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

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

May's New Books

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

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

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

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

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

Samuel (age 5)

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

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

Sam (Age 5)

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

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

Kylie

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

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

Madison