Hello-
The Barberton Public Library book clubs are in full swing, so to speak. "We" the ladies and I, have been reading up a storm and have a lot to say about the books we've read.
Last fall, using "Reading Group Choices 2008" as our guide, the ladies selected books to read for the Day Book Club and the Evening Book Club. Some came with their own ideas-which worked out well, too!
One of our favorites was "Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog" by Joe Grogan. Grogan included many funny and touching chapters about his favorite "Lab." Members liked the humor and pathos in the book.
Another favorite, which was a surprise to many members was "Mister Pip" by Lloyd Jones. Pip is character from Dickens' "Great Expectations." Mr. Watts, the remaining white inhabitant of an island off of New Guinea,utilized Dickens' work to bring Pip alive to the children and adults left behind on the island during a civil war. We learned a lot about island life and the struggles of the inhabitants on Bouganville.
There were some duds, however- we recently discussed "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith. The ENTIRE group disliked/hated the book. Many didn't finish it. Reasons given were- language, rough sexual scenes and general dislike for most of the characters in the book. Even though the membership disliked the book, the lively discussion filled the hour quickly.
Our 'unwritten' book club rule is "Life is too short to read a book you dislike." I encourage the members to come anyway and tell the rest of the group WHY they didn't like the book. I don't want them to feel like it's homework and they HAVE to finish the book. We are supposed to have fun and enjoy the meeting.
We still have the rest of the year to go. Hopefully, the lively discussions will continue!
Until next time.
