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

April Meeting

Discussion

Elisabeth:

Hello! I hope you all had a lovely Easter/Conference Weekend. I learned a valuable lesson about choosing a book for book club. One should at least flip through the book before suggesting it. Although Lives of the Trees An Uncommon History is a fun book to browse through, it doesn't lend itself to a deep discussion. I liked being able to randomly select a tree and read about it, no need to read from cover to cover. I enjoyed the interesting folklore and history of trees that I have learned to love in California; trees that we have in our backyard and neighborhood. The Eucalyptus, Orange, Olive, Walnut and Redwood. On the other hand, having no story line to hook me, it was harder for me to read the whole book. Several nights it put me to sleep, while books usually cause me to stay up way too late.

I was expecting a more poetic, beautifully written book.(Think Terry Tempest Williams) The style of the book reminded me of a history teacher rambling on about a subject. I couldn't help but think of my eighth grade history teacher Mr. Woodard. I used to really enjoy his stories, but he was a rambler! Robyn had him too. What do you think Robyn?

The Acacias and Alders inspired me. Acacias can thrive in very poor soil and Alders live where other trees can't because they their roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules. Both Acacias and Alders enrich the soil in which they grow. Alders even help reduce pollution because they absorb metals into their leaves. I could wax profane drawing comparisons to lives of humans, but I'll spare you!

Ann, I guess it must be your turn to select a book!

Karen:

Hello All!

I am sorry to say that I was not able to find this months book in our library system. We're a little behind the times. It did sound interesting, so I'll keep it on my list for the future!

Ann:

Wahoo! Finally my turn! I will attempt to draw out the suspense a little and share with you another thought I had about the Hunger Games during General Conf. (Does that mean it was inspired?) I was thinking how the gifts that Katniss received from her trainer, forgot his name, H-something, weren't what she thought she needed but in the end she did...he seemed to know what would benefit her the best...especially if she was careful in the way she used the gift. Kind of like blessings from a Heavenly Father who wants the best for us even if we can't see it at the moment. A great book, I think about it a lot. I would also be thinking about trees a lot too I'm sure had I been able to get a copy of the book, but alas I am victim to the same library system as Karen and we are still waiting for a copy of Trees to grace our valley. I have renewed Sarah's Quilt twice now and am still working on it. I'm just reading about Lazrus the water witch and he creeps me out.

OK, now for my big moment. I have thought about my selection for months just waiting for this responsibility to come my way and have had many good candidates. However I tried to pick something that might interest the majority of the group rather than just me, so we'll see...you can let me know in a month. The April book choice is (drum roll...) The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad. I have been a bit obsessed with Afghanistan lately (not in the Switzerland way) because a good friend of mine just spent 4 months there and I've been trying to imagine what life must be like there in so much turmoil. Maybe this will enlighten me.

Lisa:

Alas, I, too, live in a small town with an insufficient library system. So what I do is borrow from Salt Lake. And the Tree book (my mom asked, "Are you sure you meant to order this book?") is awaiting me for my next trip down. Which will be today. Which is, unfortunately after the fact. But, knowing of our literary weakness, I've already ordered the next book- which I should be able to get later in the week, on my way back through Salt Lake. I hope. For those who do not know, my four oldest and I are embarking on a driving tour of Garfield county- with overnight stops at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef- for a Spring Break adventure/study session- as Cam has been assigned Garfield county for his 4th grade Utah County report. I can think of far worse:).

Robyn:

There is only one copy of the book at the Salt Lake City Public Library and I have had it for about a week now! As Elisabeth commented, I found the book an interesting collection of random facts randomly presented. Trees were not organized by genius, region, or any other characteristic (trees were listed alphabetically) so browsing was the best approach to reading the book. I found the connections the author made fascinating. I got a kick out of all the biblical references. It is clear that humans throughout history have been molded and influenced by the presence of trees.

One of my favorite trees is the Gingko. It has been around for a very long time (pre-insect!) and is very resilient. Several gingko trees survived the atomic blast at Hiroshima where everything around them were completely destroyed. I could use some gingko leaves because it is thought they might help memory deficiency! I loved listening to Doug Woodard because his memory was amazing. He was a great person who lived a fascinating life. But he did tend to ramble.

I am looking forward to warmer weather so I can get outside again and enjoy trees, grass, sun...

(books I have recently devoured... anything by Melina Marchetta - Finnikin of the Rock and Jellicoe Road. I am currently reading a delightful little book called A Nest for Celeste: A story about art, inspiration, and the meaning of home by Henry Cole and for the youngest crowd try Bunny Days by Tao Nyeu!)

Recipes

Elisabeth:

I have a recipe for a yummy healthy whole wheat chocolate cake. This recipe from a woman in Provo, Utah, won a Better Homes and Garden competition. $25,000!!!

Karen:

Easter Pie

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

32 oz frozen spinach, chopped

3 ¼ c whole-milk ricotta cheese

½ c grated Parmesan cheese (1 ½ oz)

½ c grated mozzarella cheese (1 ½ oz)

½ lb thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped

1 large whole egg, plus 2 large egg yolks

¼ tsp salt

1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1 Tbsp heavy cream

Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on two sides. On a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, roll out one piece of dough to a 14-inch square, about 1/8 inch thick. With a dry pastry brush, sweep off excess flour; fit dough into the prepared pan, pressing into corners. Prick the bottom of the dough all over with a fork. Roll out the remaining dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Transfer dough strips (on parchment) to a baking sheet. Chill pie shell and dough strips until firm, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°.

Line the chilled pie shell with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang; fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges just begin to turn golden, about 15 minutes; remove parchment and weights. Return to oven; continue baking until the edges turn light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, prosciutto, the whole egg, 1 egg yolk, salt, and nutmeg. Spread evenly into cooled pie shell. Weave dough strips on top to form a lattice. Using kitchen shears, trim dough flush with the top of the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk and the cream; brush egg wash over the lattice top and the edge of the pie shell.

Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes (if edges or top of crust browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.) Cool slightly on a wire rack. Using parchment paper overhang, gently lift pie out of pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. The pie is best eaten the same day it is baked, but it can be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Easter Pie Dough

4 ½ c all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

½ c finely grated Parmesan cheese (1 ½ ounces)

1 tsp coarse salt

¾ tsp freshly ground pepper

1 ½ sticks (¾ c) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces

¾ c vegetable shortening, cold, cut into small pieces

½ to ¾ c ice water

Put flour, cheese, salt, and pepper, in the bowl of a food processor; pulse several times to combine. Add butter and shortening; process until the mixture has the consistency of coarse crumbs, about 10 seconds. With the machine running, pour ice water through the feed tube in a slow, steady stream until the dough just holds together.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide dough in half, and form each piece into a flattened square. Wrap each piece of dough in plastic, and chill at least 1 hour or overnight before using.

Ann:

Amish Baked Oatmeal
(This recipe yields 4 servings)

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 a teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup dried fruit (optional)

Mix all ingredients and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 30 minutes.

Club News

We would like to welcome a new member of the book club. Christina Bowen, a friend of Elisabeth's, will be joining the Bluestockings. Welcome Christina! We're happy to have you!

Business

April book: The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad

March Meeting

Discussion

Lisa:

So, Sarah's Quilt. I realized about midway through the month I should have recommended These Is My Words, the first book in the series. My apologies. There is also a third book- the title of which escapes me. But, I loved the whole series. It was just full of quotable quotes. Sarah Agnes Prine is a woman to be admired. And I should really should have reread at least one of the books so I could get more specific, but, alas, I did not. But one day I will. You mark my words.:)
And I am remembering to include a recipe this month. 2 actually, made them both for my boys yesterday (Scot was in Prague yesterday, today he's in Germany, with any luck I'll be with him in the DR in April, but we shall see.)

Ann:

I haven't finished yet but am into it. (Elisabeth, if you haven't read this I think you would really like it.) I just love Sarah's character; she's a sturdy girl. I'm just at the part where her mother just sold her 60 acres to the railroad and I'm cringing inside with Sarah. I'd probably be prone to risking running out of water before selling off land...actually I can't imagine being without water. I'm spoiled.

Elisabeth:

I had the best of intentions to read the book this month and to share some insights, but alas, it didn't happen. We moved back into our newly remodeled wheelchair accessible house after being out of it for four months. I love it!(Ann, Karen and Lisa you must all visit us now again. The rest of you are of course always welcome too!) Now that I know it is about a sturdy girl, I'm going to look for it tomorrow after my carpool. I'll take Lisa's recommendation and look for the first of the series too.

Since I don't have a thought about the book, I thought I share this thought from Vladimir Nabokov's Lectures on Literature. "A wise reader reads....not with his heart, not so much with his brain, but with his spine. It is there that occurs the telltale tingle."

I actually found this in a catalog called Bas Bleu, Book Seller by Post. They have a website: www.basbleu.com . You probably already new about this catalog, but I was intrigued by it.

Karen:

Elisabeth, it was so good to hear from you. I always wonder if you're getting the emails when we send them.

I read all three of the Sarah books quite a while ago and loved them. I doubt that I would have been as strong a woman in those conditions as Sarah was. She was a trooper. It was a sweet love story, but kind of intense with the neighbor problems and threats from Mother Nature.

Recipes



Robyn's French Bread (or Scones)

1 c warm water with 2 tablespoons of yeast
Mix, set aside and let it grow.

8 c flour
2 Tbs shortening
2 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs salt
2 c hot water
Mix together in a big bowl. Mix in yeast water and let raise about 45 min, until double in size. (I can never seem to get mine to raise well unless I put it in the oven, preheated to the lowest setting then turned off.) For French bread divide into 3 loaves, form on cookie sheet, then let it raise again. Bake at 400, 25 min. For scones, only raise once, then form scones and fry in oil.

And
Excellent Syrup for Scones (aka Buttermilk Syrup)

1 1/2 c sugar
1 cube butter
Melt together in a pan in the stove over low heat.
Add 1/2 c buttermilk
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp light corn syrup
Heat slowly so it doesn't burn or turn to sugar.

Business

March book: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

April chooser: Lisa

January Meeting

Discussion

Robyn:
Good grief! It is all ready January 4th! I realized late last night that I had shirked in my duty to start this discussion. Not a very auspicious way to start a new year. I hope you all enjoyed this book. I was immediately pulled into the story and not spit out until the last word. I found the story compelling and the characters my friends, but I am fond of dystopic science fiction. When I have tried to explain the premise of this book to someone who has not read it, it all seems too fantastical. Why would I love a book about a group of children thrown into an arena and forced to kill each other. Perhaps what intrigues me is the question of how close to this society is our current society? We are now walking a thin line between being able to support the appetites and excesses of our world population and anarchy. The earth has a finite supply of resources, which we are rapidly depleting, systematically manipulating and destroying. How far are we willing to go to preserve "order"? What are we willing to sacrifice to feed our families?

If you enjoyed this book try the Uglies (a four book series by Scott Westerfeld) - another equally disturbing dystopic society manipulated by a parasitical government.

Here's to a Happy New Year filled with great books!
Robyn

Becca:
Hello Everyone,
I'm still learning the new Bluestocking ropes and thought I was supposed to start the discussion. I sent this email out on New Year's Day, but did not have some of your email addresses (having never been the "starter," I just forwarded and replied). Sorry for the delay... If it was a delay... If I was supposed to start...

I hope everyone is warm and cozy on this chilly January night!

Becca :)

P.S. I know I should know this, but my brain has just been rather full of late... So, do I start the discussion in February, or does Lisa (whom I tagged for the February pick).

Jenn:
Hey everybody. I'm alive. Just haven't found time to read e-mails. Haven't even got to the October comments. But did devour The Hunger Games and am reading the sequel. Thanks Robyn

Karen:
Thanks for getting the ball rolling Robyn! I really enjoyed this book as well. Each character was very intriguing. I caught myself being relieved when Kat became friends with Peeta and Rue but then I'd remember that, in the end, one of them still had to die. And not just die, but die at the others' hands. I'm glad our society hasn't come to that...yet! I'm looking forward to reading the sequel...as soon as Ann is finished with it (hint, hint!).

***Reminder to Becca to tell us what we're reading this month.

Have a great week!

Ann:
I loved it too! A friend of mine who has also read the book said that it was a cute story...I don't think I would describe it that way. And I too kept wondering why I was enjoying a book about children killing each other. I'm intrigued by the characters' resourcefulness when they are trying to survive. Sometimes I feel so wimpy when it comes to basic things like knowing how to hunt or produce my own food. The main reason I learned how to knit (not that I do much of it these days) was because I thought I should know how to make my own socks in case they weren't available. I wish I had more of those kinds of skills. And I wish I could jump from tree to tree like Rue.

Lisa:
I have read the Uglies and the Pretties, there are similarities I hadn't noticed until you mentioned it, Robyn. These sci-fi books about the future that are eerily more like the present than we would like to admit are interesting reads. Also by this author is the Gregor the Overlander series, for younger children. We listened to the first one on the way home from San Fran last spring. In fact, book trivia, the heroine's name is Luxa (the reader pronounced it "Luke-sa" and it was on that trip that I decided to name Luke, Luke:). Not after Luxa, but I'm sure I was somehow subconsciously motivated. Anyway, I read the second aloud to Cam and Jacks and they really enjoyed it, too.
Back to Hunger Games. Mica had some nightmares about it. I don't know if he has a better imagination than I have, or if it's because he read it in a day...I don't think he's more tender-hearted than I. I got the sequel in a family book exchange, but he snatched it and is reading that one before I do, too.
Oh, Lukey's screaming (Tessa was trying to brush his gums with a toothbrush.) Recipes, recipes.
Maybe next month.
Lisa

Hey Robyn,
What do you mean by dystopic?
Jenn

I have been known to make up words (in this case, I have actually seen it used in book reviews which doesn't mean it is a real word, but I liked it...). It is a form of dystopia, which is defined as "a state in which the conditions of life are extremely bad as from deprivation or oppression or terror" (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
Another definition I like is "a utopia gone sour"

Hope that helps! Robyn



Recipes

Karen:
Banana Bread
1 c granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 325°. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.

Business

January book: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

February chooser: Lisa

December Meeting

Discussion

Karen:
I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely (and delicious) Thanksgiving! It blows me away that another month has flown by. I am ashamed to say that I did not read the book this month. Somewhere between packing, moving and unpacking again, I didn't find the time, so I will not be able to really start the discussion. Reminder to Robyn to tell us all what book that will be!

Micah:
I finished the book here in Peru and I loved it. I can't imagine being in prison period...but for 11 years when you're not even guilty...and then forgive the person who put you there. Wow!!

I'm sitting here in Lima killing time while I wait for my flight to leave. I've only got about 5 hrs. This trip has been crazy!!!! I look like crap and I'm totally tired. In 2 weeks my Spanish has gotten worse...and so has my English. I'll write more and post pics when I get home.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Robyn:
I found this an interesting and inspiring book with themes of redemption and justice. Oh, I just looked at the title again..."our memoir of injustice and redemption"... Like Micah I cannot imagine one, being committed for a crime I did not do and two, forgiving the person who wrongfully accused me.

The inconsistent and often inaccurate practice of witness line-ups has been in the news before. If I remember correctly the statistics indicate witness line-ups seldom target the right person. I thought it was interesting that even though Jennifer got a relatively good look at her attacker she still failed to identify him correctly (of course he wasn't in the line-up, which complicated the process...). I think people should be held accountable for injustice, but it is too bad that in the rush to find justice there are those that like Ronald are wrongfully accused. It seems Ronald was one of the lucky few that had family and lawyers not willing to give up the fight.

Okay, I deliberated long and hard to come up with a great book for a busy month. After many sleepless nights I have decided to make you all read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Don't let the premise deter you. It is a fast read (seriously, once you start make sure you have a concentrated amount of time because I guarantee you will not be able to put it down)! I read it with my son who was crazy about it. I made my parents read it and they couldn't put it down. I stood in a looooong line in Chicago to be one of the lucky few to get an advanced reader copy of the sequel (Catching Fire)...

Since Becca has all ready read the book choice for this month, would you tackle next months?

Ann:
Oooh I'm excited about December's pic, this is one of my niece's favorites and she even has a little club named after it, something like the Hungry Group...no that's not it (but it's a good one for us!). :)

I liked the book too and really can't believe how non-judgmental Ronald was toward Jennifer. He really was completely free from 11 years of injustice because he forgave her and went on with his life. I found it interesting that the community was still wary of him for a while anyway because he had been in prison. He's a strong character.

Becca:
I didn't manage to read November's book, but I did devour The Hunger Games and Catching Fire during November. Like Robyn warned, once you begin, it is difficult to tear yourself away. "One more chapter" quickly turns staying up all night to finish!

Jenn:
Hi everyone.
I have not jumped into bookclub yet, and have over 50 messages in e-mail that have remained unread for a couple of months. I'm just crazy busy with my family. I did read 1/2 of the "Prize Winner of Defiance" and enjoyed it. Lots of funny, crazy out of control situations that I could relate to. Also a good piece for a lot of recent historical socio-economical and marital standards discussions. I wanted to comment every few days about things I had read. Could we maybe do that instead of waiting until the end of the month when I've "forgotten" my opinions. . . . . .
Anyway, I still haven't read any book club responses, not even from Oct. 31st. TIME!!!! Where does it go.

I will be leaving in 2 weeks to go to Orlando for 15 days with my little energy packed family for a Disney Christmas. . . . . Don't worrry about me too much. I'm taking a stash of "chill pills" with me. I've spent hours planning the when and how of each park so stress (and finances) are minimized.

Lest any of you think we have fallen into some money, let me assure you. . . . A-hem. No, that is not the case. Six free Southwest tickets, and 2 years worth of our vacation property exchange to get 4 bedroom 3 bath units for two weeks. Grandma Johnson, Uncle Chris, and 3 year old cousin Arron are meeting us there out of London. Still a pretty penny, but not much more than spending a few hundred dollars in "disposable plastic joy" for each child.

It will be a blast. I'm bracing for a few "disaster" sequences. But all in all, if I can hold it together, then everyone can pull it together.
Think of me.
Pray for me.
Love you all.
Merry Christmas

Lisa:
I also have been wanting to read it. In fact, I bet Mica would like it, too. He is definitely my reader. A couple of weeks ago, for turn off the TV week, he got into reading about a book about every 2 days. I think Taran reads about a book every 2 years:). Anyway, I'm going Christmas shopping today, maybe I'll get Hunger Games for Mica for Christmas, then read it first.

I also did not read the book for last month...my local library is a little stingy (well underfunded is more like it) on what it stocks- and I didn't get a hold of a copy.

Recipes

Karen:
Best Pecan Yams
4 c yams, cooked and mashed
1 c sugar
½ c butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Topping
1 c brown sugar
1/3 c flour
1/3 c butter, melted
1 c chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine yams, sugar, ½ cup melted butter, eggs and vanilla. Mix well and turn into a greased 9 x 13 glass dish. Combine brown sugar and flour. Mix well. Stir in 1/3 cup melted butter and nuts. Crumble over top. Bake 30-45 minutes or until set.

Robyn:
Cranberry Salad
2 pkgs cherry Jello
2 cups boiling water
1 large can pineapple, crushed, drained
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 ½ cups celery diced

Dissolve Jello in water. Add other ingredients. Put in 9x9 pan and chill.

Ann:
Eggnog Spice Bundt Cake
1 (18 1/4-ounce) box spice cake mix
1 (4-serving) box instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding and pie filling mix
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup light eggnog
1 egg
3 egg whites
1 1/3 cups toasted chopped pecans
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a nonstick Bundt pan with cooking spray. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, yogurt, oil, eggnog, egg and egg whites in a large bowl. Mix until creamy.
Stir in pecans. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. When cool, dust with powdered sugar. Serves 16.

Becca:
Soft Ginger Cookies
¾ c butter
1 c sugar, plus extra
1 egg
¼ c molasses (black strap will provide richer flavor)

2 c flour (sometimes it needs just a tad more)
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
¼ tsp cloves

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, sugar, egg and molasses together. Add in flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Roll dough into small balls (a bit bigger than a large cherry), then roll balls in white sugar.

Bake for 9-10 minutes, until cookies are flat and cracked in appearance, closer to 9 minutes for softer cookies.

Do not over bake! (They won’t be soft if over baked!)

Lisa:
White Bean Chili
1 lb boneless chicken, cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil

Saute until chicken is no longer pink

2 (15.5 oz) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
2 (4 oz) cans green chilies
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 min

Before serving, remove from heat and stir in:
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. whipping cream

Business

December book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

January chooser: Becca