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.