Agawam Public Library's Reading Blog

Agawam Pageturners' Book Discussion of The Red Thread by Ann Hood

2011-09-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

The group had a good discussion about The Red Thread. Most liked the book. The book tells the story of six couples who for various reasons want to adopt baby girls from China. Maya, who has founded The Red Thread Adoption Agency, is their guide to getting these babies. She has had her own tragedy; her baby girl died when she dropped her getting her out of the bathtub. She leaves her husband Adam in Hawaii, and forms a new life in Rhode Island by starting the agency, connecting hundreds of couples with children. Besides hearing the stories of the American families looking to adopt, the book also told the stories of the Chinese families putting the girl up for adoption. People thought the book did a good job of showing real characters with diverse stories. Some thought some of the plot lines were contrived, but others thought these devices were the author's prerogative. Others thought there was too much sex in the book. Other than those comments people enjoyed the book.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of Revere Beach Boulevard by Roland Merullo

2011-09-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

The group had a great discussion about this book. Most people liked the book. They were drawn into the characters. They thought the plot was great; they were always waiting for the shoe to drop. Some thought the plot was dark. Others disagreed because of the bonds between the family members were so strong. The story is about an Italian family in Revere. The son Peter has a gambling addiction, and he is in trouble with his debt to the mob. He has a sister Joanie, who is a news anchor in Boston investigating the mob. Their mother Lucy is terminally ill. The father, Vito, tries to talk to the head of the mob, Eddie, to offer to payoff his son's debt. Everybody has secrets from one another. Alfonse is a cop who is a family friend who tries to help the family. Elsie loves Peter despite his addiction and problems. One person commented that the book really nailed down the picture of addiction for the addicted and the family and friends of the addicted. People enjoyed discussing and found a lot to talk about in this book.

Agawam Pageturners' Book Discussion of Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay

2011-08-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about Russian Winter. People felt the book was well written. Some said they could feel what the main character, Nina, was thinking. People also felt the vocabulary was descriptive. Some, though, thought the plot was too much for one book and would have like to seen it broken up into two books. Nina was a star ballerina in Stalin's Russia after World War II. Ballet was the most important thing in her life. She defects to the West, leaving her husband after she thinks he has betrayed her for another woman. In her later years, in Boston, she decides to sell her jewels, which surprisingly links her past up with Russian literature professor Grigori Solodin in an interesting twist. One person thought the book was one of the best the group has ever discussed. The group enjoyed discussing the book, and some have recommended it to friends.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

2011-08-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

The group had a difficult time reading All the Pretty Horses. There was not puncuation to distinguish who was speaking. Spanish phrases were included with no translation or footnotes. One person said the book seemed to have been written as a stream of consciousness. The story is of sixteen year old John Grady Cole and Lacey Rawlins who ride into Mexico in meet up with Jimmy Blevins, and find themselves in a lot of trouble. John falls for the granddaughter of the owner of the hacienda John is working for. Even though it won the National Book Award of 1992, the group overall did not enjoy the book. The group did find John Grady Cole an interesting character and we had a good discussion of the book.

Agawam Pageturners' Book Discussion of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

2011-08-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

The group had an enjoyable discussion of The Art of Racing in the Rain. Most liked the book. The book is told through the viewpoint of a golden retriever, Enzo, who is dying. People were fascinated that Enzo sensed Eve was seriously ill, until others pointed out that science has proven that animals have this sense to be alert to cancer, drops in blood sugar, seizure, and more. Enzo is a faithful companion to his owner Denny Swift, a race car driver. There was much talk about race car driving, that many disliked and skipped over. Someone else pointed out that there were zen moments in race car driving that the author was trying to point out. Those that who have or have had animals loved this book. Those who never had animals, while liking the book, were surprised how much the group spent talking about animals including personal experiences. Another point brought up was the Mongol belief that dogs become reincarnated as men. Some believed it, and some did not. The book definite viewpoint on this subject, seen especially at the very end. This book was great for discussion.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg

2011-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about Elizabeth Berg's book Range of Motion. It is a fictional account of a woman dealing with her husband being in a coma for three months, and not knowing if he would wake up. Some found the story and the main character, Lainey, uplifting. Some were surprised to find the story not morbid. Others found the story too unrealistic, and too unbelievable. Some found Lainey too strong and the ending too neat. Others argued Lainey was in turmoil because she kept seeing a "ghost," who kept giving her advice. They said this indicated inner conflict. Others pointed out that Lainey's friend Alice saw the "ghost" too, but another person pointed out that she was going through her own turmoil. Alice thought her husband was cheating on her with another woman. Well, he was cheating on her but not with a woman but with a man. A good discussion was enjoyed by all.

Agawam Pagetruners' Book Club's Discussion of When I Am an Old Worman I Shall Wear Purple Edited by Sandra Martz

2011-06-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

The group had very strong feelings about this book. With the exception of a few stories, everyone hated this book. The book is a collection of images, essays, short stories, and poems on women in aging. Everyone felt the collection was too negative and maudlin. The book made everybody depressed. Some did not finish the book. Everyone said they did not want to think that they were old. One women said that we are evolving as human beings. There were a couple of stories that people liked: the lion story where the main character immerses herself in another culture and is totally changed the rest of her life. Another like the story about a wealthy man trying to buy up all the antique quilts of an older woman. Her daughter keeps trying to get her to sell all of them, even the one her mother wants to hold on to. When the mother agrees to sell, the daughter steps in and prevents the sale. Other than these, the book was too sad. The group does not recommend it.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of Uphill Wallkers: Portrait of a Family by Madeleine Blais

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

The group had interesting discussion of Uphill Walkers. The book is the memoir of Madeleine Blais, who lost her father at age 5, and her mother had to raise her and her five siblings on her own. Those who grew up in or lived in Western Massachusetts during the fifties and sixties appreciated the references to places of this era. Madeleine placed a lot of emphasis on her brother Ray, who spent some time at Northampton State Mental Hospital. People in the group sadly remembered the Northampton State Hospital. Many people there were not mentally ill. Ray did suffer from mental illness, but his family rallied behind him, and his mother always believed him. The group thought there were happy and funny moments in the book, like the Catholic references (Madeleine was an Irish Catholic), and the times the sisters got together to talk about old times. Someone questioned why this book was a Massachusetts Honor Book. Someone else voiced the opinion that it was written well, and the setting was local. An interesting discussion about a local book.

Agawam Pageturner's Book Club's Discussion of Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

2011-06-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion of Loving Frank. Some liked the book and its characters, while others liked the writing in the book but did not like the characters. The main characters were Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress Mamah. Mamah left her husband and children to follow Frank Lloyd Wright. Some thought Mamah was a pioneer in leaving her husband, while he loved her, did not treat her as an equal. Mamah was treated as an equal by Frank Lloyd Wright. Others thought she was selfish to abandon her children, and that all Frank cared about was himself and his ideas. All agreed the author let the readers decide for themselves. This book prompted a lot of thought provoking discussion.

Night Booker's Book Club Discussion of Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

2011-04-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

The group had a heartfelt discussion about Cold Mountain. Everyone agreed the book was difficult to read because of the graphic depiction of the Civil War. Inman, the confederate soldier who deserted the war and headed home to his sweetheart Aida at Cold Mountain, had a more difficult time than his sweetheart Aida. Each chapter alternated between Inman's story and Aida's story. It was always a relief to come to Aida's story, because Inman's was so intense. Aida was an orphan who had to learn how to run a farm with the aid of a girl named Ruby. Everyone sympathized with him for deserting because the war was so terrible. Even though his journey was arduous, there was hope and a focus. Cold Mountain has been compared to Odysseus. The read was challenging but worthwhile.

Agawam Pageturner's Book Club's Discussion of Songs without Words by Ann Packer

2011-04-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about this book. Some loved it saying the felt present with the drama of the family when one member, the teenage daughter Lauren, tries to commit suicide. Others felt there was too much detail, and that it went on, and on. Others argued that life is about minutiae. The book also discussed the effect the attempted suicide has on the mother Liz and her friend Sarabeth. Sarabeth cannot deal with it, partly because her mother committed suicide when she was a teenager. Liz has to come to terms that she has always been the giving one in the relationship, and she has to decide if she still wants to remain friends with Sarabeth when Sarabeth does not come to her aid. In terms of the coverage of a person with depression, people thought it was well done, as well as the effect on the family. Liz wants to blame herself, because it is easier than believing bad things can happen at random. The turning point for Lauren's healing is when she shows a caring attitude for Lucas, someone else in the mental ward of the hospital. She thinks of something outside herself. This book prompted discussion of deep topics.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

2011-03-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

The group had an interesting discussion about this book. Some liked the descriptions of the Australian outback. Others hated that part of the book, and preferred the parts that described Jill's interaction with her family. This book is a memoir of Jill Ker Conway's childhood to adulthood in the outback, to her decision to leave the outback for America. Everyone felt she was burdened when she so young. She lost her father in a suicide when she was a little girl, during the great drought when all the sheep on their farm died. Then, when she was a teenager, she lost her brother in a car accident. These incidents were never discussed in the family. Her mother was able to cope with the father's death, but fell apart more with her son's death. Jill had a hard time being so smart in the 1950's. She was unable to find a job when she graduated college because she was a woman, even though she was one of the top of her class. People felt she was like her mother, and that she was wrote coldly, stoically, and intellectually. They group agreed she had to leave her mother and Australia to save herself. Eventually, Jill became the first woman president of Smith College. The group had a thought-provoking discussion about this strong woman.

Night Booker's Book Club Discussion of The Language of Threads by Gail Tsukiyama

2011-03-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

This book is the sequel to Women of the Silk. Some people in the group liked this book better than the first book. One woman said she liked that there was not a painful separation of family, and that there was not a focus on factory work, although people found the death of Ji Shen and Mrs. Finch heartbreaking. The story follows two young women Pei and Ji Shen in Hong Kong during World War II and beyond. Pei and Ji Shen work for Mrs. Finch, until she is taken by the Japanese. Ji Shen who had a great bond with Mrs. Finch, then becomes lost in the black market. She ends up dying in childbirth. Pei raises her son. People admired the strong women characters in the book. One women said how much she would enjoy sitting down and talking with them. People also liked the colorful way Ms. Tsukiyama writes. Overall it was a great book for discussion.

Agawam Pageturners' Book Discussion of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2011-03-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

People enjoyed the short stories in this book, all connected by the character Olive Kitteridge, retired schoolteacher in a small town in Maine. People said Olive was multi levelled and multifaceted. The book discussed serious topics, but used humor at the right points to break the tension. All the characters in the books struggled. One person liked Olive until she found at the end of the book that she hit (not spanked) her son when he was a child. It also was suggested that her son Christopher was bipolar, and Olive herself was probably bipolar. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires. This was an excellent book to discuss and worthy of the Pulitzer Prize the group thought.

Agawam Pageturner's Book Club's Discussion of The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

2011-03-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone enjoyed this gothic novel. People compared it to Jane Eyre. The book is about an old woman and famous author, Miss Vida Winter, giving a true account of her life to Margaret, a woman who lost her twin sister at birth. It is a very tragic tale, with an element of mystery of who Miss Winter really is. It features the Angelfield family, including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Margaret succumbs to the power of Vida's storytelling but remains suspicious of the author's sincerity. She demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves. People could not put it down, and could not wait to read the next chapter. Everyone agreed this was a great book to read and discuss.

Night Bookers Discuss Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland

2011-01-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

Some people enjoyed and some did not enjoy the eight separate stories that traced the history of a fictious Vermeer painting. People who liked it found it compelling the incredible hold art has on its viewers. Some liked that it started with its most recent owner and worked backward. Others had a hard time connecting and keeping track where the painting was physically. In each story, there was one person who had an eye for art. Some thought the painting was cursed. In one story, the wife who loves the painting, refuses to sell it, even in a time of flood, and uses the seed potatoes her husband had set aside. One person's favorite story was the man who bought the painting for his wife because it reminded him of his first love (not his wife). He then realizes what he had with his wife is real love. Someone observed that those who were obsessed with the painting were selfish. Everyone was amazed that the painting survived, even through war and floods. Avery lively discussion.

New Books added in December.

2011-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of books added in December: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturner's Book Club's Discussion of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

2010-12-14T14:36:00.001-08:00

The group had a lively discussion about People of the Book. Some liked and some did not like the book. Some people liked the aspect of all these different people preserving a Jewish illustrated Haggadah from 1480 to the present day. Others enjoyed the characters and learning something they didn't know much about. Some did not like going back and forth from the present to the past, and some did not like the present conservator's life, with exceptional parents and her complicated life style. Some thought it was cliched. Others enjoyed going back and forth and learning how the conservator pieced together the history of the book. One person said once you found out, you didn't care. Others found the book disappointing. They didn't finish it and found it too difficult to understand. Others liked learning about the Spanish Inquisition, and pointed out how applicable that still is today. It was a very lively discussion with varying opinions.

Night Bookers' Book Club's Discussion of Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross

2010-12-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

The group had a fun discussion about Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind. Most people found it comical, a farce. Some people though she used hyperbole in exaggerating the preacher who was trying to have Miss Julia declared incompetent so he could get at her money. One person didn't like the way the church was portrayed. Another funny scene for the group was when Miss Julia, Lillian and Hazel drove out of the television station parking lot, taking back little Lloyd, the end result of affair Hazel Marie had Miss Julia's husband. Another funny episode was when Miss Julia thought she was a nymphomaniac. People laughed a lot when reading the book. Even though the book was light, it presented some serious topics. Miss Julia had no idea her husband was having affair until after her husband died. Her husband controlled all her affairs and metaphorically kept her in a box. He told her she was incapable of doing most things. People enjoyed the development of Miss Julia as her own person throughout the book. At first she hated the boy and what he stood for. She worried about what the neighbors would think. So, at first she took the boy into town to publicly humiliate her husband. One of the few connections Julia had before her husband died was with her friend and maid Lillian. At the end of the book, she ended up becoming friends with her husband's mistress, Hazel Marie. Hazel Marie was needy and Julia needed somebody to take care of. Her husband never took care of her. Hazel Marie was portrayed as a victim, not an evil mistress. When a new will leaves everything to little Lloyd, Hazel offers to take in Julia. It was very touching. People in the club despised her husband, calling him a hypocrite, although one person wondered what was Lloyd (senior) lacking? Another said that he did love his son and have a relationship with him, and that probably Hazel Marie loved Lloyd Senior, too. At the end of the book, Miss Julia has everything she ever wanted, a home (in North Carolina no matter what the will says the spouse always gets half), a new man who really loved her (Sam), a family, and a new self. Everybody enjoyed the book.

New Books Added in November

2010-12-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here are the book's added in November: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-11-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

The group had an interesting discussion about To Kill a Mockingbird. First, they discussed the controversy of the use of the "N" word in the book. Most people thought they were taking the word out of context of the book and the times the book was written. One another note one woman said she had read the book before and hadn't understood the big deal about the book. Now, the second time around, she loved the book. People agreed that this book needs to be read more than once to get everything out of it. Some thought books like these are wasted on kids. People though it was clever how the author captured seeing things from Scout's, a child's, point of view. People like the character Atticus who was a single parent with an open line of communication with his children. One woman remembered discussing this book in high school, and there was a lot of prejudice outside the classroom. Another woman had lived in Georgia and had seen first hand the discriminatory attitude toward African Americans. The group also discussed besides racial issues that there were class issues, and issues in confronting the neighbors. Atticus goes against his neighbors by defending Tom Robinson, an African-American accused of raping Mayella. (Even though Tom Robinson is innocent, he is found guilty, which surprised many in the group. Because he was found guilty it meant death by capital punishment for Tom). One woman felt sorry for Mayella because she was sexually abused by her father, but she couldn't tell anybody because she was a poor woman. The group found it interesting that it was worse to be raped by an African American than a white man. People also thought it was interesting that the strongest woman character was Calpurnia, the African American maid of Atticus. People spent some time how race and class are still issues today. Some saw hope that race would be less of an issue today with all the interracial marriage. People also brought up some of the animosity has shifted to new groups Latinos and people from India/Pakistan. The group talked about Scout's friend Dill who had no real home, and spent time visiting his relatives. His character based on the childhood of Truman Capote. One woman said she had seen children like Dill who had no real home, and he reminded her of children who had no home and who had been abused and taken advantage of. The group concluded that we haven't moved on from the issues of race, class, and capital punishment brought out in the book.

New Books Added in October

2010-11-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the books added in October: Adult, Children's, Young Adult.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

2010-10-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about Three Cups of Tea. Some people loved the book; they couldn't put it down, and one person read the sequel, Stones into Schools. Other people had a hard time getting into it, and some skipped pages. The book tells the inspirational story of Greg Mortenson who is building schools (especially for girls) in Pakistan and Afghanistan, a dangerous mission. There was some discussion whether Greg is too naive to think he can change things with his schools in the midst of the violent Taliban. But, one person said, you must try to fight evil, and do good, even if you might fail. Everyone felt Greg is sincere in his work. Not only does he bring schools, he brings clean water, bridges, antibiotics, etc. Many thought his dedication came from growing up in a missionary family in Africa. People also thought Greg is successful because he respects the culture. Even then, he was kidnapped for eight days, and could not communicate with anybody. Everyone though that passage was a beautiful piece of writing. People also gave credit to his wife Tara for supporting him in his mission, even though it means him being away from his family for many months. Someone brought up the idea if there are people in our own lives like Greg who are not famous. One woman brought up her father, who was a pharmacist in the poorest section of Hartford. He brought medical care to them, and was affectionately known as Dr. G. Others said there are people in your life who do help you, or unknown heroes. A very thought provoking discussion.

Night Booker's Book Club Discussion of The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

2010-10-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about The Lace Reader. Most of the group did not get the clues the author laid out that pointed to the fact that "Lyndley," the twin sister of Towner who died when she was a teenager, was actually a split personality of Towner. Towner's twin sister died at their birth, and her twin sister's name was Lyndsey. Towner had a mental breakdown because her mother was physically abused by her father Cal, and Towner was sexually abused by him. The group spent most of the time going over the clues in hindsight that led to the conclusion of the book. One person was not surprised by the ending because in the beginning of the book Towner says she is a liar. Also, she was not surprised with Towner's mental illness, because so many people suffer with some form of mental illness. Towner had a brief relationship with Rafferty the cop. Someone said they were both damaged people; Rafferty is an recovering alcoholic. They were both vulnerable which is why they gravitated to one another. However, most people did not feel any real love between them, even though they did like Rafferty. People also talked about Cal, the abuser who was a yacht captain and then became a leader of a cult. The group thought Eva, Towner's grandmother committed suicide by swimming, but that her intent was to pin it on to Cal. The group talked about lace reading; each chapter was headed with explanation on lace reading. May, Towner's aunt, made lace with domestic violence victims.
Overall, an interesting discussion.

New Books Purchased in September

2010-10-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the books the library purchased in September: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

2010-09-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

The group had an interesting discussion about The Lace Reader. Some people in the group liked the book, while others did not like it. Those who did not like it complained that they had too hard a time keeping track where the characters were. Another complaint was the book was slowly building and then all the blocks came tumbling out at once at the end. One person said the book showed talent, but it seemed the author was in a hurry to finish it. Some said it read like a movie. Another complaint was the religious stereotypes of the fundamentalists in the book. People who enjoyed the book said it was a fun read, and that there the author gave subtle clues in the book to what was going to happen in the end. The big surprise for some readers was that Sophya aka as Towner never had a twin sister Lyndley that grew up with her. Lyndsey, her twin sister's correct name, died at birth. Lyndley was a split personality of Towner from the trauma she experienced as a child. She saw her mother beaten by her father, and she was sexually abused by her father, Cal. Towner meets a police detective Rafferty in the novel. One person said they were both walking wounded, which is why they would not be good for each other. Rafferty was a recovering alcoholic. Another said he was caring and protective of Towner. One person said he was as needy as Towner was weak. Some people thought Towner suffered from survivor's guilt from her baby twin sister's death. However, when Angela gave birth to her and Cal's baby, she named it Lyndsey, and seemed to Towner that Lyndsey finally had her chance to live. A very interesting discussion enjoyed by all.

Night Bookers Book Club Discussion of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

2010-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about the book. Some people liked it very much. They enjoyed the mystery and the going back and forth from the present time to the Salem Witch Trials time. Also, one person stated she believed some people can do more with their senses, like Connie, Grace, Sophia, and Deliverance. Several people did not like the demise of the professor. They though he was a cliche, a too obvious villain. One person expected to feel more when the novel was set in Salem. Others thought the Salem setting was the best and the rest of the novel cliche. Many people did not believe Connie had the powers to make a plant come to life or heal her boyfriend, Sam. Some wondered if the author was making fun of witchcraft. Others thought they had no problems with Connie creating witchcraft; they had a problem that it worked. Others said they accepted the witchcraft as just part of the story and did not analyze whether it could be true or factual. Another woman said that there are miracles in the New Testament, so therefore why couldn't the things that happened in this book happen too. Another person said she read the witchcraft as part of the story. She didn't analyze whether it was true or factual. People were impressed with the descriptions in the book. People felt they were really in Salem at the Witch Trials, or in the jail with the "witches." Some people liked Connie's mother Grace immediately; others had to warm to her. Some never did. They thought there was a role reversal between mother and daughter, and that the mother gave the daughter a great burden in cleaning out a house the mother owned. It was a great book for discussion.

New Books Added in August.

2010-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the new books added in August: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Time Is a River by Mary Alice Monroe

2010-08-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

The group had an interesting discussion about Time Is a River. Most of the group loved the book. One woman said she especially loved the writing in the book; she felt she was right on the water. The story is about Mia, a breast cancer survivor, who stays in a cabin in North Carolina for the summer after her husband's infidelity. The cabin belongs to Belle Carson, Mia's fly fishing instructor and the granddaughter of Kate Watkins, a great fly fisherwoman accused of killing her lover. Mia uses her time to paint, fly fish, and solve the mystery about Kate Watkins. The cabin Mia is staying at originally was that of Kate Watkins. The only part of the book that people disagreed about was Mia's involvement with Stuart. Some that it was contrived. Others thought it was necessary for Mia to learn how to love again after her betrayal by her husband. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Night Bookers Book Club Discussion of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

2010-08-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

The group had an interesting discussion about the book. Some people enjoyed the story of two women friends in nineteenth century China. One woman commented that she and her friend had a misunderstanding like Snow Flower and Lily, and did not talk for several years. However, they reconciled. Snow Flower and Lily do not, even though Lily does go to care for Snow Flower when Snow Flower is dying. Others found some aspects of the culture disturbing, such as the mothers subjecting their daughters to the severe pain of foot binding. Also, some found disturbing Snow Flower's husband beating her. People found it interesting that the highest position a woman could have was to become the oldest mother of sons in a household. People wondered why Snow Flower's daughter committed suicide the day after she got married. Some thought she saw her mother being beaten by her mother, and she saw her mother rejected by her best friend. People spent a lot of time talking about Lily. They talked about Lily's relationship with her mother. The mother showed no emotion to Lily, so Lily assumed her mother didn't love her. So, instead she turned to Snow Flower. However, because she was starved for her mother's love, it made it easy misread the fan and to think Snow Flower had betrayed her with other sworn sisters (Snow Flower hadn't). Others thought Lily was just selfish. Others thought Lily changed when she found out Snow Flower lied about her family background. Others thought Lily cared to much for rules an appearances and not enough about Snow Flower's feelings. Despite these conflicts and the suffering, the women do persevere in the book. The secret writing of the women, nu shu, was interesting. People talked about the character Madame Wang, the matchmaker. Although she was a widow woman, she had power, position, money, and freedom. She was a wheeler and dealer. She brought Lily and Snow Flower together to have a laotong relationship, a relationship closer than a man and wife. One of the members is an antique dealer and she brought in shoes the girls probably wore on their bound feet. Overall, a lively discussion.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

2010-08-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

The group had an interesting discussion about the book. Some liked it. Some liked it, but did not love it. Some disliked the book. Some read it for the geography of Salem and Marblehead Massachusetts. The book goes back and forth from the present to the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Connie goes to Marblehead to clean out her grandmother's house. She goes on a quest to find the book of Deliverance Dane. Deliverance was her ancestor, who was convicted of being a witch. The group discussed possibilities for the Salem Witch Trials: the young girl accusers eating moldy bread that caused them to hallucinate; mass hysteria; mentality of a religion of restrictions. A lot of the discussion was spent talking about personal experiences with magic. Magic takes place in the book in the present and during the Salem Witch Trials. The magic that Deliverance Dane had was passed down through the generations to even Connie's grandmother, mother, and even Connie, a Harvard PhD. candidate. Someone said there are elements of magic and mysticism in every religion. Another person said she was too rationale for all that type of talk. The group also talked about how the "witches" used herbs and practical common sense for treating the body. Chilton Manning, Connie's PhD. adviser was also discussed. He became obsessed with finding the philosopher's stone, and he thought Connie's book would have the information. Someone pointed out that he is what is wrong with Old Boston. A very lively discussion.

New Books Added in July

2010-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

These are the new books added to the collection in July: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of Law of Similars by Chirs Bohjalian

2010-07-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about Law of Similars. One person thought Leland had a moral dilemma. Others thought he had no moral dilemma; he was self-absorbed, sleazy, and just being selfish. Leland, a prosecuting attorney decided to help destroy and doctor up notes for Carissa, a homeopath that he was seeing. She claimed she told a patient, Richard, to eat cashews as a joke, even though she knew the patient was allergic. The patient took her at her word and died, leaving the possibility for a criminal charges or a civil suit. However, Leland took care of her notes so well that no case could be brought against her. Some thought Leland ruined her anyhow. She made a financial settlement to the patient's family, and left the country. Some people did not like that they already knew the ending by the beginning of the book. The author said the book was about forgiveness. Leland had no trouble forgiving himself, but Carissa could not forgive herself. She forgave Leland by writing to him a few times. Jennifer, the wife of Richard, forgave Carissa, but did not forgive Leland. Leland initially let Jennifer talk to him, even though she did not know he was involved with Carissa. Not only was Leland a lover, he was also a patient, and a desperate one, like Richard. Leland stole homeopathic medicine from Carissa and tried to self-medicate with bad results. Some people questioned how quickly Leland "fell in love" with Carissa, almost instantly. He was a young widower with a daughter. Some questioned whether love a first sight happens, or just attraction at first sight. The group also questioned if the author was criticizing the homeopathic profession. Other people liked the book because it was easy to follow, had good scenery, was set in a contemporary setting. A great discussion.

New Books Purchased in June

2010-07-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the books purchased for June: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

2010-06-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

The group had an enjoyable discussion about the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Everyone liked the book, with only one person saying she liked the book but felt the ending was a little too contrived. The book is set on the Island of Guernsey right after World War II. The island, which belongs to England, was invaded and occupied by the Germans. The story told the sufferings the people endured during that time. During that time, the group formed a society for the discussion of books. It was formed in an instant by Elizabeth to cover up that the Islanders had been eating a pig! One member presented a book for an evening. The format of the book is unique. It is written completely in the form of letters. Although members of the group at first had a hard time getting used it, ultimately they enjoyed it. They found they learned more about the characters in this format, and in letters more is said than in verbal conversation. The characters came to life. The group discussed some of the difficulties the Islanders faced. One was the Tots, or the slave labor the Germans brought in. The Tots were not given anything to eat, so they had to forage at night. However, at the same time, the Islanders were starving and had to defend their food. One women commented on the difficulty of making that choice. Someone brought up the statement which one of the Islanders made: "reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones." The entire group disagreed with that statement. One woman said that "every so often you need to read fluff." The group talked about Elizabeth's heroics on the island which sent her to a concentration camp, and her continued heroics at the camp. Someone thought it was wrong for her to be heroic when she had a child on the Island. Others thought you don't know what you will do unless you are in that situation. Another person said sometimes you need the courage to know there are some things you cannot change. The group also talked about Juliet, an author from London, who became involved with the Islanders, and had her life changed by them. Overall a delightful read.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of The Red Tent by Antia Diamant

2010-06-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

The group had a lively discussion about The Red Tent. The Red Tent is set in biblical times, and it gives a fictionalized account of the life of Dinah and her relatives. Dinah is the daughter of Jacob and Leah in the Bible. Most people liked the book. One of the things they liked was the way she wrote about womanhood, and her perspectives of her four mothers (Jacob had four wives) and the other women she came into contact with. People admired Dinah's deep resiliency, for she suffered much. Some did not like the amount of sex in the book and some found the ceremony of the women opening the womb when Dinah first menstruated disturbing. People found it interesting that we here Dinah's version of events of what happened to her in the Bible. According to the Bible she was raped. Dinah in the book explains the relationship she had was consensual, and she felt her life ruined after her brothers killed her husband. People like the way author described everyday life: the making of the bread, wool, and beer. The "red tent" is where the women went went they were all menstruating, and it was great time for camaraderie, and strengthened the bonds they had with each other. One woman said women have lost that camaraderie, and another said that is what book clubs are for! The group discussed how Dinah cut herself off in Egypt. She went there with her mother-in-law after Dinah's husband was murdered. She bore his son, but this was taken by her mother-in-law. People were happy she found a second husband, Benia, and found happiness again. A great discussion about an interesting and fascinating book.

New Books Purchased in May

2010-06-04T12:53:00.001-07:00

Here are the new books purchased in May: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

2010-05-27T07:47:00.001-07:00

The group had a controversial discussion about The Secret Scripture. Some liked the book, while others disliked it. Some found it too depressing. The book tells the story of Roseanne McNulty who is sent to an insane asylum in Ireland in the 1940's. She was sent there by Father Gaunt, who earlier had already accused her of being a nymphomaniac. He finally decided to send her when she had a child out of wedlock. At about the age of 100, Rosanne decides to write her life history, for her own peace of mind. This is during the same time that the asylum is going to close, and Dr. Grene, the psychiatrist, is trying to determine if she should be sent to another asylum or set free. Some people felt the story was a mystery, trying to find out what happened to Rosanne's son who was taken from her and sent to an orphanage. Some people liked the poetic style of writing. There was a debate going on whether Rosanne was really altogether there or marginalized. Someone claimed her bad choices showed there was something wrong with her mentally. Others thought she just made bad choices like all human beings do. Most people thought the priest, Father Gaunt, had it in for her and her family, and that the priest was evil. She was committed unjustly. One person brought out that this happened even in the United States, even in Belcherton, Massachusetts. Someone brought up the question if Rosanne's story is tragic or triumphant. Some people thought tragic; others thought triumphant. Everyone thought she was a survivor. Overall, a great book for lively discussion.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

2010-05-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

The group had a fun discussion about Bill Bryson's book A Walk in the Woods, which describes his experience in hiking different sections of the Appalachian Trail. Bill Bryson is a great humorist, and he had an amusing walking companion, Stephen Katz. Most women enjoyed the book. One woman said her husband had already read the book, and that he wants to re-read it. One woman had read it before when her stepson hiked the trail. She liked it even more the second time around. Someone commented that a lot of men they knew had already read the book. One person said she became bored when he digressed and talked about plant life, etc. She wanted to get back to the hiking. When Bryson hiked alone for a while, without Katz, people agreed the book slowed down. Katz is an out of shape recovering alcoholic, who is very funny, funnier than Bryson. One of the members of the group has hiked the Appalachian Trail in New England and parts of Georgia. She said the book was true to her experience, even down to shelters, (open on one side). The group thought that Bryson is an environmentalist. There was some criticism of him and Katz, too. They thought sometimes Bryson was too insulting and put people into boxes. They thought he was very harsh on the people who run the National Parks. They questioned if it was right for Katz to steal the Ralph Loren shoelaces from a group that treated them badly on the trail. The group overall thought what happened in the book was true, although it may have been embellished. Overall, a very enjoyable discussion.

New Books Purchased in April

2010-05-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-04-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

The group had a controversial discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird. Some people loved the book, and thought Atticus was a hero. One person discussed it with her granddaughter, who was reading it the same time she was. One person had a hard time getting through it. She then watched the movie and understood it better. Others thought Atticus was a reluctant hero, or not a hero at all. In the book, set in the 1930's Alabama, Atticus defends an African American, Tom Robinson, accused of raping a white woman. Some thought Atticus defended him to the best of his ability. Others thought the defense he gave was not enough, and the portrayal of African Americans in the novel was poor. One person said, "what would it be like to be black and read this book?" One person thought the book was a morality play. The group also discussed Scout, the daughter of Atticus, and the narrator of the book. People did like that Atticus explained everything to his children. People thought Scout was mature for her age. (She is between the ages of 6-8 throughout the book). Jem, her brother ran free, probably because he lost his mother at a young age. Scout lost her mother, too, but she had Calpurnia, the African American housekeeper, who mothered her. Overall, a very lively discussion.

New Books Purchased in March

2010-04-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here are the new books purchased in March: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

2010-04-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

The group was divided on their impressions of the Poisonwood Bible. Some loved the book, while others disliked it. Some of the people who disliked the book found it too, wordy, and some were unable to finish it. People who liked the book liked the characters and description of life in Africa, as well as the African people. The book is set in 1959 Congo (later renamed Zaire), and tells the story of an American Baptist missionary family, a father, mother, and their four daughters, Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May. People liked the development of the mother and daughters and their voices. The father is not given a voice. Everybody disliked the father for his arrogance, his abusive treatment of his children and wife, and his mission to convert the African people. The father held back baptizing his own child Ruth May, because he wanted her baptized with the African children. He cannot deal with the fact later on when his own child dies unbaptized when she is killed by a snake. The group believed the father was doomed to failure because of his own ego. One person suggested he was a representation of the United States. People felt sorry for the mother. She raising these four daughters with no help from an abusive husband. When the person who helped her around her hut quit, she tried to cook and provide for her family, much more difficult in Africa than in the United States. Someone loved Barbara Kingsolver's style as a writer. Someone else thought some of the writing in the book was beautiful. An example is the scene where Ruth May died and the mother washed the body; Ruth May's sister Rachel has a flashback when her mother washed Ruth May as a baby. The group thought one of the purposes of the book was to expose the harm the United States has had on Africa, politically, socially, and economically. Also, how the U. S. tries to change this area, it does not change what is going on at a local, village level. A very lively, thought provoking discussion.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of The Uncommon Reader

2010-03-24T13:16:00.001-07:00

The group had an enjoyable discussion of The Uncommon Reader, the book about the Queen of England discovering the pleasures of reading. Everyone loved the book. The first person wished she wrote down all the books the Queen was reading. Another person commented how people assume things about you when you change something about yourself. The staff at Buckingham Palace thought the Queen was showing signs of Alzheimer's disease because of her lack of interest in things before such as meticulous appearance and dress. They had been replaced by her interest in reading. One person laughed that even the dogs were jealous of the Queen's reading. After all, she said, reading is a selfish pleasure. Another person commented that she thought the title should have been the Queen's metamorphosis. One person observed that this book explains why people read, and the benefits of reading. Another person commented that the Queen the more the Queen read the more human she became, more common. Someone observed what the real Queen thinks about this fictionalized account of the Queen's life. One person said that writing makes you aware of how words should go together. Another person stated that the Queen slowly changed with books. One person it took her a while to realize the book was humorous and that the author created a caricature of the Queen. Everyone felt the Queen was insular and mechanical before she started reading books. There was a long, controversial discussion about a scene on eavesdropping on the Queen and whether this is ever appropriate or not. There was no resolution to this discussion. On another note, people commented on the real Queen and indicated that they felt sorry for her in her isolation. Going back to discussing the book, no one in the group predicated the surprise ending (which shall remain a surprise for those who want to read the book)! It was a very lively, interesting discussion.

Agawam Pageturners Book Club's Discussion of Kabul Beauty School

2010-03-08T07:39:00.001-08:00

The group had a lively discussion about Kabul Beauty School. It is a true story of an American woman who goes to Afghanistan to found a beauty school, so the Afghani women might learn a trade and have a means of support. Some people were impressed with Deborah, saying she did not give weighty analysis to her proposition. She just went over the pass and did it. Some called her Crazy Deb and a dingbat. Some wondered if she was going over there for altruistic reasons or to escape her own life. Some called her flighty, especially marrying an Afghani man after twenty days and not realizing he already had one wife. The group also pointed out that she was careless in the market place, and with her dangerous neighbors. She put other people in jeopardy. Another women pointed out what was going to happen to the bride that was not a virgin that she wrote about. She did help the bride hide this fact from her family and her husband, but one member was concerned since this book has been published, couldn't the bride somehow be found out, and her life jeopardized? The positive thing people felt about Deborah was that she planted a seed of equality for women in Afghanistan. The women who graduated from the beauty school were able to give money to their husbands, in a way that did not diminish their husbands self-esteem. Everyone in the group was grateful that they live in the United States and not Afghanistan. Overall a thought provoking discussion.

New Books Purchased in February

2010-03-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here are the books the library purchased in February: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of My Antonia by Willa Cather

2010-03-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

The group had an interesting discussion of My Antonia. The leader of the group enjoyed the book, especially the descriptions of the Nebraska scenery in the late 1800s, and the strong character of Antonia. Some couldn't put it down. Others thought it was difficult to get into, and that it dragged. Everyone loved Antonia and the other strong women in the book, Lena and Tiny, who were successful in San Francisco. The group thought Jim, the narrator of the book, was always in love with Antonia. Some thought the woman he chose to be his wife was like Antonia, her own person. Some thought Jim made a poor choice in choosing his wife. Some people thought the book was a slice of American history, and that Willa Cather was a good writer because she wrote what she knew about. Someone commented about the picnic scene. She said she could have stayed there forever. People found it interesting even though Antonia had a spiteful mother, she was a great mother. When she had her first baby out of wedlock she was not ashamed. She was proud of her life and proud her child. She did not need Jim (not the father of her child) to marry her. The group then spent some time talking about Antonia's father. He was very sensitive, and did not adjust well to life in Nebraska. Some thought he might have, had there not been so much poverty. They wondered how he picked his wife, since she was so different from him, but the book said the marriage was arranged. There was a debate as to how he died, suicide or murder. More people thought it was suicide. The group then talked about the different contrasts in the book. One person read a quote about two luminaries on the opposite ends of the world. She believed this referred to Jim and Antonia. Other contrasts included the country girls and the city girls. The boys liked the country girls better. Then there was a discussion of the wolf story, about two immigrants in their old country who were driving a wedding party, while being pursued by a pack of wolves. Eventually, they threw out everybody, including the bridge and groom, and saved themselves. They had to leave their country after that. People wondered what that had to do with the book. Some thought it was just a fable. People wondered why there were not more details about certain things, such as the grandparents. One woman brought up that she thought she reading short stories until she came to the part when family moved into town. Then she thought the book became more cohesive. Another woman said that Jim was writing from his memory about Antonia, and memory tends to be selective. It will remember some things in great deal, and other things not at all, or just briefly. Everyone agreed that the book had a happy ending. Antonia is surrounded by many children, and has a loving husband. People agreed that Antonia was a happy person who had a spark, and she was always proud and never ashamed. They think she was happy because she lived life the way she wanted to. Overall, a great thought provoking discussion about the classic My Antonia.

January's New Books

2010-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here are the books the library purchased in January: Adult, Children's, Teens.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

2010-02-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

The book club had an animated discussion about Big Stone Gap. Everyone loved the book. Some said it was their favorite book thus far. People liked that it was light and had a happy ending. The story is set in the late 1970's in the small mining town of Big Stone Gap in Virginia. The main character is Ave Maria, Italian, 35 years old and single, who finds out after her mother's death that the man she thought was her father is not her biological father. Ave Maria goes through a crisis and makes big changes in her life because of this. She sells her home and pharmacy (at the price of one dollar!) to the poor teenager Pearl to prevent her greedy Aunt Alice from getting her hands on it, and to help Pearl. She plans on going to Italy to meet her relatives (including her real biological father) and never coming back to Big Stone Gap. Most people liked Ave Maria, but even those who liked commented that they were frustrated with her. She over analyzed everything and thought too much. Some people thought that was a result of her upbringing in trying not to bother her "father," while others thought it came from her scientific mind, since she was a pharmacist. Everybody loved all the characters in the book except Aunt Alice. Sexy Iva Lou certainly breaks the sterotype of a librarian. Two people identified with the novel. One person identifed with Ave Maria as the "town spinster" and in having to make a big change in her life in her thirties like Ave Maria. She also thinks she's found her Jack Mac, the person Ave Maria falls in love with. Another person is Italian and identified with all the Italian relatives and family. One person brought up that she was shocked when the Italian relatives came and visited Ave Maria first. She did not see it coming. The group also discussed the word faith, the last word of the preacher who handled poisonous snakes, and what the word meant. Some thought it meant faith in God. Another thought it was a statement that no matter what your situation, good or bad, have faith in yourself. The group had an interesting discussion about how Ave Maria's feelings changed regarding her hometown, and also discussed whether their feelings for their hometowns changed as they have changed. Overall a thought provoking discussion over a book that everyone felt good after having read it.

Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama

2010-01-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

The group had a lively discussion of Women of the Silk. Everybody loved the book. People liked the way the way the writer presents things in a book, in an easy to read format. It was even easy to read the sad parts of the book. They enjoyed learning about the Chinese culture from 1919-1938. The oppression of women in the book was an eye-0pener. Pei's sister Li ends up worse than Pei. Li has an abusive husband, but continues to go back to him because she does not want to bring shame to her family. Pei's mother, Yu-sung, is one of the saddest characters in the book. Her husband, Pao, refuses to communicate with her, and she had noone else to talk to. Pao does not how to communicate to his family even when Pei returns after many years. Pei actually is the fortunate one. Although it seems cruel to be abandoned by her family and given to the silk trade, it is the best thing that could have happened to her. She becomes part of a sisterhood of women who nurture and educate each other. It did not suprise one woman that a group of women did this. She meets Lin, who iss educated, and who she becomes very close to. The hairdressing ceremony that Chen Ling, Ming, Lin, and Pei go through is a passage to adulthood just like marriage, except they vow to never marry. People were suprpised there was not more physical degradation of the characters in the factory. The book only mentions that their hands are arthritic. There was discussion as to why the women in the silk factory are at peace all the time despite so many obstacles. Some said it was because that culture is reserved. Others said they didn't have a l0t, and sometimes less is more. The more you have the more you worry. Others said it was a consistency of life, not having to make many decisions about their day. The thing that was new is they have the choice to stay working in the factory and not to marry. The women have good leadership, too, under Auntie Yee, Lin, Chen Ling, and Moi. Without Lin and Chen Ling there would not have been a strike. Although most of the men in the book are portrayed negatively, Lin's younger brother, Ho Yung, is portrayred positively. Without him, Pei and her new friend Ji Shen, who suffered the horrors of the Japanese at Nanking, could not have escaped the Japanese and gone to Hong Kong. The group talked about Lin's mother, the mean ice queen, who is cruel to Pei. Some thought Lin's mother realizes Lin is loving her best friend Pei, and is disappointed. Lin's mother wanted Lin to follow in her footsteps and marry a wealthy, prominent man. Lin's mother has a breakdown when her husband is murdered, and loses her status. Lin keeps the house going, and gives them her income from her work in the silk factory. Someone commented that women do to much but that society does not value it. One person gave an overall sum up of the book: women start off being victimized but end up successful.

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

2009-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-09-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-08-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-07-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-06-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-02T17:12:00.001-07:00

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

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

2009-05-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

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

Madison

April's New Books

2009-05-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

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

2009-02-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-06T13:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

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

Staff and Patron Book Reviews

2009-01-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

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.