Before I Go to Sleep, S. J. Watson

Average Rating:8
Menu: Shish-ka-bobs, chocolate-covered strawberries
Rebecca (9): Intense and fun to read, skimmed the ending 2x. Some minor details didn't make sense.
Jennifer (9.5): Fairly scared at the end. Felt sorry for "husband"--and frustrated by him.
Angie (8.5): Beginning felt slow, she figured out the story's ending pretty early.
Tina (7): Wanted to know what was going to happen--interested and hooked but didn't particularily enjoy the book.
Anne (9.5): Noticed similarities to "Still Alice" novel. Wondered where her family was, hotel scene at the end was scary.
Dana (9): Intriqued by the memory loss aspect and the journal progression of the story. The real fear exists in waking up every morning not knowing who she was.

Still Alice, Lisa Genova

Average Rating: 8.3

Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, Cheesecake for Anne's Birthday

Anne: 8.0 - Easy to read. Premise of the book was heartbreaking. Felt badly for the family and for her. Emotional story. Felt badly for the husband.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Good, interesting, and easy. Talked about Harvard too much. Expected it to be more depressing. Done well to make it less emotional than probably in real life making it easier to grasp what is going on. Being told in Alice's point of view made one feel less attachment and sadness than if told from a family member's point of view. Kept simplifying the Butterfly File answers. Thought the husband was frustrating - and it had to be been so frustrating.

Dana: 9.0 - Very cognizant about personal behavior while reading this. More aware of our brain. Recommended this to her other book club. Powerful read (Alzheimer's Association picked this book up). Sad how Alzheimer's home was all older women. The relationship with her husband was awkward. The story was scary. Glad it was written from her perspective.

Jennifer: 7.5 - Liked the beginning and end, but thought the middle was boring with the doctor's appointments. Liked that she started a support group. Thought the Butterfly File would send her to the hospital in the end. hated the husband and thought he was selfish. They were like two beings just living in the same area.

Tina: 8.5 - Liked the story from Alice's perspective. Not fan of the husband, but came around with him in the end. They probably got married because they inspired each other and for their minds, not for love. Thought the oldest daughter was snooty and annoying. Remembered the part where the children were tested for Alzheimer's the most. Her voice and the beginning and the end are totally different people - good evolution of writing.

Rachel: (N/A) - Wants to start, but hard to with grandparent with Alzheimer's.

Becky: 8.5 - Picked the book because her grandmother has Alzheimer's and is progressing quickly. Felt more positive about it all once read the ending and Alice speaking about how her life isn't over - even if she isn't remembering it, doesn't mean she isn't living for each moment. Learned a lot more about being in her shoes and the perspective of others. Others around those with Alzheimer's can be very selfish about their needs and wants.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson

Average Rating:8
Menu:Chow Mein
Rebecca (8): Complicated story line--disturbing parts to it. The reason Blomquist took on the job was too nicely tied up at the end.
Anne (7): Slow beginning, bell curve in regards to her interest in the story. Hard time relating to the Vanger family. Most interesting characters: Cecilia Vanger, Salander.
Rachel (8.5): Connection at beginning was confusing. Flower sent was an insight. Swedish aspect was interesting.
Tina (8): This book was a rollercoaster--the thrill of it. Found the book complicated.
Angie (8.5): Likes pychological thrillers, thought the stealing of the money by Salander was clever.
Becky (9): Berger character was interesting, women in the book are very strong and independent.
Jennifer (7.5): Disturbing story, but good. Details were scary. Harriet finding was anti-climactic.
Dana (8): Controversy behind the writing of this tale--Swedish mafia? Enjoyed the story.

The House at Riverton, Jane Morton

Average Rating: 8.5
Menu: Pasta with meat and veggie sauce, salad, garlic bread and dark chocolate brownies.

Becky: 6.5. Fun read, but kept waiting to find out what The Game revealed which ended up being more built up than it ended up being. Interested and could relate to the shell shock of coming back from war and the brain dealing with things by numbing itself. Secrets were very important in the book - they can be very self destructive if one has too many. Ended was sad, but good.

Dana: 9.0. Good story. Enjoyed reading about the bond between sisters and how Hannah gives up what she wants and shoots her lover to save Emmeline. Was intrigued by how Grace didn't reveal her story even when walking through the old house years later.

Anne: 8.0. On page 223. Interested by houw Alfred was coping with returning from war. Felt secrets and eavesdropping were prevalent parts of the story. Is interested to see how the love stories pan out.

Rachel: N/A. No time to read!

Angie: 835. Read it really fast to find out the endning. Hated the American banking family, especially the father's point of view on servants and women. Was reminded of the Irishwomen's Table. Felt that the flashbacks were unnecessary to the storytelling.

Jen: 9.0. Quick read. Enjoyed the story. Liked The Game and would have liked to have it to play when growing up. Wanted to know the story behind it and thought Grace should have told it.

Rebecca: 9.5. Loved the book. Thought it was a fun read, interesting and captivating with good storytelling. Did not feel rushed to get to the ending becuase the story was good and kept her involved. Had good relationship building. Felt Grace's late adult life story was unnecessary. Enjoyed reading about historical times and relationships between servants and the aristocrats. Was intrigued by houw 1 choice (marriage) so changed the courses of Hannah and Emmeline's lives despite their opinions on marraige when they were children.

Tina: 9.0. Was truly surprised by the ending, which is rare. Enjoyed the story, the character building and relationships between the characters. Felt like watching "The Notebook" while reading the book due to the similarities in presentation with flashbacks to a historical era and different way of life.

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Average Rating: 8.4
Menu: Bok Choy Salad, Cashew Chicken Stir Fry w/Jasmine Rice. Dessert- Strawberry Shortcake

Anne: 6.0 - Not as good as the hype. Enjoyed learning about the culture and cultural differences.

Jenny: 8.0 - Really into it at first. Parts were really disturbing, seemed right on that it could happen, supposed to be better for women - thought that was interesting - bad trade off.

Jennifer: 8.5 - Seemed real but didn't understand how - found it frustrating.

Tina: 8.5 - Kept reading, disturbed, thought a lot about it. Author made it fictional enough but seemed it could happen. Liked the historical notes - provided answers and ending. Internal reflection on people regarding group think and acting like sheep.

Dana: 8.0 - Similar to another book a few years ago, very disturbing, thought about it a lot. Scary the change of power, trying to revert back to something, old men trying to reproduce.

Rachel: 9.5 - Like it more now vs. when read in high school. Interesting view and role of women (vs. other book like the Divinci Code). Disturbing that this could happen, good sci-fi - specific to women.

Angie: 8.0 - Into it in the beginning but tapered off. Overly descriptive (ie. room in the house). It was very 'piece y' and got impatient, but liked it in retro.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Intriguing. Initially would have given it a 9.5 but looking back it hasn't held my attention. Like how author put in tidbits making things second nature to the book, but it made you think. Wanted to know more about how things got that way. Historical notes could have had more info to answer all the Whys.

Becky: 9.0 - Believable and scary - men taking back all power. Intriguing and like how she appreciated all the simple things like clean air, TV - I could relate (all things are relative). Hid something in her dress to feel powerful, similar to Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons. Liked quote on pg 121 about "man's a strategy..."

Naked, by David Sedaris

Average Rating: 8.4
Menu: Lasagna, Salad, Bread, Ice Cream and Choc. Covered Strawberries
Noteworthy: Jennifer joined book club

Anne: n/a

Becky: 8.0 - Refreshing. Started off thinking it was messed up. Then thought it was so real. Wondered if I could go to a nude camp. Last chapter was a little long. Makes me want to read more of his books.

Jenny: 9.0 - Read awhile ago. Liked nudist part. Funny. Loved reading about family. Interesting how smoking calmed him.

Jennifer: 8.5 - Liked nudist part. Remember parts, but not as a whole - interesting. Laughed a lot.

Tina: 8.5 - Didn't get it at first. Then appreciated humor. Developed relationship with writer through books. Refreshing. Different and easy to read.

Dana: 8.0 - Liked it. Reminded me of Glass Castle. Enjoyed family dynamics. Good connection. Mom had good aspect. OCD dropped off of subject, only at beginning.

Rachel: 9.0 - Read awhile ago. Nice reading about crazy family. Liked that it's essays. Reading more of his books makes him and books more likeable.

Angie: 8.0 - Hated him in first chapter. Then realized he was kidding and loved it. Liked last chapter. Made her think what it would feel like.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Liked listening to Me Talk Pretty better. Enjoys his smart writing alongside his humor. Unfortunate you never hear about his true feelings about his mom's death. Very real.

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

Average Rating: 8.3

Menu: Circus Themed Appetizers: Mini hot dogs, Animal Crackers, Cracker Jacks, Cotton Candy

Noteworthy: Erika's last book club, Angie joined book club

Erika: 9.5 - Loved this book...fast read. Wanted to know what happened. Liked characters, their relationships. Wanted to go to circus. Good story. Liked ending.

Dana: 9.5 - Also loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Was like Devil in the White City - similar era. Liked narration & photos. Recommended to others. Well written.

Rebecca: 9.0 - Fun book. Good character development. Entertaining. Liked background & circus. Was touched by old Jacob character. Depressing to hear from older person's perspective. Realized the effect of talking down. Glad to have kids at an older age so they can take care of me when I'm old.

Sara: 8.5 - Enjoyed the book. Has a thing for cute old men. Difficult to read about losing loved ones ability to take care of oneself. Liked story - love story, innocent. Wish we can all run off with the circus.

Rachel: 8.0 - Hates the circus/carnival, so was reluctant to read. Liked it once started. Reminded of The Notebook. Shocked by the ending. Impressionable book. Hated August.

Jenny: 7.5 - Was upset reading about animals. Liked anecdotes about real circus info - details about life. Wasn't that surprised by ending, but liked how the story wrapped up. Wondered if wife was Marlena. Didn't think it would have worked out.

Becky: 7.5 - Fun story about animals. Enjoyed love story. Cover was a good representation of circus. Sequins fun on surface, but behind the scenes not so glamorous - like war and military. Vivid memory of boxcar w/crippled man & dog. Connected with old man - how family always glossed over bad things and made everything to be good. Related to this while in Iraq. Wanted to hear about everything good and bad - feels real, like a part of life, reality.

Angie: 8.5 - Really liked it, but forgot about it between sittings. Liked development of Walter - started out mean, but ends up taking care of everyone. Shocked by "red lighting". Loved the ending- unexpected.

Tina: 8.5 - Fun story. Loved character development, connected with them. Really liked Rosie's character, liked historical aspect & facts of circus life. Thought the ending was convenient what happened to the elephant, monkey, and horses. Learned that I relate to old people as if they're stupid - which is not good.

Anne: 6.5 - comments to come.

Come Back, by Claire & Mia Fontaine

Average Rating: 8.0

Sara: 8.0 - (from Chicago) Enjoyed story. Characters were arrogant, wanted more background on the situation. Encouraged by story on how to overcome challenges. Wished that these tragedies could be healed by more than money.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Enjoyed the book. Would like to recommend the story to others with past abuse. Felt that the mother left many things out as this could not have been a surprise. Discovery and Focus programs were judged and criticized.

Rachel: 8.5 - Sucked in from beginning. Read in one sitting. Money provided resources. What happens to kids whose parents "don't care". Understands parental point of view. Harsh feedback would be hard to take - likely to give up. Parts about Clarie cause worry about becoming a parent.

Anne: 8.0 - Easy to read. Book hit home because Phil's brother attended Spring Creek. Heard first hand about Focus and Discovery. Cool book, now understand. Now considering participation. Micheal is now a teacher at the school.

Erika: 8.0 - Enjoyed the book. Read quickly. Had a better understanding of why people act the way they do. Enjoyed Mia's portions and wished her story was shared more.

Tina: 8.0 - Liked Mia's thoughts. Reflection on Claire as a control freak. Freaked out about thoughts as a parent. Gave perspective on why people to the things they do. Enjoyed reading the book.

Dana: 7.0 - Ditto!

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfeld

Average Rating: 8.0

Sara: 8.0 - (from Chicago) Pulled her in and felt as though she was being given a child's nighttime story. Author and her mother were so lost without the twin. Liked discrepancies of the children.

Erika: 8.0 - Confused with authors jumping around. But liked relationships between Vida Winter and Margaret.

Jenny: 7.5 - Didn't think it was well-written, but good story. Knew ending. Was going to be let down - inevitable, not as spectacular.

Tina: 9.0 - Rates up with "My Sister's Keeper". End was great for her. Disturbed by Isabelle and Charlie's relationship. Enjoyed the mystery behind which twin survived the fire. Thinks it was Emmeline?

Rebecca: 8.5 - Liked Sara's description of book, child's nighttime story. Didn't like the very end. Tells what happened with bibliography and her life. Liked story. Good movie?

Anne: 7.0 - Drawn in. Middle and end had to force herself to read. Seemed like a fairy tale, surreal story. Weirded out by how Miss Winter picked up that Margaret was a twin. Margaret's mother situation had loose ends. Quirky behaviors of characters.

Dana: 8.0 - Loved the base of the story. Sad with demolition of the house. The life of twins was interesting. Adeline was the twin that Vida Winter saves (in my opinion). Miss Winters strategy of using "I" vs. "We".

The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls

Average Rating: 8.4

Erika: 8.0 - Like the author, detail in description. Was hard to read. Couldn't understand grandparents and parents - very dysfunctional. Couldn't stop reading. Wanted to know what happened to youngest sister. Author was interviewed and said sister was still estranged, having problems.

Rachel: 8.0 - Knew parents were dysfunctional but they redeemed themselves. When dad was drunk they were horrible, but great when sober. Mom was lazy. Found parents lives interesting - that they chose to live as they did. Amazed at authors success based on childhood.

Dana: 10.0 - Loved it. Started on Sat while in Arizona - liked being in the desert. Didn't like Virginia chapters as much. Felt author had regrets about Maureen, how she grew up. Jeannette didn't live up to her promise to always protect Maureen. Was sad when dad died. Didn't like mom - she was selfish. Would recommend.

Anne: 8.0 (pg. 152) - 1st book she didn't finish. Having trouble sympathizing with parents. They are always overly optimistic - delusional. Amazed that story is true - UHaul, molestation - sad for authors upbringing. Feels for the kids.

Sara: 8.5 - Liked seeing things through authors eyes - turning some things into games. Virginia time was interesting as Jeanette started to see things as reality. Shocked by moms land ownership. Mom was terrible - very selfish. Felt bad for dad as alcoholic.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Agree with others. Like the beginning more - had hope for family. Interesting how much more narration time spent on younger years vs older (1st 1/3 of book based on years 3-6ish). Though about it a lot, but not sure if I really liked the book - was disappointed at the beginning of each chapter. Thought father was a better person than mom. Was most disappointed by uncle molesting kids and parents not standing up for them.

Tina: 9.0 - Loved the book. Thought about it for months after reading it. Drew parallel between mom's treatment of kids and Jeannette's ultimate treatment of Maureen - she promises to take care of her, but ultimately didn't. Loved that the author wrote her story objectively, without self pity.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See

Average Rating: 8.4

Rachel: 8.0 - really like it, the characters. Cuagher by surprise by Snow Flower's background. Disppointed by actions when Snow Flower was publicly humiliated.

Dana: 9.0 - liked Lily and Snow Flower's relationship. Very interesting book - winter, food. Good read, liked separation of parts - the Hair Pinning Days, etc.

Sara: 8.5 - well written. Aspect of history was unknown - the role of women. Miscommunication between Snow Flower and Lily - was upset by it but understood why.

Rebecca: 8.25 - Liked the first 3/4. Started to get bored with the part in the caves. Very interesting story. Liked the metaphor from the first fan from Snow Flower about feeing the flower. Parallels with The Red Tent (roles of men and women.) Good read.

Anne: 8.5 - Really enjoyed the book. Liked the characters - matchmaker. Could easily visualize the characters. Compared to the Red Tent with women and society. Cool that the loatong relationship was closer than with your husband.

Tina: 8.5 - Really liked the women's perspective on history. Patriarchal societies set themselves up similarly - similarities between Red Tent and Secret Fan. Didn't find the women's place as shocking as other because the way she was raised. She could relate to the book.

Erika: 8.5 - Looking back, book appears as a movie due to the vivid images. Felt many emotions while reading.

Crossing to Safety, by Wallace Stegner

Average Rating: 8.1

Dana: 7.0 - The book didn't keep my attention. I am most like Charity but I would not want to be like Sid because he was walked over completely. I think Charity needed to be such a character though. Was this a true story?

Anne: 8.5 - I like the beginning part more than the 2nd and 3rd. I got annoyed with Larry- he was not a very strong character. I thought of the relationship between Charity and Sid was similar to my parents- whatever makes her happy, makes him happy. I think this would be a great movie. I am most like Sally because I am not as organized as Charity and I don't like being the center of attention. I liked watching the friendship evolve.

Rebecca: 9.0 - I loved the book. I also liked the 1st part most but it needed the 2nd and 3rd part for the story to be complete. The book told from Charity's point of view would be fascinating. I liked the flow of the book. It was well written and kept me intrigued. I would be most like Sally or Larry. But I don't have a strong opinion about Larry. Charity is a go-getter & I am not.

Erika: 7.5 - I liked the 1st part, did not like the 2nd, but felt the 3rd tied everything together. I was frustrated in the end with Sid's character. He let her walk all over him. This was his chance to go after the thing he wanted. It seemed she was just being stubborn. I would be most like Charity, organized and stubborn.

Tina: 8.0 - I really liked it once I got past 30 pages. Now I am on page 177. Perception of characters was shaped in the intro which told the basic character stories. I saw Charity as manipulative and overbearing like when she made people square dance at her party. I understand her desire to want to control things maybe to the point of fault. I was able to handle the flowery sentences- it was still concise & easy to read. I guess I am Charity. Oh God am I overbearing? Maybe I'll have to buy a whistle! I don't particularly like Charity.

Sara: 9.0 - I really love the first section of the book. I love being at the age of meeting new friends in our 20's & understanding that we can do and be anything. The sentences were absolutely beautiful but never felt as though I got lost in the words. The 2nd section bothered me a bit because I felt that Larry was quite conceited. I did not appreciate hearing all about his reasons for writing. The story picked up in the 3rd section when it all came together and the friendship between all four friends became so apparant. It was strange to me why Sid decided to leave Charity on her last day. I guess I would be most like Charity.

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Average Rating: 8.5
Noteworthy: Erin's last book club

Erin: 8.0 - (1/2 way through) Intrigued by Gatsby. Reminds me of Mr. Big in SITC. Covers up how Daisy has tortured him.

Rachel: 9.5 - (1/2 way through) All time faves from high school. New money/old money very interesting. Change encouraging - women valued for looks.

Dana: 8.0 - Read in high school. Soft spot because Justin tested her with Pet Boys song and book.

Sara: 9.0 - Favorite. Gets better every time. Intro and end (some don't have) very interesting. He wrote it to be "Great American Novel". Punctuation based on talk, not writing/grammar. Like how end portrays people as bad, choose easy way out.

Tina: 8.5 - (1/2 way through) Through "I" was Gatsby. Confused. Caught on and re-read. More interesting after getting into writing style.

Anne: 8.0 - Enjoyed. Liked dynamics between men and women, also 20s era. Kept thinking of Gatsby as a Hugh Heffner. Everyone went for the party - not him.

Rebecca: 8.5 - Good overall book. Wished I paid more attention in high school to understand all the symbolism, etc.

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Average Rating: 8.3

Rachel: 8.5 - Liked how it tied together. Amazed by how it was/is in Afghanistan.

Molly: 9.0 - Too convenient at end, but liked it. Afghanistan now/then.

Erika: 8.5 - Appalled kite part. Happy/sad emotions.

Erin: 6.0 - Interesting (Afghanistan). Didn't like Amir, no courage. Liked end.

Tina: 9.0 - Liked how it came together at end. Fiction should be what you want it to be. Main character bothered her but grew up that way.

Rebecca: 8.0 - Beginning tough to get into (p. 20) but liked it. First half mini stories more tied together than last half.

Dana: 8.5 - Beginning slow but then got into it. Liked father. Changed throughout the book. Didn't like Soharb's attempted suicide.

Becky: 9.0 - Taxicab conversation foreshadowing. Are we doing the right thing in Afghanistan? Hated Amir, coward, kept tallies. "You never knew Afghanistan" (cab driver to Amir)

A Million Little Pieces, by James Frey

Average Rating: 8.1

Molly: 8 - good, too long
Dana: 7 - good, doesn't know who she would recommend it to; empathetic
Rebecca: 7.5 - interesting; recommended to sister because she had liked a similar book; concerned it may be bad for alcoholics to read
Molly R: 8.5 - not a big believer in 12 step program; liked that he succeeded; shared his belief about 12 steps - thinks replacing the addiction with another
Tina: 9 - really liked it; sees point about problem with replacing one addiction for another; wouldn't give book to alcoholic
Becky: 9 - likes autobiographies; shares Molly's belief about addiction; does believe that in moderation some addictions are good.
Anne: 8 - liked book; raw account; couldn't believe it was true; liked "the fury"; liked that you could see that alcoholism affects everyone

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

Average Rating: 8.3

Dana: 9 - Liked the characters, "too much sex" though; the bond was phenomenal between them
Dija: 9 - Very different from before, other books
Tina: 8.5 - Was very confused about the purpose of Gomez; very hard from Charisses's point of view
Erica: 7.5 - Took a long time to get interested; getting pregnant was intriguing point; knowing the ending = bias
Rebecca: 8 - Problems with knowing the ending; some events didn't make sense; some inconsistencies
Becky: 7.5 - (half-way through) thinking "What's the plot?" Then realized that time was the plot; Upset about issues...but was more about Clare - liked that
Molly: 8 - Thought it read quickly; some events/pages not necessary; Henry was favorite character;Liked the ending - old Clare
Anne: 8.5 - Like the book because of the love story; Put herself in Clare's position and couldn't imagine how she dealt with it

The Feast of Love, by Charles Baxter

Average Rating: 8.0

Molly: (did not finish)
Anne: 7.5 - liked how life experiences were intertwined and how chapters began (did not finish)
Becky: 7.5 - very real, liked varying perspectives on one story (did not finish)
Jess: 9 - liked writing style, how stories intertwined (did not finish)
Dana: 7 - liked every "relationship has one really good day" (did not finish)
Rebecca: 9 - loved writing style, how characters were built
Tina: 8 - great character development. Liked how as the book went on, it felt like you got to know the people. (did not finish)

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Average Rating: 4.0
Menu: Dinner and Chocolate Pie

Overall - Enjoyed the book as a whole, but didn't like the ending of the island part.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, by Lorna Landvik

Average Rating: 4.4
Menu: Bon bons

Dana: 5
Molly: 4
Becky: 4
Anne: 5
Tina: 4