

Okay, so were you able to get a copy of Two Old Women and read it during this busy month of July?! I like this book. I like its simplicity, its story, its message.

I feel the women's anger as they are betrayed by the group. I love their courage as they declare that "if we are going to die, my friend, let us die trying, not sitting." But I also love their forgiveness. I love that their motivation for survival was not necessarily to dis' The People who left them, but to prove they could overcome weakness. Something they would not have learned had they not gone through the trial -- though it was incredibly painful emotionally and physically. I like this quote on p. 128 that speaks of the women's relationship with The People after they had both survived and reunited:
"Both learned that from hardship, a side of people emerged that they had not known. The People had throught themselves to be strong, yet they had been weak. And the two old ones whom they thought to be the most helpless and useless had proven themselves to be strong." And then it talks about how The People found themselves seeking the company of the women for advice and to learn new things. I'm thinking I can learn so much from my elders, and am I taking advantage of the opportunity?

I also like the setting of nature, and its beauty despite the harshness. After the two women are left by the group, and are feeling the desperation of the situation, they awaken the next morning with frost on their caribou skins and Ch'idzigyaak (Anyone want to take a stab at the pronunciation?!) sighs in "dull exasperation," and then "she went outside where the northern lights still danced above, and the stars winked in great numbers. Ch'idzigyaak stood for a moment staring up at these wonders. In all her years, the night sky never failed to fill her with awe." It reminds me of the beauty, the direction, the God gives us, even during uncertain times. And it reminds me of all the times I've needed to feel the Spirit in my life, and was directed while getting outdoors and in the open air.

This quote isn't in the book, but I think it applies to the discussion of it:
"There is nothing sadder than an unfulfilled life. Someone who is well past the halfway point of life, convinced that they missed out on their true calling. Dreams don't come with expiration dates. Take advantage of the years that lie ahead of you and do what you were created to do, whatever that happens to be. Whether it is in education, politics, science, medicine, arts, or any other field, the world needs what you still have to offer." ~ Martha Bolton

Your thoughts?

Micah:

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!! (that's for Amy who I'm certain isn't going to turn 40 this year because that then means that I'm turning 40 as well. YIKES!!!)

I sadly have to admit that between girls camp and dating I haven't read the book. Can I still be part of the group though? I'm promise to do better this month. :)

Amy, I LOVED the quote at the end. That's something that I need to commit to memory so thanks for sharing. I actually tend to look towards the future but there are definitely times where I wonder "what if". I guess the "what ifs" are going to take place in the future. I have a lot to look forward to!!! :)

And speaking of things to look forward to...I got a ticket to fly to Boise for the annual 5k. Anyone else going to join in the fun?
Karen:

I can't help but pat myself on the back since I finally finished a book club book! It helped that it was a shorter one, but also, I loved it!

I was in awe of these two little women (I called them Chickadee and Star); the same way I am when I hear stories of the early saints crossing the plains and wonder if I have it in me to endure something like that. I tend to think not but then I read my favorite quote from the book that came from the introduction:

"...there is no limit to one's ability--certainly not age--to accomplish in life what one must. Within each individual on this large and complicated world there lives an astounding potential of greatness. Yet it is rare that these hidden gifts are brought to life unless by the chance of fate".

I wonder quite often what I am really capable of if I really put my mind to something and my priorities in line.

I also liked Amy's point about learning from our elders. When I was a hostess at the Conference Center (Micah and Lisa might relate) I loved getting to know all the senior couples and hearing their stories and getting their points of view on life, dating, marriage, pretty much anything.

Great pick Amy! I'm not sure if someone was chosen for this months’ book? Any volunteers?

Ann:

I LOVED the book. Of course as always I'm intrigued about how people can live off the land at any age. I thought it was interesting that when life had gotten easier for them when The People took care of them they became grouchy and complaining. I think work and the rewards we reap from honest labor can help us a little in the humility and gratitude department. Also, I think the quality of life for the two women was higher when they had to use their skills and minds.

Here's a random thought but maybe I can get it to tie in somehow: yesterday I was driving along and in front of me was this older couple (probably late 60s) out on their motorcycle. The guy looked like an old biker dude and his companion looked like an old biker gal. They were both on the same bike, no helmets, dressed like they probably dressed in their 20s, and out for a joy ride. As I watched them I thought good for them, I'm glad they still get out and follow their interests. I hope to do all of my favorite things for my entire life (or as long as I'm able to) and don't just give up and sit at home because I'm old.

Bring it on 40, I'm still healthy and ready for a good hike!


Lisa:

Yes! I also read the book. When I picked it up from the library I realized I had actually read it before. But it was short and good so I read it again. I also liked the messages referred to by Amy (With quotes and all, very nice, Amy;) And I also am turning 40 this year.

Business

August Book: Left to Tell, by Immaculée Ilibagiza
Chosen By: Lisa Weaver

July Meeting

Discussion

Amy:

I read Gilead a few months ago and liked it. (Have I mentioned about two years ago I joined a Book Club with a few local friends, as I missed our Blue Stocking discussions of yesteryear? Now I'm rather committed to it. So, I'll try to keep up with as many books as I can. We read Gilead. Only two of us liked it, and I was one of those. It took a bit to get into it (I listened to it on audio CD) but I thought the quotes were thought-provoking. Here are three of my favorites:

"These people who can see right through you never quite do you justice, because they never give you credit for the effort you’re making to be better than you actually are, which is difficult and well meant and deserving of some little notice." (It just makes me chuckle.)
"It seems almost a cruelty for one generation to beget another when parents can secure so little for their children, so little safety, even in the best circumstances. Great faith is required to give the child up, trusting God to honor the parents’ love for him by assuring that there will indeed be angels in that wilderness."
"One of my least favorite things to do is to talk about spiritual things with an atheist."
(This one is a paraphrase. I wish I could remember this whole quote -- don't currently have the book on me -- but I really relate to this feeling and, again, kind of chuckle when I think of it.

Happy reading!

Becca:
I purchased Gilead and began it, but have not had the time to finish it. I liked what I read so far, though, and plan to read it when I break from school in August.

I'm still in! My school work usually takes precedence these days, but I love to read your comments and ideas.

The third book in the Hunger Games Trilogy will be out soon. If nothing else, that may reunite us! I think we all read the previous two.

When my brain has room in it, I listen to books while driving to and from school. I just finished one I really enjoyed: The Book Thief. Most of you have probably already read it, but if not, I recommend it (not for our next read, of course, just as a book to read "sometime"). I found the imagery painfully beautiful at times and the juxtaposition of charity and cruelty throughout the story is something that I'll remember for a lifetime.

Elisabeth:

I really enjoyed Gilead. I liked the style of the book, letters being written to a son to read when he is grown. I think my own children might benefit from this! Maybe they would judge me more compassionately if I left them my side of the story! I thought the themes of forgiveness and charity that ran through the book were uplifting. It was very slow moving, but beautifully written. I was very touched by page 124 in the book. If you don't get to reading the book, at least read page 124. It was my very favorite.

This is an important thing, which I have told many people, and which my father told me, and which his father told him. When you encounter another person, when you have dealings with anyone at all, it is as if a question is being put to you. So you must think, What is the Lord asking of me in this moment, in this situation? If you confront insult or antagonism, your first impulse will be to respond in kind. But if you think, as it were, This is an emissary sent from the Lord, and some benefit is intended for me, first of all the occasion to demonstrate my faithfulness, the chance to show that I do in some small degree participate in the grace that saved me, you are free to act otherwise than as circumstances would seem to dictate. You are free to act by your own lights. You are freed at the same time of the impulse to hate or resent that person. He would probably laugh at the thought that the Lord sent him to you for your benefit (and his), but that is the perfection of the disguise, his own ignorance of it.

p.s. I am really enjoying the book club and would love to continue

Ann:

I liked that quote Elisabeth...I have kind of thought of that before but am still trying to put it into practice. I didn't finish the book and was disappointed that I didn't even get very far, girls camp is to blame. I am going to request Two Old Women from the library right now and enjoy my post camp summer. Who's choosing next? And does anyone remember the name of that book we read many years ago about the black plague in a little English village? I wanted to pass that suggestion along to my sis in law.

June Meeting

Discussion

Karen:

Hello Bluestockings!

I am stepping in for Jenn who is in the middle of packing her house to move. I am such a slacker (still trying to get through a book from two months ago) that I have not finished Gift from the Sea and am unable to begin a good discussion about it. I can, however, share a quote by the author that I have always loved. (Maybe someone can tell me if it comes from this book!) I once saw a wall hanging that said, "My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I wrote it down because I kept thinking about it. I don't know if this is what she meant by that, but I often feel like I am unable to show all those that I love just how much I love and appreciate them. I often find myself wishing that I had thought to do a little something for someone, but didn't get around to it. One of my goals is to at least remember people's birthdays and to let them know I am thinking about them. Still working on that one!

Anywho...That is my sad contribution. Hopefully some of you did better than I with this book.

As I remember it, Christina chose Gilead for June. Has someone been assigned to choose for July? If we've gone through everyone, should we start over in the same order or is there someone who has a book they're dying to choose? Let me know, and happy reading!

Micah:

Thanks Karen! Now that quote it definitely some food for thought! And I feel the same way. I'm always making excuses as to why I can't show love to everyone I want to...but like Karen said, we have to start somewhere. I was humbled when I ran the SLC marathon and I had some friends drop my by a bottle of gatorade or a gel...not much but they just wanted to let me know they were thinking of me.

But I digress.....the thing I found most interesting as I read Gift from the Sea was how pertinent the things she said seemed for today....right now...but she wrote the book how many years ago??? Many. She could have written it yesterday for all I know. It was a fun read with lots of things to think about. Sorry I don't have anything deeper than that to add. :)

Hope all is well with everyone!

Ann:

Yes Karen, your quote is from pg 124, and how do I know that? Because I finished the book! Yippee! I really loved the whole thing but especially the last couple of sections. I salivate for the chance to spend a quiet month on an island to just live simply and have only me to worry about for a short time. She talked about how at home there is so little empty space in her day that she can't find herself. "Too may activities, and people, and things. Too many worthy activities, valuable things, and interesting people. For it is not merely the trivial which clutters our lives but the important as well." That was one thing I really liked about my field work in Myton and up in Washington...I had lots of space for walking and for thinking. And then when I was done with work for the day since I was pretty isolated from my social center and from town the tasks of cooking dinner and compiling field notes were satisfying and relaxing. So I guess I must simplify my existence somehow...maybe after girls camp. :)

PS: I believe it's Amy's turn to make a selection...c'mon Amy, I know you're out there!

Jenn:

A daily dose of this book could very well keep me from insanity. I've got to find it. . . it's driving me crazy. (hee hee lol)

Lisa:

I loved, loved, loved the book. I could reread it annually, I'm sure. I was going to copy down quotes before I returned it to the library- but, it would have been like the whole book. So, I'll just re-read.
Today I got sunburned at the beach with Scot. We decided the ocean here feels like Mother Nature's bathtub. The water is so warm! No great insights into life from our beachly sojourn, but enjoying it all the same. I did, however, go on a tour of a giant open-pit gold mine yesterday. I alternately wished I had Ann there (to understand the environmental jargon Graciellla, our tour guide, was using to explain what the environmental department at the mine does...training on environmental data management software is why I was there, indirectly, since that's why brought Scot, then me, to the Dominican Republic) and I also wanted Micah with us, because when Graciella wasn't speaking environmental she was speaking Spanish. And I couldn't understand either one. It was interesting to see part of what Scot does and where he is on some of his weeks away. Today he told me he'll probably be back here sometime within the next 3 months. That'll be his fifth trip, just here. We were trying to remember our last trip together, and remembered last summer he opted for a trip to Australia while I opted for childbirth. Unfortutnately, our plans overlapped. It's good to be together now.

Amy:

You're in the DR right now huh, Lisa? I've been touring (along with Brad and the kids) the Alamo, walking the River Walk and attempting wake boarding in Texas the last few days. Here on vacation with my sister's family, who resides in Austin. Having a blast, y'all.

Okay, Ann...I heard you and it's my turn to choose a book, huh? The book for this month is...

Two Old Women, by Velma Wallis

I like this book. There's a lot of potential to finish it in a month, as it's only 160 pages. And it's an interesting Alaskan legend. (Wallis also wrote a book called "Bird Girl," so...do you like her already?)

Happy reading!

Becca:

Hello Blue Stockings,

I read Gift from the Sea many years ago, but didn't read it last month. (My job situation has been a roller coaster and I'm just wrapping up another term at the Y.) However, I'm reminded of a favorite quote:

The cure for anything is salt water-- Sweat, Tears, or the Sea (Isak Dinesen)

I would love to trade my current sweat and tears (note the afore mentioned job roller coaster and BYU classes) for some quality time with the sea, but, alas, sweat and tears must do for now.

Lisa-- Please ride an extra wave and wonder at some pearly shells for each of us. We'll feel the sea-infused, good karmic sentiments you send our way.

The title of the next book intrigues me as I have long favored the name Gilead. I have a week between the finish of spring and start-up of summer semester and plan to put it to good reading use.

Have a lovely day!

Christina:

Hello All,

Yup, the book for June is Gilead. I hope you all don't mind if I start a discussion of it around June 20 because I'm leaving for vacation June 23rd. I love this book but I also have a lot of questions I was hoping maybe you guys could help answer about the book. It's one reason I chose to read it for this month. Sounds like a few of you have started vacations already, happy exploring!

Elisabeth:

Hopefully it's not too late to send my thoughts on Gifts From the Sea. I couldn't help but think back to The Bookseller of Kabul. How unfulfilled and monotonous the women's lives in The Bookseller were in comparison to the privileged, rich, full life that Anne Morrow Lindbergh lived. The youngest sister of the Bookseller wanted so badly to work, to have some fulfillment in her life, but she was completely oppressed and had no opportunity to better herself. Ann Morrow Lindbergh on the other hand is seeking a breath away from the unending pressures and demands of a full life. I felt that Lindbergh's insights helped me understand my mom better. When my dad and mom were first called to preside over the West Virginia Charleston mission, I was concerned about my mom's energy and health. I woke up from a dream sobbing because she had left my dad, the mission field and her family to go to a convent in Austria. I was sobbing, "How can you give up everything?!" I hadn't thought about this dream for years, but Gifts from the Sea reminded me of it. I now have daydreams about being alone in a beautiful, quiet place with no distractions!

Business
July Book: Two Old Women, by Velma Wallis
Chosen by: Amy Hansen

May Meeting

Discussion
Ann:

I have learned that I am currently unable to finish a book in a month despite my good intentions. However one should not start out a speech or an email with excuses so I will delve into what I did read. I am just to the part where the author discusses burkas and boy am I glad we don't have that custom here. I just can't imagine being hidden away like that. All discomforts of the burka aside, to be shielded from the world like that, and to be shielded from other burka'd women must be frustrating and suffocating. It's interesting because to a lesser extent it is beneficial to "shield" oneself from some worldly things that can be harmful to our minds and bodies, but then it's also important to contribute good to the world, which for me would be much harder to do from under a burka. I am always fascinated by the way people from other cultures live, so will toss out more comments as my brain digests Afghanistan a bit more. Did anyone make it through the whole book?

Jenn has been tagged to choose our book for May...

I just had to throw out a little flashback comment to Picking Cotton because just within the last week another guy was released after many years in prison when DNA evidence finally cleared him of the crime he didn't commit. There was an article in the paper about how now Idaho is the only state who doesn't allow DNA testing in criminal cases. Why? I don't know. Go figure.

Like Elisabeth's idea about announcing the book ahead of time. That means Jenn will need to tag someone asap.

I wasn't her favorite because I scored higher on the math section of the SAT than the English section. Christine was the favorite. Very interesting comment Lisa...I'm going to think some more about this. "Mulder" it over (so to speak).

Jenn:
The Bookseller of Kabul was a great book. The journalist who was inspired to write it is crazy. Most of the time it read like a period piece. But then I was shocked again and again to realize this is real life for millions today in the here and now.

I was thinking of a short book for May, but I think we might have already read it: Gift From the Sea by Lindberg. Help me out here, who has read it???

Micah:
I did not read the Bookseller of Kabul but I'm going to find it at the library right now. Sounds interesting. Like Ann, I don't know how the women can wear the burkas. I wouldn't have made it very well in that society. :)

And a shout out to Amy who says she reads all the book club emails. :)
Karen:
I got through the first chapter of the book, but then the copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that I've been waiting forever for finally came and I switched. I still want to try to finish The Bookseller.

Great to hear from you Micah! Looking forward to the new book as well!

Amy:
Hey, all. Yes, a big shout out return. I truly do read all the bluestocking e-mails, but don't usually comment because...surprise, surprise...I am not worthy -- I haven't read the book! I was consoled that Ann occasionally cannot finish a book in a month either! :)

Lisa, how was Women's Conference?

Elisabeth:
I have a suggestion that might make it easier for us all to read the book in the chosen month. If we could announce the book a month before we start reading it. By the time my library had The Bookseller of Kabul on the hold shelf for me, I only had a couple of days to read it. I first checked out the book on DVD and was very disappointed that it had been damaged. Maybe the person for June could select the book now, so we can all work on locating the book.


Lisa:
Women's conference was wonderful. If anyone ever wants to go I'd love to see any/all of you there! I've gone the last 3 years...not having to work during it and living in the same state as it makes going a little easier for me than some....I only have to worry about childcare.

I started the Bookseller and echo the others, burka = no fun, although I didn't read as deeply as some. Way to note the shielding from the worldly symbolism, Ann. No wonder you were Mrs. Mulder's favorite.
I almost hesitate to send this next part, but, your all my friends and know me, right?

The thing that always strikes me as eeriest about these Middle East books, and others where the women are treated so poorly and as lower class citizens, is how it seems to mirror my life today far more than I'm comfortable admitting. In fact, I didn't finish this book because it made me uncomfortable. I add it to a myriad of other titles that stir up feelings I just don't like. Not that it was a bad book. It was interesting. And, in saying this, I don't mean to imply that my life is bad or situations we live in nearly so dramatic as this book portrays. I just wish I didn't relate as well as I do books in which women are treated as less than...well, just less. I don't think I felt this way when I was single, but being married and a mom plays into it. I think it's just one of Satan's ploys with me, but I have a really tough time not becoming angry, bitter and otherwise negatively effected by this type of literature. Maybe I just pick up on the nuances of unfairness in the world and blow them out of proportion. Am I the only one effected this way? Truly, maybe it's just an area where Satan knows he can bring me down.

I have heard of Gift From the Sea, and I've been meaning to read it for years. Now I have an excuse!

Robyn:
Like many of you, I read about half the book. I found it interesting, but also frustrating. I was uncomfortable with the way the author portrayed Sultan, as a hero championing free speech when in my opinion he was mostly an obsessive, selfish opportunist (maybe he redeems himself in the end?). I found it interesting how little regard he had for copyright. I also found the conversation about Salman Rushdie (pg 63) interesting. Sultan and his associates sat around condemning Rushdie and his work when none of them had actually read his work. Sultan was so concerned about censorship only when it was convenient for him. And like you all I was disturbed by how women are treated. I was uncomfortable with the double standards made by men in this society.

**Random thought: As I read your comments about women in middle eastern countries I remembered a book of beautiful and poignant short essays and poems, I read a few years ago called Tasting the Sky : a Palestinian childhood by Ibtisam Barakat, which relates one woman's experiences not of Afghanistan but of living in Palestine. I highly recommend it.

Check out Pingo a picture book by Brandon Mull (a Utah author). I think you will love it!


Recipes
Ann:
Creamy Fruit Smoothie
4 c fresh or frozen fruit
1 1/3 c instant dry milk
1 c water
1 c ice cubes
3 T sugar
1 1/2 t vanilla extract

Blend away.

Business
June Book: Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson
Chosen by: Christina Bowen