The Hunger Games

Some books are best sellers because they are just plain enjoyable reads (guilty as charged with with Janet Evanovitch! and the Stephanie Plum series)  Some are best sellers because they are well written and thought provoking like Harry Potter, The Help, and so many more.  The Hunger Games falls into the latter.  The series is wonderful! Suzanne Collins weaves action, adventure, mythology, sci-fi, romance, and philosophy into the book.  My son recognizes some of this from being a fan of the Percy Jackson series! It is a perfect book club read because there is an endless amount of topics for discussion.  If I was a ratings kind of blogger I would give it 5 stars.  Hmmmmm, maybe I should come up with something clever like Willy Waffles , waffles...perhaps cars!!!
Click here for author interviews

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 10 year anniversary read!

In 2006 we read, " A Widow's Walk" by Marian Fontana.  This September, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, we chose Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close the remarkable book by Jonathan Safran Foer.  It has become a "must read" on many college lists as well as a book club favorite.  We had a great discussion and I can't recommend it highly enough!  The writing, editing and printing were all fascinating.  A fresh look at a tragic event!

This video clip is another look at 9/11 which I have never seen!

Back after a long break...

I am so sorry Chapter Chaters (and all of you thousand of followers LOL) I had computer issues this summer and didn't feel right about blogging at work!  (I know big of me right!)  Anyway, I am back with a vengence and so excited to share, share share!!!

Mortenson's Cup of Trouble | Rock and Ice.com

Mortenson's Cup of Trouble | Rock and Ice.com

Hi Gals, I thought I would post the Climbing Community's reaction to the Greg Mortensen ...scandel...discussion.. whatever.

I don't think old Greg is living in a mansion or anything.

The Earth Children Series Completed!

I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  It has been 30 years since I started this series.  I have given up, I have kicked,and screamed.  I even wrote a letter to the author begging for her to finish.  (I'm sure that was the tipping point!) At last my friends Ayla and Jondular return.  Here is the official clip.  I'll let you know what place I am on the library list!

Book List for 2011

January 6, 2011
Wishin’ and hopin’ by Wally Lamb
Picked by Deb Henry
Host: Nancy Mock                            
Facilitator: Deb Henry?

February 3, 2011
The Eight by Kathryn Neville
Picked by Nancy Mock
Host: Sue Sperber                                        
Facilitator:  Mystery

March 3, 2011
What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
Picked by:  Tamara Koester & Carrin Mahmood
Host: Cindy Vilks    
Facilitator: Cindy Vilks

April 4, 2011   
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Picked by:  
Host: Tamara Koester                    
Facilitator: Deb Henry

May 5, 2011
Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones
Picked by:    Deb Wheeler     
Host:  Deb Henry
Facilitator:   Deb Wheeler
  
June 2, 2011
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Picked by: Geri Okoneski
Host: Geri O.        
Facilitator:  Geri O.
 
July 7, 2011 
Storm Chasers by Jenna Blum
Picked by:  Deb Henry
Host:  Pontoon on White Bear Lake
Facilitator:  

August 4, 2011 Thursday through Sat. August 7?

Picked by: 
Host:  Cindy Vilks at her Hayward Cabin
Facilitator:  

September 1, 2011
   
Picked by: 
Host: 
Facilitator: 

October 6, 2011

Picked by:  
Host:  
Facilitator:  


November 3, 2011
Unbroken: A World War ll Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Picked by: Sue Sperber
Host: 
Facilitator:  

December 1, 2011
   
Picked by: 
Host: 
Facilitator: 

Books to Movies

Craig and I went to a movie Friday night. (The King's Speech...as good as you've heard!)  But I saw 2 previews for upcoming movies I thought you might be interested in.

1.  Jane Eyre.  It looked dark and kind of creepy (but in my humble opinion so is the book)
2.  Water for Elephants.  It looks really good.  As one of my all time favorite books I can't wait.  Shall we resurrect the outfits we had on for book club and go see it?

Malcolm Gladwell revisited

When I first read the tipping point I wrote about it,(Check out July, 2010)  but now that we are reading it together for book club I am excited to revisit this author.  Enjoy the two clips below, he is always fascinating....and if you're brave go to you-tube and see what you think about this controversial discussion starter! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uskJWrOQ97I

Meaningful Work through Passion, not Genius

Minnesota's Tipping Point: Malcolm Gladwell speech