“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”--Dr. Seuss
Today is the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). Sadly, he is dead, like lots of interesting people. He was an author AND an artist, and did many great works outside of his children's books.
This work is called "plethora of fish". I think the one fish is showing all the others: this is a hook! Do not bite it!
Thank you Dr. Seuss for providing such whimsical entertainment for me as a child, and for my children today!
“My alphabet starts with this letter called yuzz. It's the letter I use to spell yuzz-a-ma-tuzz. You'll be sort of surprised what there is to be found once you go beyond 'Z' and start poking around!” --Dr Seuss
It's the end of the day, my kids are pajama'd, and we're snuggling up on the couch for some reading time together. Often the day was long and chaotic (my husband and I are both in graduate school full-time and teaching), and its the first chance we've had to really connect with our kids. Days like that are tough on everyone. Our bedtime reading has become a sacred family ritual, and we all look forward to it.
When I think about being far away from our parents, and our children's grandparents, I feel sad that they don't get to enjoy our children in this same way--all snuggled up with a good book.
Enter:
I have been wanting to share this with all my mother friends! I finally got "permission" to do it from my brother in law, who is involved with the development of this cool product. It is called Readeo--as in the combination of the words read+video=Readeo.
Let me explain: have you ever used Skype? Or any other online video-chat program? Do you have children or grandchildren you do this with?
We have 2 children, and they miss their grandparents and so we have tried Skype as a way to have more meaningful contact with grandparents. It is nice, but Readeo is much more satisfying. It is like Skype, only with really great children's books, smooth video streaming, and bright, clear pictures.
I think my 2 year old, Joey, loves it most. This afternoon when I was talking to grandma on the phone, Joey was pulling on my leg, "Mommy? Mommy? Iwah book wih gamma! Now! Mommy?"
40 minutes later: the dishwasher is loaded, dinner is on the table, and Ruby (4) and Joey (2) have read 6 books with Grandma & Grandpa, as well as having showed them their tiger puppets they made at a Chinese New Year party, among other glorious tricks via Readeo's BookChat.
To get the full effect, check out this video on their home page: http://www.readeo.com/
• Face-to-face story time from anywhere in the world • Award-winning and popular titles hand-picked for the site by Readeo’s editor (she's an expert in children's literature, IMO) • Personalized “bookshelves” (I love this feature, and I gave some feedback to my brother in law, and now the bookshelves are awesome!) • A library that is searchable by age, gender and subject matter • A Book of the Month that is free to read for all users (even if you're not a paying subscriber!)
I hope you'll try it out, it is such a cool thing to do with your kids and grandparents, or a spouse who travels, or aunts & uncles, etc.
Here is the gift: a free month trial! You will need to sign up for a subscription to do so, but if you decide its not for you, you can cancel at any time, and you won't be billed until after the free month is over.
Coupon code: "readeolaunch"
I think you will LOVE it!
This might be a great gift for a grandparent who already has everything imaginable. Also, both users on each computer do NOT need to be a paying subscriber to use Readeo--only one user needs a subscription. The other user is a guest, and can BookChat anytime with the paying subscriber--so this is a great gift for the grandparent who has grandchildren in multiple locations.
School has been out for 1 week. Sibling rivalry is rampant, the cold cereal and everything resembling chips, candy, or white bread has disappeared (did they eat this much in school?), and we have been to the library two times already.In my hometown, Boise, the library is called the "Library!" the sign actually has an exclamation point. People scoffed at it when it first was named but those who use the library get the exclamation point. The Library! is exciting! It is full of fun things for your kids!You feel smart just driving there!It promises peace and quiet and a temporary break from rivalry! Or at least a quiet ride home from the Library! Its air conditioned! LIBRARY!!!!!
Here are a few tips for maximum Library! enjoyment and success:
Let your kids check out what they want. Ike has 4 Calvin and Hobbes books. Noah is on an Orson Scott Card jag.
Allow your kids to check out as many as they want.
Make your kids carry their own books (they won't check out as many).
Take advantage of summer reading programs and special events.
Teach your kids how to use the self-checkout. Sure, it takes more time, but why are you rushing home? To make more snacks, yell at the kids to turn off the TV, make lunch, tidy up the house, make another snack?
If you have teenagers start reading what they read and find recommendations (goodreads.com is nice). There are lots of trashy/creepy/depressing teen books. Preview what they read, work to find a list of books they might be interested in, books that make them feel good after reading them.
The great thing about the library is if you don't like a book, you can return it unread. No pressure to get your money's worth.
But my number one tip is:
Use the online catalog to order the books you want. You simply log on (you might need to set up a password and stuff but it is sooo worth the 5 minutes that takes) and type in the name of the book you are interested in, put a hold on the book, and a day or two later (unless you want the #1 book on the best seller's list this week) you waltz into the library (have them sent to the branch nearest your home) and pick up your books. I often pick up 6 or more books at a time: cookbooks, non-fiction, fiction, how to, DVD's, CD's - you name it. Then, because you are online- they will send you a little reminder email informing you that your book is due and you can renew it ON LINE! so cool! No more late fees!
well, I'm not sure what to call her. Our parents were married for a while, so I can call her sister right?
Picture this, I'm sitting down reading Christmas cards and I open a darling letter from her family. I read all about the adventures of her 5 young children, her busy husband and then, I read that in addition to raising 5 kids (twins in there), owning a dance studio and teaching dozens of dancers each year, serving in her church and the daily tasks of house and home she has written a book!
An actual book. I can't even write my grocery list. I can't wait to have this in my hands. I am so proud of her! Not only does it take talent to write like this, but perseverance to get it out there! To become a published author. Wow!
You should read it too. I read the first chapter and cannot wait to get this in my hands. You can buy it on amazon.com or through her publisher here. I think my 10 year old will really be into it too, especially because Aunt Laura is an author!
by Emily We love The Story of Ferdinand, written in the 1930's by Munro Leaf & illustrated by Robert Lawson. The story is beautiful, the pen and ink illustrations are those of which you fall in love. Ferdinand's eyes, his mother's expressions, his surprise at a bee's sting--Lawson nails every detail, nuanced expression, and landscape.
(If you have been to Ronda, Spain, or Andalucia, you will recognize how accurate these illustrations are!)
This is a book I don't mind reading to my children again and again.
My husband loved the book as a child (a gift from a radical auntie), calling it "Ferdinand Ze Bull!" I didn't read The Story of Ferdinand until I was married to him, in my late-twenties-- his copy all tattered, masking tape on the binding so old it was crusted over, hardened, and torn. The pages completely loose.
We finally bought a replacement copy for our own children--but the original cannot be thrown out. I think we'll frame a few favorite illustrations.
I love the affirmation of the story: that just because you're a powerful, strong, and fierce bull, doesn't mean that you have to fight. More than that, though, I love the message of a mother who loves her child (minor theme). And I love the message of an individual being true to herself despite what others expect of her (in this case a "he", but it crosses gender lines easily enough).
I like to not overthink it too much, in fact, reading about all the politics that have been forced onto this story as an allegory (it lends itself easily to that) sort of turns me off.
Mostly I think it appeals to me because I've never been much of a "traditionally competitive" personality. It's not in my nature to be competitive to the point of it costing those with whom I'm competing. Plus, being a loser just feels awful--and instead of that motivating me to want to be The Winner, it made me not want to compete. Hurt feelings and all that...I'm uncomfortable with winners and losers, I tend towards wanting everyone to be happy and peaceable. So my inner child loves this story, and so does my mothering-self.
Who knew it was such a radical book? Check out rocker Elliot Smith's (RIP) Ferdinand tat on his bicep. ---> If you're going to have a tat, that is a totally cool one.
Also, Fall Out Boy (an alt-rock band) titled an album From Under the Cork Tree, an obvious reference to the book.
The Real Story of Ferdinand (the "real wiki story") can be found here.
(To Robin & my Mom: Ferdinand reminds me a bit of you, as he just loves to sit and smell the flowers)
I love old books. They are wonderful to decorate with. I have them stashed around my house on bookcases and plant shelves. I love to look for old books at yard sales and antique shops. Sometimes I find special ones, like this one for Roland: Other times I find beautiful ones: The end pages are filled with colorized art and often there is a dedication written in the front:
This one was given to my great Grandma.
Imagine my surprise when I came home from book club last month and realized that the book we were reading is actually a book I use for decoration! The Robe by Lloyd C Douglas. I didn't read my copy, bought at a yard sale years ago, it is falling apart. But I rushed out and got a new copy and I LOVE this book.It is historical fiction about the centurion who conducted the crucifixion of Christ, how he came to own the Robe that belonged to Christ, and what happened to him after the crucifixion. I have never read a book set in this time period and I find it fascinating. The way the Jews act, the way people talk about Christ, and the way Douglas shows the cultural, political, and social impact of His crucifixion are eye opening.
One of the things I really love about this book is that Jesus doesn't actually speak or interact with the protagonist, but we get to hear the famous stories of Jesus from the view of the people who were there. The stories are touching and the telling of them has made them more real to me.
When the book was published in 1941 it was rather scandalous and the Catholic church came out against it because of the way it portrayed Jesus. Now the church encourages people to read the book. Times are a changin'. The Robe was made into a huge hit movie. But I am going to be bossy and tell you to read the book before you see the movie. Actually, skip the movie altogether. Your imagination is much better than the movie making of 1952.
I just, just, ordered gifts for my extended family. I knew for several months what to give them (this isn't always so, but this year...I had good ideas!)...but still waited until the last minute to order them. I have a hard time committing.
If you still need to do this, may I recommend Amazon? If you order by Thursday, most likely your gifts will still make it in time for Christmas with their regular standard shipping. Even better, spend $25 and get free shipping! (to make sure your purchase qualifies, it should say on the banner of the page of each item you're perusing if it qualifies for "Free Shipping")
Here is a suggestion for kids/families: "The 7 Habits of Happy KIDS" by Sean Covey, with an Afterward by Stephen R. Covey. My parents-in-law gave this to us for a birthday, and it has (to my surprise) been a big hit with Ruby, who is only 3 years old. I thought it was more appropriate for 5 or 6 year olds (at the youngest) when I opened it, but we gave it a read, and Ruby loves it.
The stories are successful on many levels. They have interesting illustrations and dialogue, and the values they teach are AWESOME. At the end of each story (there are 7 stories, one for each "habit") is a "Parent's Corner" with suggestions for conversation, questions to ask your child, things to hint at or suggest about the story. It is great. I think that ever book could have this--I feel like it is a parenting "cheat sheet".
May I give an example? Tonight we read "Bored, Bored, BORED!" Ummm...is this something you can relate to? Ruby doesn't usually say, "Mom--I'm bored!" Instead she says, "Mommy? I was thinking...maybe we could watch a video?" But, it pretty much means the same thing. Sammy Squirrel is...bored. (Habit #1: Be Proactive). The story is very interesting to Ruby. She loves the illustrations and examples of the other characters. Most of all, she loves how Sammy comes out triumphant at the end. I can see a spark in her eye when Sammy solves his own problem. It is like a victory for her!
Sample questions from the "Parents' Corner": Why was Sammy bored? Whose fault was it that Sammy was bored? Sophie's fault? Pokey's? Lily's? Goob's? Or somebody else's? Do you ever feel bored? What can you do about it? Who is in charge of the choices you make: you or somebody else?
This book has successfully taken a very common parent-child back-and-forth frustrating and annoying habit ("I'm bored! Can I watch TV?) and made an attractive story out of it that teaches the underlying principle/solution, and it's prize, victory, success, or whatever you want to call it, is contagious.
Thanks Mom and Dad. We LOVE this book. (I think I like it more than Joe.)
Another great book specifically for those of you who love the magic of Christmas: "Letters From Father Christmas" by J.R.R. Tolkien. There are several editions of this book. The most fun is the HarperCollins/Houghton Mifflin 1995 edition with illustrations and actual envelopes from which you can physically remove a letter (it can get lost--so keep this book on the top shelf to be read with Mom and Dad) from Father Christmas. The book is out of print, last I checked, so you will have to buy a used copy on Amazon or elsewhere.
The letters are amusing, short, illustrated, a little cranky, funny, and down-right honest. I mean, that is, they feel honest. It is magical.
Amazon is great--I can't recommend it enough, especially if you have to ship gifts to far away places.
A new BIG (unrealistic) item on my wish list is a Step 2 Kitchen. It rocks. Melissa has it at her house, and Ruby LOVED it. I'm not sure where we'd put it, but we'd make room. Also, to go with the kitchen, Melissa & Doug (brand) pretend food (wooden food velcroed together so that you can cut through it and it makes a cutting sound, though all you're really doing is sawing through the velcro with a wooden knife about as sharp as a door knob).
Reading is a passion of mine, but in the past few years my reading has become an act of listening. I go to the library and check out books on CD and listen as I travel back and forth to work. It is a fabulous way to "read". I do miss snuggling into the sofa with a Diet Cherry Pepsi and a book though.
Recently I was given a book, a real book, with written words, and I really wanted to read it, so I made the time. I haven't finished it, but I can tell you already that if you haven't read it yet, you really should.
The book is titled, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. The forward reads, "A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them"... Randy Pausch "didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave - "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" - wasn't about dying".
I know a little about this kind of cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, as it was the type that took my father-in-law last year on Father's Day. He had been diagnosed about a month prior, and just had time to put affairs in order and say his good-byes. Randy Pausch did the same thing, in a magnificent way.
His lecture is uplifting, humorous, and touching. One of my favorite anecdotes so far is in Chapter 10, "Winning Big". He says,
"One of my earliest childhood dreams was to be the coolest guy at any amusement park or carnival I visited. I always knew exactly how that kind of coolness was achieved.
The coolest guy was easy to spot: He was the one walking around with the largest stuffed animal."
The entire book is written in that positive, childlike perspective. It's uplifing and it reminds you of what truly is important. It touches on the sweet relationship with his wife and kids, and the conflict his desires in his last months present as his time is not equal to the things he wants and needs to do. At one point he tells his wife, "An injured lion still wants to roar." As you read, you realize that this lecture is his last great roar.
It's worth your time. I've been snuggled in my couch reading, and at this time in my life I wouldn't sacrifice my time like that for most books. So get a Diet Cherry Pepsi, "The Last Lecture", and a comfy corner of the couch and join me, and in January, we'll do a blog book-club of this great book! Invite your friends, the more the merrier.
You can buy this book at Costco for $12.49, and at Amazon, new and used for $12.00.
First on my list has to be the public library. At my library, once you have a card, you can go online and reserve anything in the entire library system. They will send it to the local library as soon as it's available, email me that it's waiting, and my local library then holds the item for me for 2 weeks.
Right now at home I have this book on CD:
Haven't listened to it yet and it's due tomorrow. The road to late fees is paved with good intentions.
These DVDs:
And quite a few children's books with CDs so the kids can listen and read along.
On hold and waiting for me at this very moment are a bunch of Christmas CDs, a cookbook, and the newest (it's not that new) Khaled Hosseini book on CD. While there is a limit to how many items you can check out, there is no limit to how many you can place on hold. I have over 40 items on hold at the moment! One of them is a parenting book one of my bossy sisters told me to read. Another is Twilight, the book everyone on the planet has read except for me. Because it is so popular it might take me, say, 2-3 weeks to get it, instead of 5 days which is often the norm for things on my holds list.
When I pick this up later today, I will put it on immediately. I'm not waiting until after Thanksgiving for Christmas music this year.
I used to buy books at Costco. I still have a huge stack of them that I've not yet read. Now I check books out for FREE and don't read them. Much better!
Today I got on a roll and added a bunch of music CDs. Mostly new age stuff--Liz Story, George Winston. Also some John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma, Ella Fitzgerald, and of course The Muppets. I get to audition all of these CDs for a week or two before deciding if I want to buy them on itunes. You can also check out movies, kid's music, any printed media, and some library systems even have amazing online resources like the Rosetta Stone language courses.
Just a small portion of my holds list.
If you don't use your library, give it a try. Most libraries have these online resources now and they are fantastic and will save you money. (Unless you are disorganized like me and you end up paying lots of small late fees...still worth it). You can't beat it for finding books on CDs for road trips (or cleaning the house), cookbooks, parenting books, and a zillion things to entertain and educate children.
Other favorite things this week:
The shark, which my kids think is an awesome toy and therefore they use it constantly. It was about $50 at Coscto. It does not have suction, but the tiny motor does sweep stuff up. I was actually underwhelmed by the performance of this purchase, but in the 3 weeks since, it's gotten used multiple times every day by les enfants, so I have to love that.
Bamboo cooking utensils. From Target. Bamboo is a very durable wood, but gentle on your cookware. You will never go back to plastic or (gasp) metal again.
Man. I spent a long time trying to find the image of these bamboo utensils, then finally gave up and took my own photo. This picture shows that 1. they are Chefmate brand (3 pack at Target includes slotted spoot and reg spoon too) and 2. I have two of the same utensil because I like them so much, I went back 6 months later and got another set.
Cold Weather. We moved recently and I wasn't expecting the warm weather to be humid for the first 5 hours of every single morning! Getting sweaty while dropping kids off for school is not fun. It was too hot for 4 months straight (no one here has A/C). I am so grateful to finally have some cool weather and have the house get cold at night.
This weather looks very appealing when you are too hot for 4 months.
And those, gentle readers, are my favorites of the week.
By Emily I wonder if Sally will feel like I stole this Book Review from her? She's so bossy, she gave me this book and then ordered me to read it, and because I need an occasional bossing from a sister (get some sleep! buy yourself those cute earings! come visit me NOW!), I, of course, read it. And it.was.perfect.
I was in my second pregnancy, Ruby was just 3. I was mostly tired, and frustrated by my short fuse. There were a lot of timeouts, and a lot of mommy apologizing. And then, in the few quiet moments of the day, the self-introspection (read: self-deprecation). Is this what it will be like? Will I always feel annoyed by 3 year old things that I'm supposed to enjoy? Will she hate the baby? Will I love the baby? How can I love anyone as much as I love Ruby? But here's Catherine Newman*. She gets it. In talking to Sally--who was just a few months ahead of me in pregnancy--we decided, it was as if Catherine Newman* read our minds and our hearts, and had the audacity to write it down for the world to read. How dare she!
I keep thinking of this book. Today at the park with another expecting mother--she's expecting her second baby--it snuck into our conversation 5 times. By the end she was saying, "Okay, I guess I will have to check out that book!" ("leave me alone, Crazy McNutFace!") Honestly, I try not to be pushy--but when a bossing goes so well from one sister to another, you sort of have this urge to share it with everyone else.
Here was the scene: three mothers, two young children each, except for one who is expecting her second--conversation: babies, motherhood. There is something so special about that second child. You've already adjusted to being a mother--that huge adjustment is over. You know now what it is like to love a child, you know better than ever before what is at stake. Does that feeling ever go away? This time, this time you know.
But then there is this daily drudgery of wiping, picking up, wiping, picking up. With this pregnancy, you don't have time to do that whole "bonding" thing like the first pregnancy. Oh, My First Pregnancy. For each first pregnancy should be a First Pregnancy. Ruby and I had intimate conversations all the time, mostly in my head, or when no one was around. Every night Joe would talk to her in my stomach, singing JT's Close Your Eyes. That just didn't happen with Maximus, we were complete strangers sharing the same space, giving me heartburn. I just didn't feel connected, because I just didn't have time.
Then, it's time. You're in labor, that baby is coming and all the newborn clothes are in piles on the laundry room floor and you're not ready--and believe me, you're not ready, but you never will be because when that baby comes, you think your heart is going to explode--because this, this, is even more powerful than you remember. This time, you are there. Present. In the moment. And it happens in an instant--no longer strangers, love coming so strong and so fast--different than the first time. This baby, this beautiful baby, this second child is all of the good and none of the bad, and you thought you knew what to expect, but you didn't have a clue.
And I still love Ruby, more than ever.
*these are my favorite posts of Catherine Newman's, but she is no longer posting here. Do you think she'd consider being my friend? I bet she has a Bossy streak in her.
This isn’t a complete list – but it is pretty close. These are books read by The Page Turners book club. I really enjoyed most of these books. Many of them are books I wouldn’t have read without the book club. I have starred * the ones that I love. The * are books that I loved so much I feel like they became a part of me.
I am sure you will find lots of your favorite books in this list.
1992-96
My Sister the Moon - Sue Harrison Thief of Time- Tony Hillerman *Man’s Search for Meaning - Victor Frankel Bridges of Madison County – This one caused a fight Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten - Snoozer How Green Was My Valley – Richard Llewellyn Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan Having Our Say – the Delany Sisters Catcher in the Rye – Jo Salinger The Bean Tree – Barbara Kingsolver *The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom The Shell Seekers – Rosemunde Pilcher Where are the children? Mary Higgins Clark Cold Sassy Tree – Olive Ann Burns The Giver – Lois Lowry The Great Train Robbery – Michael Crichton Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man *Tisha- Robert Specht Harry Potter- we read this way before it became popular – we were cutting edge. *Prodigal Summer – Barbara Kingsolver Two From Galilee – Marjory Holms *Like Water for Chocolate – Laura Esquence
1997 Not to Worry Mom, I’m Okay – Karma Smith Belnap A Long Fatal Chase – Lousia May Alcott Simeon Solution – Ann Osborne Poleman Piano Lessons – Noah Adams My Antonia – Willa Cather *Crossing to Safety – Wallace Stagner
1998 - 1999 Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer Reviving Ophelia – Mary Pipher Saints – Orson Scott Card – This one caused a heated discussion. The ChathamSchool Affair – Thomas Cook Seven Habits for Effective Families – Stephan Covey *Christy – Catherine Marshall Evita, The Real Life of – Nicolas Fraser and Marysa Navarro *Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood- Rebecca Wells Cold Mountian – Charles Frazer A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – Betty Smith *Glimpses – Marjorie Pay Hinckley The Richest Man in Babylon
2000-2003 *Agony & Ecstasy – James A Mitchner Snow Falling on Cedars – Gutterson A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson The Ginger Tree – Osward Wynd Living a Life that Matters – Harold Kushner Sarah – Orson Scott Card A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemmingway Kane & Able – Jeffery Archer *Ladies Auxiliary – Tova Mirvis *These is my Words – Nancy E Turner One Thousand White Women A Breach of Promise- Ann Perry Girl with a Pearl Earring – Tracy Chevalier Sea Glass – Anita Shreve Finding Fish – Antwone Fisher Wishing Well – David Balducci Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Harriet Beacher Stowe Secret Life of Bees – Sue Mark Kidd
2004 The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown *Bel Canto – Ann Patchette *Peace Like A River – Leif Enger Life of Pi – Yaan Martel Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands – Dr. Laura
2005 *The Good Earth – Pearl S. Buck Reading Lotlita in Tehran – Azar Nafisi CaneRiver – Lalita Tademy French Women Don’t Get Fat – Mireille Guiliano Sacagawea – Anna L Waldo Churchhill’s Secret Agent – Josephine Butler My Name is Asher Lev – Chaim Potok
2006 Kite Runner Gifted Hands
At this point I moved to Colorado. Away from the best book club ever. Waa.
I'm gonna boss you and tell you what you need to do: start a book club.
Fifteen years ago I found myself with 3 little kids and a brain that felt like it was turning to mush. So I started a book club. Over the years I have belonged to several book clubs including a few at church, a neighborhood club, and one made strictly of friends with similar interests. Some have been better than others.
Benefits of Book Club:
Meet interesting people, some of whom turn into lifelong friends
Exposure to books you might not choose for yourself
Stimulating discussions
Yummy refreshments (usually)
Feel brainy as you learn about people, lifestyles, cultures, history, and so on
A chance to dress cute and put on lipstick
What Makes a Good Book Club:
Consistency – make sure it happens regularly (once a month, quarterly, whatever works)
Interesting books
Lively (but emotionally safe) discussions
Good food
What Makes a Great Book Club:
Members take turns choosing and reviewing books
Members commit to read the book each month
Reviews that are well prepared with background information on the author, style of writing, social/political impact of the book and discussion questions that are slightly aggressive
Members leave book club meeting with next month’s book in their hand
Rotate hosting the club meetings at member’s homes or restaurants/coffee houses (host pays for drinks and appetizers)
People who express their opinions tactfully in a win/win way
Above and Beyond Book Club:
Theme for the monthly meeting matching theme for book, including the menu (I recently did this for “The Ladies Auxiliary” by Tova Mirvis, and made a kosher meal. It didn’t taste very good, mostly my fault, but hey, we found out what matzo balls, gefilte fish, and kugel tastes like).
Dues each month go towards parties, community service, literary projects
Simple Steps to Start Your Book Club:
Invite people who like to read – about 12 people - that way you will have about 8 at each meeting. I actually called 3 of my best friends who love to read and asked them to each invite 3 people.
Have an initial meeting and take charge. Be the leader for the year. Lay down the rules as you want them.
Suggested rules:
Members rotate hosting, book recommendation and book review responsibilities
Books are chosen, paid for, and ordered 2 months in advance so they can be delivered the next meeting.
Members commit to read each month’s selection
The person who recommends the book, reviews the book
The person who hosts does not review the book that month
Start your club!
Some clubs choose a theme for each year: children’s lit, Civil War novels, poetry, and so on. Some clubs have Mother/Daughter month in June (held at a tea house with fancy sandwiches) and Husband/Wife month in February (held at a sports/cowboy bar) choosing books that are appropriate for the audience. When we did the Husband/Wife we read “Into Thin Air” and had a lively discussion that ended up being a planning meeting for a hike up MountBorah.
I have been in some great discussions. The worst book club discussion, or best depending on your point of view, was about “Bridges of Madison County”. Oh! Women who had perfect husbands were horrified at the infidelity. Women who’s husbands were lacking loved the book. At first, people gently tried to convince each other of the great/horrible qualities of the book. One woman (perfect husband) got preachy and pushy. A big fight ensued, complete with tears and threats to drop out of the club, but no one dropped out of the group. The preachy woman eventually moved, to our great relief!
My first book club, 15 years ago, is still my favorite. We were going through the same things and often our reviews would turn into deep discussions about children, marriage, sex, mean neighbors, in-laws, trials we were experiencing. I would leave book club each month feeling smarter, emotionally and spiritually lifted, and sure that I was the luckiest girl to have so many awesome friends.
So, have more fun in your life! Start a book club!
Another great book specifically for those of you who love the magic of Christmas: 
A new BIG (unrealistic) item on my wish list is a 
