Forever, Pete Hamill

Average Rating: 6.6
Menu: Artichoke Cheese Dip, "New York Style" pizza, "New York" Chocolate Cheesecake

Dana: N/A (pg. 25) - $33.50 due in library late fees since October.

Tina: 7.5 - Spans a long time. Interested in beginning and end, but middle was a little slow. Didn't get history of New York as much as expected.

Angie: 7.0 (pg. 400) - Liked it once he got to New York. Disturbed at beginning when in colony and slept with Mary. Want to finish.

Jennifer: 6.5 - Like first 100 and last 100 pages, middle was a bit painful. Annoyed that he was going to live forever. Thought he was an angry person - for killing so many people.

Becky: 5.0 (1/2 way) - Felt like it went on forever. Ready to learn about New York, but lost story of him and his character. Too many things happening.

Anne: 6.0 (pg. 418) - Excited about first 100 pages. Got confused with Pillars of the Earth. same thing over and over; war, people fight and die. Like a guy movie over and over. Sanitation made me nauseous. Not being able to leave Manhatten was weird.

Rebecca: 7.5 - Great concept, but could've been done better. Some parts were confusing, like how he got eternal life. Thought ending was good. Too many pieces of history were missing. Each part was pretty good, but didn't feel like there was a strong enough thread to keep it all together.

The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follet

Average Rating: 7.1
Menu: Pesto Chicken Lasagna, Salad, Bread, Cobbler

Becky: 8.0 Finished! - Loved how much womens' roles were underplayed, but were so important and crucial to the story. You have to give this book a chance to develop the characters in order to appreciate the full length. You are on an epic journey with the builder, monk, and knight. Liked it and couldn't put it down (after the first 50 pages), want to read the next book.

Tina: 7.5 Finished! - Thought it was slow and took a while to get into it. There was no point to the book, and once she realized that, she liked the book more. It gets better as you go, as relationships are built. Too much hype leading up to it.

Rebecca: 7.0 (pg 440) - Slow read and repetitive. Too much architecture when talking about Tom. Could be 1/3 in length. Liked the Tom/Phillip parts and Allina was her favorite. William was disturbing, and she did not appreciate the detail in some of the parts with him in it.

Angie: 7.0 (pg 541) - Reading this book felt like running a marathon that would never end. Wasn't until pg 200-300 before she got into it. Parts about the architecture bothered her a lot. Very disgusted by William; however, she liked Jack's character.

Anne: 6.5 (pg 385) - Took a long time to get into, but now looking forward to seeing what happens to the characters. Liked the good vs. evil between Phillip and William. The parts regarding the architecture dragged the took down. Interested in Ellen's character and liked Allina's character too. She liked how the women took on tougher roles (including killing scenes).

Rachel: 6.5 (pg 156) - Super long chapters. Was hard to read and very slow.....but pleasant thus far. Too long describing things and very drawn out.

Jen: ?? (pg 115) - Bored, then started making Rebe's baby blanket. Liked it, but slow moving with way too high of expectations.

Dana: ?? (beginning - monk found baby part) - Started if before it was chosen and didn't pick it up again. Life in the book seems more simple, and women play a very different role than today. We live such complex lives today and don't have to work so hard to survive.

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 Female Brain, Louanne Brizendine

Average Rating: 7.7
Menu: Stuffed Green Peppers

Rachel: 8 - Didn't feel the author was scientific--much makes sense, but hormone-altering meds should have been discussed. Interesting to read about the differences between male and female.

Becky: 9.3 - Learned alot and found that the book explains alot. Recommended the book to many people, commented on how it's not fair that women has to experience so many ups and downs.

Tina: 7.5 - Certain chapters were interesting to her, although alot of the same points were illustrated throughout the book. Overall it has an "Ah-HA!" factor.

Jennifer: 7 - The book justified some (bad) behavior. The downside was the author repeated topics throughout the book.

Rebecca: 7 - Beginning was the best part because of new info, repetitive later on. The author never gave recommendations for the case studies she mentioned.

Anne: 7 - Emphasis on hormones and the correct balance makes sense. Should be more openly discussed and available. Men should read this book!

Angie: 8 - Middle chapters were interesting.

Dana: 8 - Mommy brain/Baby details are pertinent.

An Irishwoman's Tale, Patti Lacy

Average Rating: 7.1
Menu: Baked Spaghetti, YUM!

Jennifer: 7.5 - Thrown off by ending and how religious it was--on a side note, she has been to Ireland and been to the cliff noted in the book.

Angie: 6.5 - Liked the progression, wanted to know more of Sally's story. Appreciated the closure at the end of the story.

Rebecca: 6 - Thought the story was too melodramatic--it distracted you from the story. Would have preferred it not been told from Mary's perspective.

Tina: 7 - Left feeling unsatisfied, thrown off by the preachiness. Thought it peculiar that Mary becomes more "Irish" towards the end.

Becky: 8 - Related to the book, liked the part when he called her Betsy. Liked the idea of "watching people work".

Dana: 7.5 - Thought Sally was a much more memorable character than Mary. Very timid character.

Anne: 7.5 - Enjoyed the book but became annoyed by Mary and her "longing" to know where she came from.

Can You Keep A Secret, Sophie Kinsella

Average Rating: 7.66
Menu: Make Your Own Salad

Angie: 8 - Hard to get into at the beginning but then it got fast and funny. It was a nice break from the depressing books. Dislike Jemima by the end of the book.

Tina: 7 - First quarter was slow but then started to really pick up. It was a fun quick read and felt like she could really relate to the main character. Felt that it was the same as the book “true Confessions a Shopaholic”.

Anne: 8 - Liked the book but realized that all of the story lines were the same as Kinsella’s other books. It was a good fun chicklet book.

Rebecca: 8 - It was an endearing, laugh-out-loud, fun, easy book. It taught you that you need to face the truth, that the truth should set you free and that honesty is openness. You need to be open to maintain a good relationship.

Dana: 7 - Read 7 of her books and like the author and her characters that she creates. It was a good quirky book.

Jennifer: 8 - It was a good fast summer read. I enjoyed the lightheartedness of the book.

Becky (from email): 7.5 - It was a perfect beach read and exactly what we needed to get out of the winter doldrums (I read it right away, so it’s been awhile). It reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones’s, but better and with a lot more fashion sense.

Her Last Death, Susanna Sonnenberg

Average Rating: 7.46
Menu: spaghetti, salad and cheesecake

Dana: 6 - Mother was quote a character - had children WAY too young, very unfit as a mother. Relationship with professor was creepy.

Rebecca: 7.75 - Compared a lot to "Glass Castle". Easy-ish read, kept interested. Didn't like either the title or the back. Thought mother was crying wolf the whole time. What was the connection betwen her last death and why she didn't go to the funeral?

Jennifer: 8.5 - Made it seem like her childhood was easy - made it seem like it wasn't a big deal. Very non-chalant. Kept imagining her grandmother's house.

Anne: 8 - Only made 1/4 of the way through. Surprised by the casual tone of the book. Interested to see how the relationship pans out. Why does the daughter feel the way she does. Likes it so far.

Angie: 8 - Felt like the tone was more casual than expected. WAnted to know more about the sister and who the grandparents were. There were more hints that they were famous. Read very quickly.

Becky: 7 - Started off thinking here mom's not that bad - but realized later that she was. Feel similar to relationship with dad. Seems strange that someone wouldn't go to a parent's death bed. This is what it would be like if Mary had kids. Wanted more from the Father's point of view - was frustrated by him. Such a messed up childhood and then suddenly she's "normal." Fascinating how mom could manipulate so well.

Rachel: 8 - Read the whole thing on the plane. Very disturbing. Can't imagine having a mother so inappropriate. So much more about the author instead of the mother but not everything tied back to her mother. Professor was creepy. Interesting when her and her husband chose to have an abortion. Struggled with the though that she thought because they had the abortion they were better parents later.

Tina (@ home with Ayden): 7 - Thought it was a good read and engaging story. Read it very quickly. Thought it was such an apalling story and would find it fantastic if it were fiction. Expected it to be more about her mom but found it was more about sex. Also made me think about how much your parents can and will impact you. No matter how crazy they are, you want their approval and love and how destructive that can be if you have the wrong parents.

The Innocent Man, John Grisham

Average Rating: 5.85
Menu: Pizza Luce, cookies, and cupcakes

Dana: 6.0. - Read like facts, good learning about death row, could tell what was going to happen. Mental problems poorly dealt with given how recent it took place.

Anne: n/a - Didn't open book... but agrees with Dana! Was distracted by Twilight series (New Moon)

Angie: 6.0. - More than halfway through. Read very fact like. Very frustrating to read, with justice system and poor treatment of mental health.

Becky: 8.0 - Sean read in 3 days. Wanted to read a Grisham. Pictures too distracting. Changed a lot since HS picture. Coming out of prison- smelling air, etc. parallel with coming back from Iraq, adjusting back to life outside. Shared w/soldiers.

Jennifer: 5.0 - Book on tape- boring at times. Could've been 30 page story. Frustrated- too slow, too much detail.

Rebecca: 4.0 - Basis of story disheartening. Wanted to read a Grisham. Rambled. Skipped around too much- lose concentration. Random tidbits not relevant/interesting. Could've been told better.

Tina: 5.0 (p. 122) - Couldn't get into, repetitive- maybe because of knowing what happens. Poor representation of Grisham vs. fiction. Tried to stay true to facts but too many uninteresting facts.

Rachel: 7.0 (100 pages left) - Very disappointed in justice system- eye opening. Psychology very interesting.

Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger

Average Rating: 7.4

Menu: Spring Rolls, Shrimp Curry, Edamame, Brownies

Tina: 7.5 - Hard to say...Really good but didn't like it that much. Didn't connect with book, can't explain why not. Didn't think the miracle theme was actually important to the book.

Dana: 7.0 - Male version of The Glass Castle. Like love story as a touch. Like ending, even though it was sad.

Angie: 8.0 - Like character development and love story. Courting was cute.

Anne: 6.5 (p.265) - Didn't not like the book. It took a lot of increments to finish; kind of slow. Liked Rueben's childish perspective.

Becky: 8.0 (p.200) - Weirded out that the miracles don't mean anything. They build up...then nothing. Thought it was based a long time ago, like 1850's.

Rachel: 7.0 - Well written, well done, but not drawn in. Quick, easy to follow, but not great.

Jennifer: 7.5 - Got into it and then got distracted. Loved the last part. Great ending.

Rebecca: 7.5 - Good book. Interesting story, good plot, fun characters, but just didn't connect with it. Wanted to be wow'd but wasn't and not sure why not.

The Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac

Average Rating: 3.4

Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, Christmas Cookies (of which Bailey at 7)

Becky: 3.o Liked Kerouac 20x better in college with On the Road as life seems the artistic, soul searching journey. It was mostly drunken rambling to my 30 year old years. Only Becky and Rebecca finished the book and nobody read the poem at the end.

Rebecca: 5.5 The loose punctuation was not an issue when reading, but it can get in the way at times. Did not see the purpose of the story. Too much rambling drunkenness which was distracting and made it difficult to pay attention to.

Jennifer: 2.5 (1/2-3/4 done) Wasn't sure what is was about. Phooey she said when it was due to the library, and turned it back in. Wasn't sure what she read.

Rachel: 2.0 (pg 23) Liked the reference to Delena of Tremors, her favorite beer. She had just travels to the famous 'beat' locations in San Fran. Her dad had predicted she wouldn't like it.

Anne: 2.0 (pg 45) Loved On the Road in college but annoyed by this book. She had no empathy as he played the victom, and as he tried to get away from it all, he had a very hard time with it.

Tina: 4.5 (pg 32) Read in 2 long time frame, which she thinks helped. Casey read it too with, "you can't think about it, don't read the words, be the experience". This book is easier to skim as you get the impression, which is more enjoyable. Allowed her to let go of the control of of reading.

Angie: (n/a) Was helping Tina buy a house and car. Didn't open the book.

Dana: (n/a) Didn't purchase the book, but tried to research the 'beat' generation (intro in 1948), and 'beatnik' (intro as a term in 1956).

Going on in the world right now: Obama wins. Auto Industry going under without help of the gov.
Going on with us right now: Tina bought house (w/help of Angie), baby girl due in March. Rebecca books trip to Mexico.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt

Average Rating: 7.3
Menu:Loaded Baked Potatoes, yummy salad, cupcakes and ice cream

Rebecca: 8.0 Interesting storyline, kept captivated. Had a hard time sitting down to read and fell asleep easily. Liked that it was non-fiction. Good character development, but some were unnecessary.

Jennifer Erlich: 7.0 Didn't like Part I. Too many mini-stories and had to push through Part II. Enjoyed the last 100 pages--would have liked it better without the first part.

Becky: 7.0 Enjoyed the essence of Savannah, wanted to be there! Didn't remember anything about reading the book 10 years ago. Too many characters. Favorite character was Chablis, the Drag Queen with lots of spunk and personality. Enjoyed when she attended the Debutante Ball...

Dana: 8.0 Liked the character Minerva, the witchcraft specialist. Minerva had a great connection with the dead and it reminds us how close the dead are to us living folks~some people just have a more keen sense to their "existence" than others.

Anne: 7.5 On page 193--finally at the murder part. Character development was long--felt like it was slow-moving. Found Southern-living very interesting.

Rachel: 7.0 On page 95--having a hard time getting into the book, it seems jumpy.

Angie: 7.0 Struggled to get into the book, it felt like a bunch of short stories. Lots of unnecessary details.

Tina: 7.5 Thought the beginning was slow and had too much character development, but appreciated it alot more once realizing the story was based on true events and the lives of real people. Felt the murder was an anti-climactic point to build up to--

Going on in the world right now: Upcoming Presidential election (Obama v. McCain).
Going on with us right now: Tina finds out Boy or Girl soon!

A Prayer for the Dying, by Stewart O'Nan

Average Rating: 5.0
Menu: Chow Mein, Potstickers, Apple Pie

Anne: 5.5 Intriqued at the beginning; enjoyed the small-town living references during the Civil War--but then the story turned disturbing and made her gag.

Rebecca: 4.5 Found the book very unsettling--not very eloquent. Kept her interested--wanted to know what happened, but didn't enjoy it. It was written very well in 2nd person. Thinks Jacob was very confused and in denial.

Jennifer E: 5.0 She was confused and in denial as to whether Jacob's wife was truly dead. Read a portion of the book in the hospital and received weird glances from others. The book raises the issue of whether or not you would stay or flee in the instance of a plague.

Angie: 5.0 Lost alot of respect for Jacob--he was a coward not to quarantine the town sooner, how he burned the woman in the house alive, and how he handled the impending fire. There were gaps in the story as to what we as the reader knew.

Tina: 5.0 A decent book about a horrible topic. Liked the 2nd person aspect--made it more apparent you didn't feel as Jacob did. The book gave a different aspect to undertaking--they are the last person to care for the dead.

Becky: 4.0 Felt like Jacob was in denial--liked in the very end where he talks about how life is easier alone--but that's not what life is about. Overall, the book was a downer.

Dana: 5.0 It begins with a dead soldier (the source of the plague) and ends with the dead hermit (Jacob's realization he was the person who spread the disease). The story could have been told with dignity--but it wasn't. Not a very good example of a dignified funeral director/sheriff/pastor.

The Other Boleyn Girl, by Phillipa Gregory

Average Rating: 9.2
Menu: French Dip w/pickles and chips, Dessert of cookies and ice cream.

Angie: 9.0 - Read it really quickly. Intrigued by the whole book. Surprised homosexuality was talked about. Watched the movie but was upset about how Mary's loyalty to the queen was not portrayed.

Jennifer: 9.9 - Liked learning about history; and it was a quick read.

Tina: 9.0 - Loved the story, but found certain things dragged out. It was like reading a soap opera. Appalled by the family ambition. Interesting that the book starts and ends with an execution.

Dana: 10.0 (11) - Loved the book! Actually gave it an 11.0. Took notes in the back of the book. Intriguing and mesmerizing. Liked the family dynamics and rivalry between sisters. Called out the bond between mother and child. Surprised they let Mary go.

Rachel: 9.0 - Read first 100 and last 10 pages, plus watched the movie. Liked the language - it wasn't Old English. Interested in sister bond, how women were viewed, and that women were powerful, but it wasn't outwardly obvious.

Anne: 9.5 - Love it! Like a soap opera. Interested in the difference between the classes. Intrigued by the evilness of Anne - especially about the babies.

Rebecca: 8.75 - Total Juicy! Was looking for more meat - kept her interested! Found out ending before she finished. Did not like the movie.

Becky: 9.0 - Thought about the book a lot. Had dreams from those times. Liked the historical fiction! Scared at the end - though Mary was screwed. Sickened by the father and mother. Made her want a farm house and true love forever. Book taught the importance of keeping ambition in check.

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..."

Foreign Babes in Beijing, by Rachel DeWoskin

Average Rating: 6.4
Menu: Help Ladies, I know there was a delicious salad and meat....but Jenny, please remind us of the details.

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

Becky: 6.5 - Liked learning about the Chinese culture. Didn't get into the story. Didn't see the poetry in her writing.

Jenny: 6.5 - Didn't like as much as thought. Interesting observations by the author but not compelling, outrageous or funny.

Jennifer: 6.0 - Thrown off by the Chinese language. Liked the beginning and the end, lackluster in the middle. Somewhat repetitive.

Tina: 7.0 - Interesting. Can relate to some of the experiences. Thought she was not insightful for having spent so much time there.

Dana: 6.0 - Wasn't drawn into the book, nor did she warm up to the author

Rachel: N/A

Angie: 6.5 - Lost momentum after the beginning.

Rebecca: 6.5 - Thought it would be funnier and more gripping. Liked first and second fifths of the book, not the third or forth fifths and then liked the last fifth.

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.

Band of Sisters, by Kirsten Holmstedt

Average Rating: 6.8
Menu: Curry Chicken, Greek Salad, Naan, Cupcakes from Cupcake
(Ethnic food from Iraq, plus dessert I couldn't get while I was there)

Rachel: 9.5 - Very much liked this book, especially the solid stories from each individual soldier. Eye opening! Found a couple of the stories more interesting than the others, like the one about the two soldiers dating at war.

Tina: 6.5 - Liked the idea of the stories and book but thought it was poorly written. Was bothered by the picture of the author in the back. Felt the book was too much about the author and felt she wrote in a jargon that was too condescending. Liked the individual stories but wanted to know more.

Sara: 5.5 (from Chicago) - Was excited to read this book; however, she didn't think it did well at describing the war. She also felt the author wrote in a condescending manner. Liked the stories of the women with children at home and how as a mother their maternal nature kicked in when taking care of their soldiers.

Rebecca: 5.5 - Glad the book exists and that we read it. The writing was poor - it took away from the stories. There wasn't good flow. Thought if it was told in the first person with footnotes it would have been a much better book. Wanted more personal views of their wartime experiences. Loved the pictures.

Anne: 7.0 - Liked the stories but thought the book was choppy. Better if it was written in the first person. Loved the pictures. Really enjoyed reading about the way soldiers train for war, then get tested in war - the real thing. She thought this was very intense. (which it is).

Dana: 6.0 - She felt the author asked each soldier the same set of questions. And, the author did a poor job (not the real expression used).

Becky: 7.5 - This book was exactly what I needed to read after being home from Iraq for 6 months. I wanted my friends to have other accounts of the war to build on instead of just mine. I needed them to understand me a little more instead of me being in my own world, adjusting. I also needed to relate to something, have something that was coming from the same vein as most of my thoughts these days.
I think the author should have stated in the beginning that this was a thesis - turned into book. Also, she should have stated that her thesis was that women should be allowed on the front lines. She doesn't state this until the end. I know its extremely hard to tell your story, especially since most don't understand your jargon, many don't want to hear it, and you don't feel it's interesting being just a soldier (most soldiers don't think of themselves as special, honorable, heroes - we went to war, like we were supposed to, like we were trained to do). I could write a book about this........perhaps.

Angie: Not finished enough to give good rating

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".

Beyond Knowing, by Janis Amatuzio

Average Rating: 4.5
Noteworthy: Jenny joined book club

Tina: 3.0 - Did not love the book. Got really repetitive. Same story over and over. Too much about the author. Expected to be amazed, but wasn't.

Dana: 6.0 - Expected more like her first book. Told same story in first book. Was disappointed. Would recommend first book.

Rebecca: 3.5 - Did not like the book. Was very self-promoting. Writing was poor. Was left with no though.

Jenny: 3.0 - Did not love it. Wanted more of the forensic pathologist stuff.

Sara: 3.0 - (from Chicago) Did not like her voice. She needs to get a life. Talked too much about herself.

Anne: 6.0 - Thought it would be more profound.

The Bell, by Iris Murdoch

Average Rating: 7.5
Noteworthy: Sara's last book club

Tina: 8.5 - Slow beginning but necessary for rest of book. Good story and a "coming to peace". Left some characters open-ended. Michael/Nick store quite unsatisfying. She copped out at the end. The end somewhat anticlimactic. (At 6 week of quitting and kicking ass.)

Anne: n/a - (pg. 68) Love the characters. Dora is hilarious. Excited to see where the story goes. (Went to Cafe Ena. Adjusting to not working. Will is now sleeping through the night.)

Dana: 7.5 - Similar to Crossing to Safety. Late 1950s wives but didn't get to see Dora's "wife" dutier. I liked the description of the characters. Things didn't happen until the very end. (Planning Vito's 1st birthday, pirate themed. Finished 2nd year of grad school.)

Sara: 9.0 - Couldn't put it down. Beginning slow. Wondered what would happen. Ending didn't have closure that I wanted. Irked me that Nick and Michael never ended. Religion interested me. The impossibility of high standards makes it harder to hold standards. (Moving to Chicago. I'm a doctor, life is crazy. I'm excited for shopping in Chicago, nervous too.)

Rebecca: 8.5 - Reminded me of Crossing to Safety. Love the beginning. Thought it ended in limbo. Bothered me you didn't get to know other characters, but if you did, it would have been too much. Dora's ability to take ideas from another intrigued me. (Rotating jobs again. Looking forward to summer. Got a hookah.)

The Inheritance of Loss, by Kiran Desai

Average Rating: 5.5

Tina: 5.0 (pg. 70) - Thought story had a lot of potential but language made it hard to read. Storyline very choppy, jumped around too much. (Quit smoking almost a month ago and getting 10" haircut tomorrow.)

Sara: 9.0 - Fascinating to read while traveling through the third world. Found a lot in the book very real with trip and people/experiences. Interesting tie to colonization and the impact of the wester world on the east. (Graduated from med school today and got back from 70 day trip around the world.)

Rebecca: 4.0 (1/3 way through) - Didn't enjoy, mainly due to writing style. Too difficult to relate to characters in short stints. Story seemed very current based on experiences on trip. (Got back from 4 month trip to SE Asia.)

Anne: 4.0 (read through 20s) - Wanted to read it, very hard to connect to characters due to choppiness. Sentences too ornate. Thinks it had great potential, but couldn't get into it. (Planning 5 year anniversary trip to San Fran, w/o Will.)

Erika: N/A (Moved into her own big girl apartment 1.5 weeks ago.)

Dana: N/A (Vito is walking, he can say Mama and Dada.)

Rachel: N/A (got to page 10) - Would like to read to see what I think (vs. reviews), but writing style very tough to get through.

The Good Soldier, by Ford Maddox Ford

Average Rating: 6.4

Sara: 8.5 - Character development spectacular. Beginning slow and confusing. Told like fireside story. By the end understood why it was so confusing at the beginning. Hard time deciding who was bad. Can look at it in different ways and come out with different answers. Wanted to know more.

Tina: 6.0 (pg. 163) - Confusing. Realized I like straight forward writing, don't need "golden sentences". Likes more journalistic writing. More like him thinking than straight forward. Thought narrator was stupid. Makes you realize how times have changed.

Rachel: N/A (through part 1) - Language hard, want to have read.

Dana: N/A (don't have book)

Anne: N/A (just finished The Glass Castle)

Rebecca: 7.0 (pg. 137) - Beginning confusing. Don't like randomness, but appreciate it (due to how I would tell the story). As well, his lack of realization reminds me of how I would look at the situation. If I would have known the story in advance, I think I would have enjoyed reading it more.

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.

The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant

Average Rating: 9.0

Erika: 8.5 - Liked character development, author involved the readers, didn't rush the parts.

Dija: 9.0 - Too much blood and baby deliveries and pregnancies. Easy to read; Dinah and her relationships with her moms...liked this. She is happy that she didn't live in those times.

Tina: 7.0 - (pg. 67) Thought it was hard to read...right before the juicy part! It was gross - a lot of parts, interested to get to the rest of it.

Sara: 9.5 - Excellent job of giving a beautiful story - completely engrossed in the story. A story you couldn't put down...Dinah was an excellent narrator - strange to read about Polygamy and the dynamics.

Rebecca: 8.5 - Book is all about birthing and the experience. Despite all of that, the book was good - these parts were necessary for the story and shows how pregnancy consumes a community and the women. Liked how the story was told by Dinah made her link the Bible stories to this story.

Anne: 10 - Loved it...thought initially it would be hard to read. Easily could connect the people. Liked the stories and history told in the Red Tent, bond between the women. Dinah's story was tragic and contained a lot of dynamic.

Dana: 10 - Loved it...the relationship of sisterhood between Dinah's mother was very interesting. The relationships and history of Dinah and Brother Joseph reminds me of my relationship my my brother Benno.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter, by Kim Edwards

Average Rating: 6.7

Tina: 6.5 - Liked idea of story, wanted to see what happened very surface level, does a mother "know"? Would she be different if Phoebe actually died? David probably did Caroline/Phoebe a favor.

Anne: 6.0 - Excited about concept by disappointed in direction it went. Premise of how a secret affects relationship, didn't like Rosemary story. David - bad father. Thought Paul was gay. Secret is what tore family apart.

Dana: 7.0 - Didn't like Norah's character, didn't like David or their marriage, was afraid of Al and thought he'd do something bad. Another Tangent. Great idea for story but marriage was a turn off.

Sara: 6.5 - Good premise, but thought it was shallow, didn't understand Norah's long term grief. Thought Caroline was made out as a hero but also made mistakes - selfish to take Phoebe. Al was weird.

Rebecca: 6.0 - Idea had potential but writer screwed it up. Went into too much background about David but could have taked more about other characters. Anti-climatic when Paul and Phoebe meet. While did Caroline contat Norah? Thanks that Norah/David coldn't have survived children anayway and it would not have been any better if they kept Phoebe.

Rachel: 7.0 - Beginning good, didn't stay as interesting. Character development weak, didn't explain their motivations. Didn't go more into twins of mother's intuition. No big moment.

Prep, by Curtis Sittenfeld

Average Rating: 6.2

Erika: 7.0 - Easy to read, liked to hear the stories of how she grew. Related to the things she went through.

Tina: 6.5 - Couldn't stop reading this book, but it annoyed the crap out of me! Insecruity consumed her - got very frustrated - parts made me laugh though. Ending was abrubt - ending wasn't satisfying.

Sara: 5.0 - Lee drove me nuts! I was angry how it ended. Her personality was frustrating. Didn't feel like Lee did not learn or grow - she wasn't open minded or caring.

Rebecca: 5.5 - I was addicted to the book, but Lee bugged me. She was completely self-loathing. She expected people to think the best of her even though she thought the worst of herself. She didn't try or care about things.

Dana: 6.5 - I thought Lee was very pathetic. She over analyzed everything.

Rachel: 7.0 - Being from a small private school, but not wealthy, I could relate a little bit. But Lee was way too passive aggressive. She was very hypocritical.

Anne: 8.0 - She was very immature. Her inner monologue made me laugh. She also always did the opposite of what she should have.

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.

Marley and Me, by John Grogan

Average Rating: 7.2
Menu: Stingers
Noteworthy: Erin's last book club

Erin: 9.99 - All you ask for in a book, laughed, cried, good message about family.

Erika: 8.5 - Didn't want to put down. Cry, laugh, enjoyed reading it.

Dana: 6.5 - Animal lover but would have been a better short story. Not enough substance, wanted more.

Rebecca: 6.75 - Got emotionally involved, laughed, cried, but not really into story. Author was conceited. Family/Dog focus was conflicting.

Sara: 4.5 - Not in good mood when read. Didn't like author, talked about himself, not good writing. Could have been shorter. Like a slapstick comedy.

Anne: 6.5 - Easy to read. Liked emotional involvement. Liked idea of young family and Marley being a constant in their life. Events were not exciting, wanted more depth.

Rachel: 7.75 - Wants to get a dog, have been researching. Could have been deeper, but liked story.

Tina: 7.0 - Thought it was surfacy, not too deep. Easy to read, good stories. Laughed, cried but didn't think about thte book after reading.

Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson

Average Rating: 7.35
(Verify Date)

Rebecca: 6.0 - Hated history in HS. Wanted the book to focus on one story, not both. Wasn't engaged or excited to read, but loved parts of it - the historical tidbits about AC/DC electric current, the Ferris Wheel, etc.

Tina: 7.5 - (pg. 230) Enjoyed both stories - liked the murder story better, but was enthralled by the shaping of history, Ferris, Marshall Field. Had to wait for action and closure, was not motivated to read.

Rachel: 8.0 - Liked both stories. Did not like that they were not connected. Like the historical references, was interested in Chicago.

Erin: 7.0 - Like the book and history, but had no climax. Comparing Burnham/White City to Holmes/Dark Hotel was like comparing heaven and hell. Would have liked more Holmes development.

Dana: 7.0 - Liked the book, but there was no emotion. All written in 3rd person, heartless killings, details of the fair dragged on, did not feel she grasped all the concepts.

Sara: 5.0 - Did not love it. Forced herself to read it. Didn't think the stories were intertwined, no emotion, Holmes did not intrigue her.

Anne: 8.25 - Hates history, but loved the book because it brought people and events together. It was easy to make connections, liked the World Fair story better than Holmes' story, thought Holmes was arrogant.

Erika: 8.0 - Liked both parts of the book. Enjoyed the part of the start of the Pledge of Allegiance the best and all the historical references.

Broken for You, by Stephanie Kallos

Average Rating: 7.6

Dija: 6.0 - The book was hard to read, but got better as she read.

Sara: 9.0 - Was one of her favorites, characters grew together and independently; was a feel-good read, but had mediocre writing.

Erin: 8.5 - Loved it, loved the characters and the 'mystery" element of the story. Saw lots of irony in the book, would recommend to others.

Tina: 8.0 - Liked the book, thought the story of the book was the character development, looked forward to reading it and finding out what happened.

Rebecca: 9.0 - Noted that this was a very high rating for Rebe. Stopped reading Harry Potter 6 for this book. Thought the amount of valuables that Margaret had was unfathomable.

Anne: 9.0 - Like how the story brough meaning to the characters' lives and how they each helped each other find meaning. Was confused about Wanda's obsessions with Peter and how the record store incident was upsetting because it was built up so much by Wanda. Why did she put him on such a pedestal?

Dana: 6.0 - Liked the reinvention of the valuables, but thought it was a waste and the "enter and break something" ritual by the end of the book was weird. Wondered about the logistics of breaking all the things and the clean up? Thought the book was depressing.

Erika: 7.0 - Loved reading about the developing relationships between Margaret and all of her new house mates, especially Wanda. Thought there were too many small world coincidences. Enjoyed reading about Wanda's art with the pieces, as if she's putting her life back together with all the broken antique pieces.

One Thousand White Woman, by Jim Fergus

Average Rating: 7.8
Menu: Thai Chicken Curry and Lemon Chicken. Yum!

Last night Anne hosted a lovely book club at her house. She had the house decorated for Christmas and served. In addition to rating the book, Anne asked each of us to state what the English-version of our Cheyenne name would be. Here are all of our comments on "1,000 White Women":

Rebecca: 6.0 - "Tidy One" Wasn't excited to start reading the book, liked the history, but thought the storyline was too fictional.

Sara: 7.0 - "Woman who Runs Alone" The book exceeded her expectations, would have liked more historical references.

Dana: 9.0 -"Pale Dog-Lover" Became very engrossed in the book, liked how May Dodd was a leader; disappointed that Captain Bourke turned out to be so cruel by killing Horse Boy.

Erin: 8.5 - "Woman with White Hair" Liked the history of the book and the bullet hole on the front and back cover.

Erika: 8.0 - "Woman who Trips Over her Own Feet" Enjoyed how the relationship with May Dodd and Little Foot developed and deepened; she also liked the format of the book--she paid attention to the dates and how much time passed between each entry.

Tina: 8.0 - "Little Sleepy One" Liked the format, thought the ending was unrealistic. Would have liked a more realistic ending.

Becky: 6.5 - "Warrior Woman" We concluded that the character Euphemia reminded us of Becky.

Anne: 8.5 - "Shy One" Loved the story-enjoyed how the real names of the women matched their personality. Found the book to be an easy read.

Love in the Time of Cholera, by Garcia Marquez

Average Rating: 7.8

Sara hosted a wonderful book club last night- we chatted about "Love in the Time of Cholera" and watched Desperate Housewives.

Here are the ratings and comments:

Sara: 8.5- Good book but didn't like America. Thought Florentino and America's relationship was gross. It made it difficult to like Florentino.

Rebecca: 8 - (on chapter 5)Thought the book was well written but difficult to read. The names were confusing, but it was a good story and a pretty story to read- would recommend it.

Erika: 8.0 - Liked the first part when the story was about their courtship. The middle part was difficult to get through- wished there was more of a plot in the middle part- would recommend it.

Tina: 8.0 - (on chapter 1) The book would be best read if a person had a few long sessions of reading instead of short reading sessions. The book requires a commitment from the reader.

Anne: 7.5 - Loved the first 150 pages. Loved the story of the courtship, but found the middle part quite slow. Was annoyed that the whole letter thing started up again towards the end. Well written book.

Dana: 6.0 - Liked the beginning and the story about Dr. Urbino and his life. Did not like Florentino and his compulsions- slow book. Also thought it was strange that there were so many parts in the book that were about animals dying.

Erin: 7.0 - Beginning was great- but the book was a very intense book to read. Some of the important plot ideas were not covered like what did Florentino do to get to the top of his company? Florentino was very pathetic.

Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides

Average Rating: 7.9

Erin: 9.0 - Great characterization.

Rachel: 8.5 - Characters really were laid out. Great exposure to view things. Very tasteful.

Erika: 8.0 - Story development. Knew store from beginning. Could have gone quicker.

Tina: 6.0 - "Waiting for the crocus". History was interesting.

Dana: n/a - it was really good.

Anne: 8.0 - Liked family history. Dragged on. Wanted to know more about Callie.

Sara: 9.5 - Character development. Amazed a man wrote that. Best book club ever! Awesome sentences.

Rebecca: 6.5 - Well-written but didn't capture me. Story developed too slow. Like a greek myth, very interesting.

Wicked, by Gregory Maguire

Average Rating: 7.2
Menu: Grilled chicken salad

Rebecca: 7.5 - Overall thought it was fun. Parts were confusing and not enough Oz related.

Erika: 8.0 - (1/2 way) Love it so far. Disturbed/confused by goat murder.

Erin: 8.0 - Liked it. Slow read at times. Characters struggled and had themes.

Tina: 8.0 -Not enough Oz or consistency. Liked absolute truths and good versus evil.

Rochelle: 5.0 - Overly ambitious. Lots of interesting topics, too many.

Dana: 6.5 - Couldn't relate to characters. More about Elphie & Nessie's relationship.

Anne: 7.0 - Loved first two sections. Got lost in parts. Good thoughts - guilt you put upon yourself. Poor ending.

Becky: 9.0 - Issues with disconnect of Oz. Liked having so many unanswered questions. That defines good and evil.

Rachel: 6.0 - Have issues with non-human characters that talk. Too little about Oz/Dorothy. Too much in college years, but liked Elphie overall. She was MISUNDERSTOOD!

Reading Lolita in Tehran, by Azar Nafisi

Average Rating: 3.2
Noteworthy: Molly's last book club

Tina: 2.0 - (pg. 26) BORING!

Molly: 4.0 - Expecting something to happen. 300 page short story.

Dana: 4.0 - (pg. 4) Wonderful secret language.

Rebecca: 3.0 - (pg. 19) Hard to get into. Felt repetitive.

Erin: 3.0 - (pg. 177) Author was "wannabe". Wanted to be a protester.

Erika: 3.0 - (pg. 30) Very slow. Had to reread pages.

Rachel: 4.5 (pg. 100) Style of writing boring. Had read Lolita. Enjoyed reading about western works.

Becky: 2.0 - (pg 128) Talked too much about books, didn't get to a point. Couldn't tell who was talking. Didn't know who characters were.

Anne: 4.0 - Was excited, but had hard time with authors style. Couldn't tell characters apart. Good idea for book, her story/memoir. Liked learning about being women, sexuality.

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)

The Dogs of Babel, by Carolyn Parkhurst

Average Rating: 7.0

Erika: 8.0 - Great character development.

Dana: 6.5 - Surprised written by woman. Surprised by his love for her. Liked overall.

Anne: 7.0 - Unresolved, doubtful by ending, unsatisfying.

Rachel: 7.5 - Liked character development, liked love story development, satisfied by conclusion.

Rebecca: 5.5 - Uncomfortable with dog mutilation. Didn't like pregnancy storyline.

Molly: 7.5 - Strange. Books saying odd. Dog mutilation and kidnapping bothersome. Taken too far.

Becky: 7.0 - Similar to last book. Search for the truth, baby, etc. Liked to read it because of Bailey. Didn't like mutilation, book titles. Wanted to know more about wife.

Erin: 7.0 - Liked the theme of wife struggling with identity - masks, girl at the pool in New Orleans. Liked the theme of acceptance -wife and dog.

Tina: 7.0 - Disappointed that the dog did not talk. Felt that the wife committed suicide. New Orleans situation, unsettling.

In the Lake of the Woods, by Tim O'Brien

Average Rating: 6.0

Becky: 7.5 - Liked mystery.

Molly: 7.0 - Got weird with no explanation - more background. Liked mystery. Thinks he killed her. Should of explained more of abortion past.

Tina: 7.0 - Wanted an ending. Forces you to be an outsider - didn't get.

Sara: 5.0 - Similar to Molly. More of love story than mystery. Not enough info.

Rebecca: 6.0 - Should have had more explanation. Knew end was open. Doesn't have a prediction. Apathetic. Not enough info.

Dija: 3.75 - Didn't like magical part. A lot of violence. Thinks he killed her.

Erika: 6.0 -Didn't like quote chapters. Knew of no ending. Either ran away together or he killed her.

Rachel: 6.5 - Liked hypotheses, but not quote chapters. Liked psychology parts. War out of proportion. He killed her, but lack of evidence.

Dana: 4.5 - Likes evidence parts. He was off beat and she deserved more. Convinced he killed her.

Anne: 6.0 - Didn't like evidence. Wanted it to be a great love story, but wasn't. Felt sorry for her for saving her happiness. Don't think they ran off.

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

My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Piccoult

Average Rating: 9.2

Anne: 9 - family dynamics
Becky: 9.3 - one of the best books. What would you give up for someone else?
Tina: 9.5 - the sister bond - hard to read about kidney failure
Molly: 8.5 - didn't like the brother - good conversation starter
Rebecca: 9 - read the ending first - didn't like the way it was written
Dana: 10 - couldn't imagine not reading it - best book so far - watching the parenting style

The Tortilla Curtain, By T.C Boyle

Average Rating: 7.5

Jess: 9 - liked the way important themes were explored; some characters weren't always believable
Tina: 7 - likes it; thinks ending is anticlimactic
Rebecca: 6.5 - upset that they didn't meet sooner; why did Delaney hate Candido so much? Why not more contact at ending?
Dana: 9 - didn't like the ending; disliked Kyra - like Annette Bening character in "American Beauty" - conflicting feelings
Anne: 7.5 - ("I like halves") - difficult to figure out Delaney; liked class structure/hierarchy
Molly: 7 - liked beginning and portrayal of Delaney's hypocrisy; didn't like ending of the book - contrived
Becky: 6.5 - liked different sides, luck and choices - you don't do anything unless you really want to

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)

*** RATING CHANGED FROM 5 POINT SCALE TO 10 POINT SCALE ***