Date: Jan. 11, 2008
Summary: Considered the closest thing to the Great American Novel ever written, it is the timeless story of Jay Gatsby and his love for the now-married Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby lives in the rich Long Island suburb of West Egg in a mansion where he throws lavish parties. His neighbor, Nick Carroway, narrates. It’s a story of money and the American Dream but it’s also plot-driven and an excellent depiction of the Jazz Era.
Notes: Definitely a good book discussion book. One of those where you learn a lot more from talking about it than just reading it. Lot of themes, the American Dream, money as the root of evil, the Jazz Age, social class, etc.
Rachel’s rating: Three and a half (3.5) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Three and a half (3.5) out of four stars (definitely a book meant to be discussed; Fitzgerald is a master of language)
Date: Feb 21, 2008
Summary: Story of Rachel White, who sleeps with her best friend Darcy’s fiance on her 30th birthday. Oddly, you don’t hate Rachel, you actual root for her to get her guy. Good discussion about friendships. Lot of references to the 1980s.
Notes: A sure bet when it comes to chick lit, but not as layered as a true book discussion book typically is. The sequel Something Blue is the story of what happens to Darcy from her perspective. In my opinion, even better than the first.
Rachel’s rating: Three (3) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: One and a half (1.5) out of four stars (another easy read; not too awful for “chick lit”; reading this reminded me of watching a Lifetime movie; wouldn’t recommend it unless you were stuck at home sick (or on a snowday) with no one else around to witness what you were watching; not a big fan of books with predictable endings.
Date: March 14, 2008
Summary: Sequel to Something Borrowed, told from Darcy’s perspective.
Notes: This was a curveball for the group. We added in a meeting and it was great. Very well attended and everyone really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. We will continue this trend and have a “light” book club meeting in between our regular ones.
Rachel’s rating: Three and a half (3.5 ) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Unrated (As this was an optional read for the group, I chose to opt out [after having read Something Borrowed]); maybe that speaks for itself)
Date: April 4, 2008
Summary: Story of a high school shooting in the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire where a boy who is bullied his entire life kills 10 classmates in cold blood. Told from different perspectives, i.e. the boy’s parents, his only “friend” from childhood named Josie, the detective on the case, etc. Has a surprise ending.
Notes: Overall great discussion book. Brought up lots of important issues and really initiated dialogue on the things that scare parents most. Picoult tries a little too hard with the ending and the book was a little long for me but overall very well done.
Rachel’s rating: Three and a half (3.5 ) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Two and a half (2.5) out of four stars (Picoult is easy to read-even if the content is difficult-and does a nice job developing some of the characters; I wish she would stop trying to wow us with an unpredictable ending and just allow her characters to stay in character)
Date: April 25, 2008
Summary: Story of overweight and overcautious Minerva Dobbs who in a bar, overhears her ex-boyfriend bet hottie Cal Morrissey that he can’t get her into bed within one month. Library Journal (a prestigious book review magazine for libraries) said this about the book: Short on plot and completely lacking in suspense but still entertaining.
Notes: Again, we allowed for this optional meeting to be more laid-back and less book-clubbie. We discussed the book a little but ended up reminiscing alot. (For instance, does everyone remember picking up guys in a bar! and having your friends knee-deep in your personal business?). It was fun and we agreed that reading for pleasure does not always have to involve a thought-provoking book. Sometimes it can just be a fun, easy, light read.
Rachel’s rating: Two (2) out of four stars
Date: May 16, 2008
Summary: Historical fiction. 1950s Greenwich Village (NYC). Story of Lucia Satori who lives with her parents and brothes in an apartment. At age 25, engaged to marry her childhood sweetheart, she instead chooses a career and a rich businessman over her family’s wishes.
Notes: Good discussion book. Shows the limitations women had at that time. But was overall disappointed with the story. Did not feel it portrayed the immigrant experience as accurately as “The Saint of Lost Things” and it was a sad love story more than anything (for me). Plus, LOVED Trigiani’s Big Stone Gap series and this one really paled in comparison.
Rachel’s rating: Reluctant two (2) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: One and a half (1.5) out of four stars (Very predictable; Lucia’s story could have been told without the gimicky introduction; some interesting ideas about the role of women in history but not enough to make the story a compelling read)
Date: June 20, 2008
Summary: Compilation of letters written by somewhat famous women, celebrities, authors, etc. who write to their younger selves basically telling their younger self that everything is going to be alright and giving advice they wish they had then.
Notes: First meeting without Patti. Instituted ‘Book Club Dues’ for scholarship in her name, which will start next June and be given to a high school student in town. Good discussion though no one really enjoyed the book.
Rachel’s rating: One (1) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: One (1) out of four stars (Supposed to be letters written by successful women to their younger selves, felt more like contrived and congratulatory sentiments written to impress an audience; one or two bright spots but not enough to make this worth a read; I expected to be disappointed right at the start and I was)
Date: Aug 7, 2008
Summary: Historical fiction. Story of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne, and their relationship with King Henry VIII. It’s the story of a family’s ambition and the reality of the times in 16th century England.
Notes: Epic! Very long but well done overall.
Rachel’s rating: Three and a half (3.5) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Two (2) out of four stars (and that’s being generous); (Could have delivered the same melodramatic story in half the pages; made historical figures seem like charicatures of their more interesting historically accurate selves; I’ve heard that Gregory’s preceding books are more compelling; don’t know if I’d be willing to find out)
Date: Sept. 25, 2008
Summary: Carnegie Mellon professor suffering from pancreatic cancer gives a “last lecture” to his students on living out his childhood dreams. Lecture seen by 12 million on You Tube, he was then on Oprah and his book became a national bestseller. He died July 25 leaving behind three small children and his wife.
Notes: As expected, this was a tough discussion but a good one. We wanted to read this as a group for a while but didn’t because Patti was suffering and we didn’t think it was appropriate. In retrospect, maybe it would’ve been an opportunity to communicate with her about the disease. In any event, I’m happy to have finally shared this as a group and I really loved his message and his outlook. It was ultimately a book about living – and living well – while you’re alive.
Rachel’s rating: Three and a half (3.5) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Two and a half (2.5) out of four stars (The book was exactly what it was intended to be; some of his stories/advice really resonated with me; didn’t want to read the book at first because I expected it to be sappy and depressing; glad I got over my preconceived notions and delved in)
Date: Nov. 7, 2008
Summary: Story of ninth-grader Sophie as she navigates high school and boys. Written in poem, it was the group’s first Young Adult novel. Opened some important dialogue with the group on the trials of teens and what it is come. Quick read.
Notes: Took many of us back to our 14-year-old selves.
Rachel’s rating: Two and a half (2.5) out of four stars
Jessica’s rating: Two (2.0) out of four stars (This book definitely brought me back to my early teens in the best possible way; not once while reading it did I recall any teenage angst; instead, I remembered fondly my experiences, some mirrored by Sophie’s and others not; regardless, not a single regret; I appreciated the journey back in time and the very quick read that took me there)