Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of Summer by Edith Wharton

The Night Booker's had an interesting discussion about the book Summer by Edith Wharton. Many thought the main character, Charity, was self absorbed. One member said she never would have spoken to her parents the way Charity spoke to her "foster" parent Mr. Royall. Others thought Charity acted tough because she came from the Mountain. (Mr. Royall took her from the Mountain when she was five years old). She felt people looked down on her because she came from the mountain, so she compensated by being tough. The members did find it creepy that Mr. Royall wanted to marry Charity after she had lived in his house since she was a child. However, the group felt he redeemed himself at the end. When Charity's love affair with Harney is over and she is left pregnant, Mr. Royall marries her. One person said it was a win/win situation for everybody. Mr. Royall got Charity. Charity got someone to take care of her and her child, but will always have the memories of her love of Harney. Some people thought Harney was the villain. Others thought if Charity had never met Harney, she never would have grown as a person. The book was written at the turn of the century, which made it different. There was not a lot of dialogue with the characters. The reader must assume what happened. One person loved the scene where Charity stood outside Harney's window and just watched him. That scene would not have been written today. And the other love scenes between Harney and Charity were very subtle. The group ended with someone suggesting we watch the movie Summer! This might be a possibility.

New Books Added in November

Here are the books added to our collection in November: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken

The group had a controversial discussion of The Giant's House. Most people disliked the book. One person did not like the idea that a 30 year old woman, Peggy Cort the town librarian on a village on Cape Cod, falling in love with an 11 year old, James, who became the tallest man in the world. She said if Peggy were a man she would be a pedophile. (However, she never acted sexually towards James until he was of age). She found nothing to aspire to in the character. Another member had an opposing viewpoint. She said it made her think of the relationships between families, and she thought Peggy's friendship with him was commendable. She showed no prejudice to him, as being the tallest man in the world. Later she said that James had a lot of things he would not have had because of Peggy. She gave him his emotions of love. One person said she enjoyed the book but didn't like the characters. She couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. One person thought Peggy's friendship with James became an obsession. The question was asked if James loved Peggy. Most thought he did not. Some thought Peggy did not love James, but she loved being part of James' family. After James died, people wanted to know why Peggy slept with James' father (who had left James and James' mother) after James died. Someone thought since James was dead, it was the only way she could get a piece of James since James was unable to have sexual intercourse due to his condition. She ended up pregnant, and claimed the child was James' child. Some thought Peggy fell in love with people only when she was not going to get it reciprocated. Others thought James gave meaning , companionship, and a purpose of living to Peggy's life. Someone argued that many relationships are based on need. One person thought James thirst for knowledge drew her to him. James, the tallest man in the world, was an interesting character. He loved people, even though they came to gawk at him. He took every body's ridicule. He grew up with a sadness. He knew he was dying. He worried about his bones being dug up and boiled. He liked magic so much, someone said, because he hoped he could change himself. Overall an interesting discussion.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The group had an interesting discussion of The Glass Castle. Most people enjoyed the book, even though the subject matter was difficult. Jeannette Walls told what iit was like growing up in a dysfunctional family. She and her brother and sisters often did not have enough to eat, didn't have clean, warm clothing, didn't even have a toilet, bathroom, or running water. The father was an a bright man but an alcoholic and the mother had some form of untreated mental illness. One member whose personal background was that of a teacher said the more she read the book, the angrier she got that these children lived like this and others continue to live like this. Nothing has changed. Despite the children's circumstances, most turned out well, with the exception of the youngest, Maureen. Although there was contempt for the parents, especially the father, there was also love. When he couldn't afford to give the children Christmas presents, he gave them each a star, or in the case of Jeannette the planet Venus. Also the father educated the children on lots of different things. They did well in school. Social Services came once, but the children saw to it that they did not come again; they did not want to be split up. Some thought the mother did not love the children, that she was self-absorbed. They felt the father, when he was sober, did love his children. What is remarkable is that the children did love their parents. However, they all left when each was around 17 or 18, to move to New York City. They did well because they were educated and street smart. The parents followed them and became homeless. A member thought the author was a snob in not wanting people to know her mother was homeless. Some thought the book was sad and depressing and depicted child abuse and neglect; there was no happiness in the book. Others thought there was happiness in the book. All agreed that the children were survivors, and the story was cathartic for the author.

New Books Added in October

Here are the New Books added to our collection in October: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Evening Book Club's Discussion of Snow in August by Pete Hamill

The evening book club had a lively discussion about Pete Hamill's Snow in August. The book is about the friendship that develops between Rabbi Hirsch and Michel Devlin, a catholic, in Brooklyn during the years 1946 and 1947. Some members of the group disliked the book. Others loved it. One of the first comments made a member made was she was surprised and amused that it is a fairy tale. Other initial comment was there is a lot of detail in the book, and more can be gained from it from a second read. Someone questioned why Michael was allowed to go out in a blizzard to serve as an altar boy at daily Mass. Some thought it was because he was a staunch catholic, and nothing would prevent him from going to Mass. Also, he didn't want to let the priest down, who he felt a connection to. One member who has a 10 year old son said she wouldn't be able to keep her son out of a blizzard. It also was commented that Michael was mature for an eleven year old; he was the man of the house since his father died in World War II. Many people liked the relationship between the Rabbi and Michael, and how they followed the story of Jackie Robinson. Jackie's battle with prejudice gave courage to Michael to fight prejudice in his own neighborhood. When the Rabbi is attacked by a gang, Michael retaliates by creating a Golem, a mystical creature who takes revenge on the gang. The Rabbi had tried to create a Golem in World War II, but he failed. The group thought Michael succeeded because he had more of a belief in self and in God. The Rabbi lost hope after his wife was taken by the Nazis. At the end of the book, the Rabbi is reunited with his wife, and they are dancing. Everyone took this to mean that the Rabbi died. One person thought the ending could have just been Michael imagining in his head that the Golem came. Someone thought the ending was a metaphor. Some people had trouble with the swearing in the book. Others thought it would not have been as realistic without the swearing. Almost everyone liked Michael's mother Kate. She was good with the Rabbi, and when her son was in danger, she found a way to move out of the neighborhood to protect him. One person commented that she thought it was nice that Michael wanted his mother to be with somebody. He wasn't possessive of his mother. The group talked about the scene at the Ebbets Field ballpark and how real the author made it. They could feel the bleachers, hear the baseball, and smell the hot dogs. Someone brought up if kids have as many as heroes now as they did in Michael's time. One person said no. Another person said the media exposes more of the personal lives of people which makes them harder to appear heroic. Others said that there still are heroes like Obama, or parents, or different types, athletes and non-athletes. Most thought the Rabbi was not a hero to Michael but an equal. They thought the priest was more of a hero and father figure to him. One person disagreed and thought the Rabbi was a father figure to Michael. This discussion was a great way to kick off the first meeting of the new evening book club.

New Books for September

Here are the new books for September: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

The group had a good discussion about Anthony Capella's book The Wedding Officer. Almost everyone in the group liked the book. The book is set in Naples during World War II. One person said the book brought home to her what war does to a person. Her husband fought in Naples and Rome in World War II, and he was a happy man, full of humor. When he came back, he was changed; he became quiet and remained that way the rest of his life. She reflected why there had to be war. This brought one member to tears. Another member said her husband who also fought in World War II blocked it out. One member had just came back from a trip to Naples, and got to see and taste the things mentioned in the book. The group talked about the heroine of the story, Livia. Livia lost her husband Enzio in the war. One member said Livia's love for Enzio was that of a young girl in love. However, her love for James Gould the "Wedding Officer," was that of an adult in love. James is called the Wedding Officer because he has to approve or disapprove marriages between British officers and Italian women. One of the reasons of disapproval is most of the women were prostitutes, which was the only means for these women to support themselves and their families. Another reason was the cultural difference. At the beginning of the book James is rigid, proper, and set in his ways, and he disapproves most of the marriages. However, after Livia becomes the cook for the officers and he starts eating her delicious, delectable food, he changes and starts approving the marriages. The sensuality of food is a theme in the novel. There are passages about peaches, snails, peas, and other food that are examples of this. The eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius was an important event in the novel. People ignored the signs. However today they are predicting an another eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and people are ignoring the warnings. The group discussed the issue of the black market in the novel. One woman voiced that James was right to eliminate it because it erodes society, as seen in Afghanistan and Mexico today. However, someone pointed out some people would have no food without the black market. Overall, it was an enjoyable discussion about an enjoyable book.

New Books for August

Here are the new books for August: Adults, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki

The club had a lively discussion about All Over Creation. Everyone agreed the most important part of the book is how it brings up the issue of genetically modified (GMO) foods, and how it is harmful to our health. One of the participants, an organic farmer, said the big agribusiness farmers have been pushing GMO and preventing these foods from being labeled GMO. So, the public is not aware of what they are eating. She also said Monsanto has bought up all the seed companies, and there are fewer places for organic farmers to get seeds. Also, there were was a case where they Round Up was sprayed adjacent to a farmer's field, and it blew over to the farmer's field. Monsanto sued the farmer and won. Growing organically, the organic farmer said, is all about preventing the land from being poisoned. Often times its difficult and more expensive to grow organically. She told the story how she bought wasps to eat beetles that were eating her beans. It's cheaper to spray. The costs of growing organically have to passed on to the consumer. She thinks the media makes a big deal on how expensive organic products order, without factoring in the costs of the organic farmer. One member of the club said she was glad to learn about GMOs, and it was the only thing worthwhile about the book. She hated all the characters except Momoko who had Alzheimers. She didn't like Momoko's daughter Yumi who ran away from home when she was fourteen and came back to Idaho to take care of her dying father and ill mother. Yumi is unmarried and has three children by three different fathers. Everyone agreed she is not a good mother. She spends time at the motel getting back together with Elliot, her high school teacher who gave her her first sexual experience when she was fourteen. Everyone thought Elliot was slimy then and slimy now, trying to use Yumi to find out information about the group that stays with her. The group that stays with her is a group that protests GMOs. They also help Yumi by taking care of her father, Lloyd, and organizing Momoko and Lloyd's organic seeds so they won't be lost. They end up destroying some of a neighboring farmer's potato crop in a protest. Some people thought this was an acceptable protest from idealists, but others disagreed, saying they were destroying the livelihood of Cass and Will. People felt sorry for Cass, because she always miscarries. They blamed the poisons on the potato farm. Some people liked the characters, calling them quirky, and well meaning. Yumi and Lloyd have a strained relationship, stemming from the fact of Yumi's abortion when she was fourteen. He could never treat her the same way again. However, when Yumi runs away, Momoko keeps in contact with Yumi, and protests her husband's treatment of Yumi by having separate bedrooms. She also hides Yumi's letters from him, because she is trying to protect him from upsetting his heart. He has had several heart attacks. Lloyd opens up again when he is dying because of the protest group, and he makes peace with Yumi. People disliked the format of the book saying it was like the title all over creation! One member of the club said it is always a judgment call in science whether it is about creating and using vaccines or using GMOs. Another member said she still plans on eating McDonald's french fries or a donut from Dunkin Donuts. Even though the book format may have been "all over creation," the group still found many interesting things to discuss.

New Books for July

Here are the new books for July: Adults, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of March by Geraldine Brooks

The group had a lively discussion about March. The main character is Mr. March from the classic Little Women. In Little Women, Mr. March goes of to be a chaplain in the Civil War. He becomes injured, and his wife, Marmee, must go care for him. March imagines Mr. March's life as a young man as a peddler when he becomes involved with Grace a slave on a plantation, a family man before the Civil War and Little Women, and his experience in the Civil War. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and everyone agreed that it was well written. Some people were very critical of March. They thought he didn't take responsibility, that that he was selfish and indecisive, and he had some prejudice against the slaves even though he was a staunch abolitionist. They also thought he was always doing so much for the world, like giving money to John Brown, that he ignored the needs of his family. Because he gave all his money away to John Brown, his family became impoverished. Everyone was pleased that Grace, at the end of the novel gave him piece of her mind. Others thought most of the criticisms against March were too harsh. They argued he was trying to live up to his convictions, even though he failed at times. Also, John Brown misled many people, and did not use the money for what is was intended for. He was an idealist and transcendentalist even when he went to war. He stayed even when his life was in danger. Someone asked if he did any good, and everybody responded by teaching the slaves to read. He also came out of hiding when he was captured. Others gave him some slack, saying he was a product of his times. Others argued that this was no excuse; there have always been others who have done the right thing, even when it has been against society or the norm. Everyone liked Marmee, who had to face the fact that her husband had been involved with Grace. They liked that she wasn't going to let stuff slide. Everyone thought her a woman before her time. One member pointed out that the book gives the man and the woman points of view. Someone thought the whole book could be summed up in Marmee's soliloquy about men going off to war, and the women having to bear with the aftermath of it. The group also discussed the character Canning, who was from the North, who tried to take over a plantation and grow a crop of cotton. It was more complicated than he thought it would be, and he was responsible not only for himself, but for his workers (who now would be paid). The last thought the group discussed was that although there have been many racial barriers to break down in their generation, they though the young people of today had already broke most of them down, even though hate crimes and racial barriers still exist today. The meeting ended on this positive note.

New Books for June

Here are the new books for June: Adults, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The group had a heated discussion over Eat, Pray, Love. The book is the true story of the author's one year trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Some people found Elizabeth very self-centered, and did not enjoy reading about her experience with depression which precipitated the trip. Others felt she did not need to travel to change, and that she was very needy; she always had to have somebody to complete her, preferably a man, in her life. One woman saw her on Oprah and thought she was ga ga over Felipe, the man she fell in love with in the Bali part of Indonesia. She did not like her at all. Others did not like the book or her. They thought she was a whiner. One woman thought her foolish when she sat in India and got bit by mosquitoes. Some members of the group liked the book and her. One woman appreciated that she did what she could not do, travel around the world in a year. Others learned about meditation and ashrams (places people go to meditate, retreat from the world, and receive spiritual instruction). One person said she got lessons out of the book and said she learned things such as harboring bad and/or good thoughts, and that we can control who/what enters our harbor (mind). Others thought she needed to travel to change. By traveling we meet people different than ourselves and learn from others. Elizabeth picked better people to associate with abroad than in America. Another member pointed out that people of her younger generation loved the book; everywhere she went people saw her reading it and told her how much they loved it. She also pointed out that she found her life paralleled Elizabeth's somewhat, and she identified with Elizabeth in the book. It was also brought out that the book pointed out that western religions have mystical and meditative elements. Overall, it was a great discussion.

May's New Books

Here are the new books for May: Adults, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Many people in the book club had difficulty with the beginning of the book. However, they appreciated more as they read further along. One woman, though, did not have a problem with the beginning. She thought it set the tone. People thought it was interesting that the author personified Death to tell the story of the characters. One person brought out that this is a common element in literature. Someone brought up if anyone felt sorry for Death, because it gets no end. It is in a continual circle. Everyone agreed that the subject matter, World War II in Germany, was very difficult. One woman said the book humanized the German people. People felt very sorry when the town was bombed. Liesel (nine years old at the beginning of the book) is the main character, and she learns to read from her foster father Hans from a book she stole from her brother's grave. She says "Papa, you saved me. You taught me how to read." Hans, and his wife Rosa, and Liesel hide a Jewish man, Max, in their cellar. Liesel develops a strong bond with Max, and he writes books for her on the pages of Mein Kampf. The mayor's wife lets her read and even steal books to read. She reads to everyone during the air raids. Everyone thought the characterization was excellent. People discussed the message of the book. One said it showed how goodness survives. Another disagreed and said it showed how evil overtakes goodness. People discussed how Hitler was a man of words and ideas, and how it all started with one individual. It was discussed why good people do nothing, and one person said it is because each person wants himself or herself to survive. People brought up how children do not understand about evil. Liesel goes to and participates in Hitler Youth meetings, even when she is hiding Max and is friends with Max. Another person brought up that this is a young adult novel, and after the author appeared on a talk show, it became popular with adults. People concluded by discussing how young adults do not read anymore, and that this is not good for society.

Valentine's Day Dognapping [Scooby-Doo] by Gail Herman, Ilustrated by Duendes del Sur

Scooby falls in love with another dog named Prissy. The gang thinks that three witches dognapped Prissy. The witches are really the cooks from the pizza place. The book was great.

Samuel (age 5)

The Berenstain Bears and Mama's New Job by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Mama has a new job making quilts, and the cubs and Papa are helping each other at home to help Mama. I like this book because I like Berenstain Books a lot. When I go the library, I read as many as I can.

Sam (Age 5)

Book Review of Stray Horse (The Saddle Club Series) by Bonnie Bryant

This books was great. Lisa doesn't know, but her parents divorce!! When her parents divorce, Lisa meets a horse that's a stray. She names him PJ. But soon Lisa learns that PJ's owner is coming to CARL, the animal shelter. Does Lisa have to give away her horse?? Read Stray Horse and find out!!

Kylie

Book Review Truth or Dare (Hannah Montana Series) by M. C. King

Miely's always going through problems with her big secret, but her friends are always there to help her.

Madison

April's New Books

Here are the new books purchased in April: Adults, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

All the people in the book club loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. One woman said it was just touching, touching, touching. They felt sorry for the main characters Lily and Snow Flower who had to undergo foot binding in nineteenth century China. They had to be bound until the bones in their feet broke. It was done so that their feet would be attractive to men, and so they could get a good husband. The primary function of a woman was to get married and bear sons. The group discussed if they lived in that society would they bind their daughter's feet? Some said no, but some said yes they would probably would conform to society, even though they didn't want to bind the feet. The group talked about the "old same" relationship, the special bond of friendship between Snow Flower and Lily. Members of the group talked about their "old sames," and one member even shared what she wrote about her old same at a memorial service. The group did not like Lily's mother because she showed her no affection at all. But, one woman thought she made Lily strong. The group did not think Lily ended up being a good friend to Snow Flower. It all stemmed from a misunderstanding in a Snow Flower's message in Nu Shu, the secret written language of women. Lily ended up shaming her in front of the whole village, telling any negative thing she could say about Snow Flower. Lily found out in the end that she was wrong, after Snow Flower died. The group found Lily neither a heroine or a villain, just human. The group found Madam Wang, the matchmaker, a woman of status and a strong character. She was free to conduct business with men and travel outside the home. The other women were confined to the kitchen and a special room in the house. Everyone enjoyed discussing this book, and one person is going to read another book by Lisa See, Peony in Love.

Book Review of The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

This book is followed by three more, and if you pick up the first, you have to read the others. Jamie finds her picture on a milk carton at school but doesn't understand! Her parents are perfectly fine, and she loves them. She only tells one person --- the boy next door. Reeve and Jamie's relationship spices up the already suspenseful novel. It's a very enjoyable, engaging story and a must read for young adults.

Anonymous

New March Books

Here are the new books purchased in March: Adults, Children, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners' Book Club Discussion of The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner

This book was about three women, one Muslim, one Christian, and one Jewish who got together on a regular basis to talk about her religion with the other women. They were trying to find some commonalities in their religions to share with their children. Some people in the group thought the women were soul searching, searching for themselves, and trying to find their centers, and reachinf for their own epiphanies. Others criticized the women as being egomaniacs, self-absorbed, and too aware that they were "enlightened" as opposed to others. Others questioned how different the book would have been if the women were not so wealthy, or did not have supportive husbands. Some thought this was too harsh, and thought these women were trying to exchange ideas and communicate like we do in the book club, but which seldom happens anymore. Also, others argued the women should be commended by trying to bring children up in a religion and sharing the commonalities of their religions with their children. Many do not even bring up children in any religion anymore. One issue that it was agreed that the women had in the forefront of their minds was death. The reason was the women were from New York City and had dealt with 9/11. They had to address the issue of death for themselves and for their children. Certain specific aspects of the book were criticized. Most felt the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was not portrayed accurately; it was biased towards the Palestinians. Some criticized Priscilla for leaving her father when he was dying. She was also criticized for not understanding Judaism. Someone defended her, saying Priscilla was not well because she had panic attacks. Others criticized Suzanne for her being judgmental of Catholics and Evangelicals. One woman said Ranya protests too much. The book certainly created very strong opinions, and a very interesting discussion.

Book Review of Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

Synopsis: This is a collection of short stories about young Indian Americans in New York and New England. It reveals the problems that arrive when their immigrant parents visit from India. Impression: Jhumpa Lahiri writes beautifully. She received a Pulitzer Prize for her first novel, The Namesake. I like her books because they help me to understand the Indian culture, especially since we have many Indian Americans in our area.

Anonymous

Book Review of Run by Ann Patchett

Synposis: A former Boston mayor adopts two black babies. His wife dies an he raises the boys in an affluent environment. Their mother and a sister appear when they are grown-up, under interesting cirumstances. Impression: This a light but good read. Unexpected developments in the story keep you reading. I liked the Boston/Harvard locale. Heart-warming story.

Rose

Reading and Book Links

Here is a collection of reading and book links:

Good Reads
See what your friends are reading, get recommendations for books, keep a list of what you've read and/or what you want to read, rate and review books, play trivia, form a club, and collect quotes.

Librarian's Guide to Literature and Book Resources
A collection of book and reading links selected and evaluated by librarians from California.

Library Thing
A network of 600,000 readers. Catalog your books, rate books and write reviews, connect to other people who've read what you've read, and join clubs.

Literature Map
Type in the name of an author to find similar authors.

Shelfari
Create a shelf of books you've read or want to read. Review and rate the ones you've read. See what your friends are reading and if they are similar to yours, get recommendations for books, and find out the most popular books.

New February Books

Here are the links to books purchased in February: Adult, Children, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

Most everybody in the group enjoyed reading Mister Pip. The book tells the story of Mr. Watts, the only white man left on an island in the South Pacific, and how he teaches the children about the book Great Expectations. It is set in the midst of a civil war. Most loved the style of writing. One woman commented on Jones' use of fragments, and the magical weaving of reality and fantasy. Another woman said the book had so many layers, and it was the best book she read in a long time. They found it interesting when Great Expectations was taken away how the children and Mr. Watts reconstructed it in fragments. One woman commented on how it showed the love of reading books can save your life. Another commented on why the book was stolen by Matilda's mother, Delores, and it was pointed out by the group that Mr. Watts was not teaching about God, like the mother wanted, but instead Great Expectations which does not mention God. People found it interesting that she hid the book from the soldiers, even when it meant all the village's posessions and then later all the village's houses were burned. However she stood up to bear witness to God, when Mr. Watts was killed by the soldiers. One woman had a problem with Delores coming forward because she believed she put her daughter Matilda at risk for rape (which Delores ended up saving Matilda from by giving up her own life), and putting Daniel and his grandmother into the hands of the soldiers. Another woman disagreed with her so it made for an interesting discussion. Other points brought out were that Matilda wrote the name of the Pip in the sand along with her ancestors because Pip was as real or more real to her than ancestors she never met. A couple of people identified with Matilda's feelings on this subject. Another point was Matilda saying that Great Expectations gave me permission to change my life. There was extensive discussion with personal examples on how reading can change one's life. In regards to violence in the book for one it was too much, but most agreed that in a civil war moral values change, and people are swept along with the group. Overall this is an excellent book for discussion.

Book Review of Lung Cancer by the American Cancer Society

It is an easy to read, but very factual book, going through all the steps of diagnosis, treatments, and effects. A very useful glossary is in the back. They also include web sites. If the ACS is called, they will send the book for seven dollars. It is an excellent reference paperback.

Anonymous

Book Review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Synopsis: A writer in London begins a correspondence with a Book Group on Guernsey Island. We learn how these people suffered during World War II, and how a book club can help them rise above a tragedy. Impressions: I especially liked that the book was written in the form of letters which made it easier to follow. I learned a lot about the war's effect on this area. Again, I was made aware of the power of reading to overcome life's suffering.

Rose

Book Review of the 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

This book interwines two stories. The first is the story of Ann Eliza Young who became the 19th wife of Brigham Young, leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith. Eventually she divorced him and lectured around the country telling her story in hopes of ending polygamy in the United States. The other is a modern day story of Jordan Scott, who was thrown out of a breakway sect of Mormonism that still practices polygamy. Jordan's mother has been accused of murdering Jordan's father, and Jordan is trying to find a way to prove her innocence. This book gave an excellent depiction of the early history of Mormonism in this country and the horrors of polygamy. It also opened my eyes to the fact that polygamy is still occuring in breakaway sects (not recogonized by the official Mormon Church, The Church of Latter Day Saints) in this country today, but not practiced within the official Mormon Church, The Church of Latter Day Saints. They stopped practicing polygamy in 1890.

Joanne, Staff

Book Review of The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

This novel tells the story of the centurion who investigates the disappearance of Jesus' body. It also tells the story of Pilate's niece who is forced to marry the centurion and also forced to infiltrate the followers of Jesus to see if they are plotting against Rome. The novel made the people I have read about in the Bible come to life. It gave insight to political, religious groups and figures such as Pilate, Herod, the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees, etc. It gave a glimpse as to what it would have been like to live in the days after the crucifixion of Jesus. I would like to read it again.

Bonnie

New January Books

Here are the links for the books that were purchased in January: Adult, Children, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund

The group in general enjoyed reading this novel. However, most of the group did think it could have used some more editing to pare it down a bit. Several people voiced the fact that Marie had an abundant, extravagant life as Queen of France. She had elaborate clothes and hair styles; she gambled large amounts of money; she supported her relatives; she kept a separate house, a gift from her husband Louis XVI; she had numerous servants. One reader suggested she broke the economy with her extravagance while the people suffered. Several readers disagreed. One reader pointed out that the court's portion of the budget was only 6%. Another reader pointed out that funding the American Revolution broke France's budget, and another reader pointed out that funding the French and Indian War (before Louis XVI was King) put the country in great debt. The reader pointed out that Louis XVI tried to raise taxes on the nobility but was shot down. Most of the group found Louis XVI to be weak and a wimp. He often listened to the wrong person. They were amazed at his inexperience with sex. Poor Marie Antoinette could not become pregnant for seven years because of the King's thought that sex would drain his strength. Because Marie had no children for so long, rumors spread that she was a lesbian, which was untrue. In fact, she was in love with a Swedish Count, but no sexual affair between the two ever took place. One reader commented that Louis and Marie had a sexless marriage (with the exception of procreating their children). They were companions to one another, and she was his chief influence according to historic sources one reader pointed out. Another reader brought out that Marie was imprisoned her whole life, she went from the home of a powerful mother, Empress of Austria, to her life at the French Court, where she was very restricted. One reader brought out the fact that at the French Court, Marie trusted the wrong people, and she identified with that, having done so herself. When discussing the revolution, readers pointed out that revenge was the motivating factor, and it took a dimension of its own in a mob mentality. The group was glad to have read the book and learn so much about a fascinating person and time period in history.

Links to Books Received in December.

Here are links to books received by the library in December: Adult, Children, Teens.

Staff and Patron Book Reviews

The library now has in the main lobby and at the Information, Reference, and Children's Desks book review forms for staff and patrons to fill out. The form may also be accessed online by clicking on book review, where it can be printed out, and returned to one of the desks listed above. The book reviews will be posted to this blog. If you have questions, please contact me at jgentry@cwmars.org, or (413)-789-1550 x101.

Welcome to Agawam Public Library's Blog!

Welcome to the Agawam Public Library's Blog! Our goal of this blog is to promote reading. We will feature links to new books, book reviews by staff and patrons of some their latest favorite reads, and thoughts of the Agawam Pageturners book club about the books they discuss.