Yankee Doodle Boy

I just thought I would post my thoughts on this book since we have a new month, and a new book to look forward to.
I really enjoyed the simplicity of this book. And although simple, the language and vocabulary used was anything but simple. I appreciated the challenge of understanding the mind and experiences of a man who survived the very war that provided us with the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunities we have today. I have read other, more abstract, more imaginative, and less personal accounts of the Revolutionary War, which I enjoyed, and which made this one unique and priceless.
He made the reference numerous times to the knowledge that he, and many of the soldiers had that God had sustained and helped them through the grueling tasks, and horrible circumstances that they lived in during those years. I LOVED the conviction and faith that this man carried with him throughout his life. In my thoughts I briefly compared him to Joseph Smith, because he was such a thoughtful young man, and had made a decision to join the war based on personal beliefs, not on the opinions of others. Anyway, I thought it was a good pick! :) Anyone else?

Laura's thoughts on Wild Swans

1. I feel like I have already talked about this with everyone, since it has been particularly interesting to contrast what we read about in the book and what we saw during the Olympics. I am amazed by how much of the realities from the book I saw displayed during the Olympics. I cannot believe that families let their three year old daughters be taken away from them to live in gymnastics camps. I cannot believe that there are still countries in which people are compelled into participation. One particularly interesting thing was an article I read about Yao Ming. The article, written by an American, said that the Chinese government must stop compelling Yao to play for them in the off-season, espcially in non-Olympic years. The author said he must say no. After reading the book, however, I get the sense that this is impossible. Not only does he feel it his responsibility, but the consequences for refusal are so far reaching. Wow. good timing on the book.

2. One thing I enjoyed about the book was the courage of the three women in putting family first. The grandmother defied her status as concubine and concealed her daughter. The mother's actions were so frequently driven by her desires for her children, even in a time when that was politically unacceptable. One act that was particularly amazing was the mother's actions for her husband. She twice appealed for him when it could have been suicide. Not to mention that he had failed to treat her the same way. The daughter also exemplified this type of courage as she struggled to take care of her parents, grandmother and aunt.

3. I know, of course, that you are speaking of the father and I, too, felt the same way. He was always driven by what he thought was the best kind of honor. Not until the end of the story, however, did he realize what this truly meant. I was pleased with who he became.

4. I doubt that these people ever considered a God. To do so would have been treason of the worst kind. My guess is that they did sense something higher, particularly as it related to their family. Perhaps this brought them to God as they grew older.

FINALLY- Questions for the June/July Book

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
1. In my mind there has been a lot of thought between then (the time period of the book) and now, particularly because of the Olympics. Any thoughts you have on this since we "compare and contrast" countries as we (USA) compete in China?
2. From the book: All three of the women at the center of Wild Swans display great courage, often to a stunning extent- speaking out in times of enforced unanimity, facing firing squads, risking their lives for the sake of others. Compare the kinds of bravery they exemplified. Does on stand out as particularly courageous?
3. At times in this book, and with one person particularly, I was angry and disgusted, but by the end I had more sympathy and respect than I ever thought I would. Did the story and conclusion of it bring similar feelings? If yes, what specifically brought the changes in feelings?
4. Do you think that some experiences these people had, and the small miracles that happened in their lives was a result of their faith or hope in God (also in eternal, true principles)? Having been subjected throughout time to deify the emperor or leader, do you think they ever thought of a "higher power" than a man? Why?

Can't wait to hear your answers!
Happy Reading!

June's Book: Wild Swans

I think I have the opportunity to choose the book this month. I know Thom thinks I am deliberately NOT choosing to read Pride and Prejudice because he has suggested it- but that's not the case, Thom. :) I have given a lot of thought to this month's book (probably more than it warrants), but someone recommended it to me, and I have been interested and curious enough to share it with you. I hope it is enjoyable for everyone who chooses to read it (and I am sorry it's not your type, for those that don't!)
The book is:

(by the way, it's only $5.49 on Amazon! And most, if not all, of you should be able to get it with free shipping.)
I know it's long, and I am sorry it's taken me so long to decide. I guess we'll touch base and see how it's going in a couple of weeks!
Happy Reading!

Laura's Thoughts

Sorry. I am a bit late. I did not realize the questions were up. I thought this was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the story. I liked the very real glimpses into human nature provided by the writing style. I liked the underlying baseballness of the book. I did find the writing style a bit confusing at times, but mostly I really enjoyed it. Like Amy, I appreciated the relationship between Bruce and Henry. It was a real friendship - the kind where people drive each other crazy and have very little in common, but still would drop everything for each other. Also, I really liked the last phrase. It is an important lesson for everyone. People are mostly good, if we just let them be who they are.

Good choice.

Amy's thoughts of what she read... :)

1. The Role of baseball in this book-
Well, the more I think about it, baseball was almost like the "cure" for the disease, the balm of Gilead, if you will. When all else failed in Bruce's life, baseball, and everything that came with it (the friends, the family, etc.) was the foundation he could rely on to find happiness.

2. Wiggens as the Author-
I thought it was a natural style of writing- I guess when I say natural, I really mean basic. I liked that it was written how he would speak, but I guess that's what made it REALLY difficult for me to keep my attention- and my interest.

3.The Message-
I'm sorry, I wish I could say I had a concrete conclusion to the theme of the book, but having not finished it, I don't know. I DO believe though, that one theme is loyalty and love. It's amazing that a man can drop everything- literally- for a friend.

4.Closing phrase-
That IS a great line. It is easily understood as knowing that we are not the judges of anyone- and that there is good in everyone- all they need is a chance.

5.Learning from Bruce and Henry-
Learn to slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. And Love. Henry exemplified a love that many only hope to receive. It was a feel good book.

Bang the Drum Slowly - Questions

Well, according to Goodreads, I am the only one that has finished the book. Since tomorrow is the first, and I expect that we will be getting a new book to read, I figured I would post some questions and see what you all thought.

1. What was the role of baseball in this book?

2. What did you think of the style, having Wiggen narrate as the "Author", with his folksy tone?

3. What was the message? Have you seen this in other books?

4. What does Wiggen mean in the closing phrase: ""He was not a bad fellow. No worse than most and probably better than some and not a bad ball player neither when they give him a chance, when they laid off him long enough. From here on in I rag nobody."

5. Is there anything we can learn from Bruce and Henry?

Just pick a few questions to answer and I will answer some after you all have.

April's Book - Bang the Drum Slowly

Since baseball season just started, I thought that we should read a baseball book. Thus . . .

Bang the Drum Slowly

Here is the write up from Amazon:

Sure, Harris's most acclaimed novel, the second of his Henry Wiggen books, centers around a pair of ballplayers for the fictionally fabled New York Mammoths--the novel's narrator, pitcher Wiggen, and Bruce Pearson, his tag-along catcher and best friend. And sure, on one level, it's the conventional tale of a disparate dugout population cohering over the course of a season and marching ineluctably toward the World Series. But convention, like a 55-foot curveball, ends there and then scoots off in its own unpredictable direction. Harris's story--funny, bittersweet, and affecting--is, in the end, a haunting meditation on life, death, friendship, and loyalty. That it's set against the backdrop of the Major Leagues makes it a baseball novel. That it's a brilliant study of human nature, passionately felt and beautifully crafted, makes it enduring literature. --Jeff Silverman

Better Late than Never!

I am sorry that it has taken me until now to post my comments. So, enough with the intro- here we go!
1. Do I feel like "Jack" needed to die?
No. At least, I didn't feel that way at first. I was kind of disappointed at how abrupt the book ended, and that the only closure we received was because Jack died.

2. Why do I think he (Jack) ended up dying?
Well, I guess I kind of explained my feelings in my overboard explanation of the first question, but I also think he ended up dying to conclude the story with the main character that it begins with- Grace. It is interesting to me how the whole story reflects a sort of "Karma"- and everything came back to Grace. Jack's death gave Grace, herself, insight into this which probably wouldn't have surfaced had Jack survived. So, I guess there's another reason why Jack "needed" to die.

3.My favorite Character:
I said Grace at first, and for the sake of being different I'll keep it that way, but I really liked Charlaine's character too. No matter how pathetic she seemed by our first impressions of her, she had some strong, redeemable qualities. Human, like Thom said. My favorite parts of the story were following Grace, though. I liked her stubborn attitude and determination to not give up no matter what the cost- and she paid a heavy price for that. My heart went out to her, and I guess that's what disappointed me in the end- that it wasn't a "happy" ending for Grace.

4.Coben's Writing Style:
I liked it. I was intrigued from the beginning, and I really enjoyed that, but sometimes the jumping from one scene to the next so suddenly was frustrating- it required too much patience. And, some of the details of the murders and stuff were gruesome- I don't think I could stomach any more of that.

5. Birds?
I LOVE to be close to you, Sam. :)

Laura's thoughts on Just One Look

1. I actually think it would have made for a much more interesting and complicated ending if Jack had not died. I felt like the ending was a bit of a cop out (getting a little ahead of the questions, sorry). I am not sure they could have saved their relationship, but you never got to hear Jack's side of the story. I felt like his dying actually left the story more unresolved than it would have been if he lived.

2. I'm with mom and Thom. It would have required a lot more work on the author's part if Jack had lived.

3. I agree with everyone else. I liked Charlene. I liked her heroism. I liked that when it was important her husband stood by her. Her character was really tragic, though.

4. I actually thought the writing was pretty good. There were lots of twists and turns that I am sure Dad would have seen coming, but I did not. It was relatively clean, too - at least the language.

Mom's Thoughts on Just One Look

I am dictating my answers to Thom . . .

1)Do you feel that "Jack" needed to die?
I thought that it was very sad that "Jack" died, but I agree with Thom, it would have been too difficult to figure things out if he had lived. Of course, it is a novel, and they just could have left it to your imagination how they worked things out.

2)Regardless of how you feel about "Jack" dieing, why do you think he ended up dying?
I think the author had him die for the same reason that Sam ended his stories in second grade with the characters dying. Those were the best parent-teacher conferences. Sam said he killed off his characters because he didn't know how to end the story.

3)Who was your favorite character? Why?
Same as Thom.

4)In general, what do you think of Coben's writing style?
I . . . um . . . I like it?

Good job picking a book that was so violent I couldn't sleep for days; oh wait I rarely sleep anyway.

Thommy-Boy's Thoughts on "Just One Look"

I also enjoyed this book. The plot twists and turns were fantastic. This type of book falls somewhere in my wheel-house so it was a fun read.

Okay, on to the questions:

1)Do you feel that "Jack" needed to die?
Helicopter-YES!!! I know that this is a very controversial questions but here are the nuts and bolts of the issue. As she stood there and painted "Jack" at the end of the book there were a lot of questions as to who he really was. In my opinion, for her to heal and be healthy and move on with her life, it was best for Jack to stay who he was in her memory and in her heart . . . "her Jack". If he had lived, they would have spent the next billion years trying to wade through the mess and working on trusting each other. This way, she could be safe and whole with her memories. Plus, this is a book . . . it was cleaner.

2)Regardless of how you feel about "Jack" dieing, why do you think he ended up dying?
See above.

3)Who was your favorite character? Why?
Charlene Swain . . . without a doubt. Okay, so when Chapter 6 started I had no idea who this she was and I had to flip back a bunch of pages to see if I had missed anything . . . I hadn't. Not to be a perv - but I like the way we meet her - no really - I think that we see an interesting side of human behavior with this lonely house wife trying to get a cheap thrill.

Honestly, what I like about her is her purely stupid courage. She talks herself into doing things based on what TV and movie characters would do. It reminds me of how I responded to seeing Superman the first time. For someone who starts out as a whimsical housewife, she sure shows her metal and is a great character.

4)In general, what do you think of Coben's writing style?
I liked how it had swift pacing and strong lead characters. But there was also some weaknesses including a plot so complicated that many final pages are devoted to sorting it out. It did take some good twists and turns, I will probably read another one of his books before making my final judgment.

5)Why do birds suddenly appear, every time...you are near?
Just like me, they long to be . . . close to YOU!

PS - I will be picking the book for April, so get your answers in now!

Questions for "Just One Look"

I am glad to see that you all liked this book...for the most part. Amy and I really enjoyed it. Here are some questions...

1)Do you feel that "Jack" needed to die?
2)Regardless of how you feel about "Jack" dieing, why do you think he ended up dying?
3)Who was your favorite character? Why?
4)In general, what do you think of Coben's writing style?
5)Why do birds suddenly appear, every time...you are near?


I will post my answers after you all have. I might even come up with some more questions soon too.

Next Book

This month I am choosing a mystery by Harlan Coben, "Just One Look". This is the fourth "stand-alone" novel by Coben. I have read his 5 of his novels and have really enjoyed them so far. I will post questions when I finish, but here is a very quick thing about this book from his website:

Her husband’s disappeared, her kids have been threatened, the police don’t believe her, and all of her friends seem to have something to hide.

Thommy-Boy's Thoughts on The Book Thief

First and foremost . . . I totally heart this book. I gave it five stars in Goodreads and have already recommended it to a couple of people. Great choice Laura . . . great choice.

1.The narrator in this book is somewhat unusual. Did you like the way the book was narrated? Did you like/dislike the way some things were "given away" early or do you prefer a story that is more chronological?
I really liked the narrator, I think it is what made the book special. The author did a great job "humanizing" Death and it was through his eyes that I think the reader could best understand what was going on with all the characters and the setting. I had no problem with how things were given away. There was a sense of foreboding in the story any way and I felt prepared for much of the tragedy. As things approached I still was tense and sad, but not too emotional. I don't know if I could have handled the book if there weren't some give aways. I think it would have just been too darn sad and too much at once.

2. This book is full of interesting relationships. Several relationships are a bit rebellious in Nazi times with people helping others in unusual ways (i.e. Hans and Max, Liesel and Max, Liesel and the Mayor's wife). Pick one and discuss how you thought the relationship helped both parties maintain their humanity.
What about Papa and Liesel? Without Papa would Leisel ever have been able to recover from her brother's death, would she have been able to learn about hope and goodness, would she have been able to come out of the darkest times in her life? Without Leisel would Papa have been able to have hope for a good future, would he have been able to have something to live for, would he have been able to see the goodness in the tragedy that was his life and situation?

3. Why were books so important to Liesel? Are they that important to you?
I think that you make a good point about how books draw her to her family and help create relationships. Liesel's relationship with books reminds me of Francie Nolan's relationship with books in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. They both use books to learn, to develop, and think of a better world. I think it is books that help both of these characters wish for more and then seek it. Books are also an escape from the harsh reality of life, and they gave these girls the hope that they needed. I think that we all enjoy that about books.

The Book Thief

Now that we have all finished "The Book Thief," here are some things to think about.

1. The narrator in this book is somewhat unusual. Did you like the way the book was narrated? Did you like/dislike the way some things were "given away" early or do you prefer a story that is more chronological?

2. This book is full of interesting relationships. Several relationships are a bit rebellious in Nazi times with people helping others in unusual ways (i.e. Hans and Max, Liesel and Max, Liesel and the Mayor's wife). Pick one and discuss how you thought the relationship helped both parties maintain their humanity.

3. Why were books so important to Liesel? Are they that important to you?

4. Anything else?

My Thoughts:
1. I loved the idea of death as a narrator. It is so interesting to think that Death has a story to tell. I also loved the little glimpses to into the future. It really kept me engaged.

2. I loved all the relationships, but especially the little one between Liesel and the Mayor's wife. I think the books made both women feel alive and like they were keeping themselves separate from the inhumanity of the day. The Mayor's wife certainly saw the importance of forbidden books and, unable to help Liesel in other ways, chose this as her own act of kindness in a world of sadness.

3. I also loved that books were so central to the story. Clearly the Gravedigger's Guide started as a link between Liesel and her family. Eventually, however, they became a way to feel alive for everyone in the story.

The Book Thief

It is back to me for February and I have selected The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Sorry it is so long for a short month. It is a quick read.

Synopsis: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Laura's Thoughts on Prince Caspian

My thoughts are not as well organized as Thom's, but here goes.

I do believe that there is religions symbolism in the book. How can you not? I especially like the notion that Aslan guides the characters rather than telling them what to do.

I am not sure why people were caught off guard by the fight regarding the White Witch. It is an interesting observation, however. Why is it the people are always surprised that trouble ensues when evil is mentioned? Somehow people think you can be involved in bad things without negative consequences.

Finally, I think my favorite character in this book was Edmund. I like the way he struggles to make amends for his role in Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. Of course, I too love Peter.

Thom's thoughts on Prince Caspian

I love all of these books. It was good and fun and filled with battles. Yeah! As for Amy's discussion questions:

Question 1: Did you feel that this book had any religious or symbolic references?
I totally do. It is as if the people stopped believing in Aslan/Christ and that they had perverted the right ways. I see this time as the dark ages, the time without light and knowledge. It took a young boy who was willing to learn, ask, and act to bring Aslan back.


Question 2: In the book there is the part where Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin are listening to the arguments behind the door of whether or not they should call on the powers of the White Witch. Within a few minutes a small battle ensues. It seemed even Dr. Cornelius did not see it coming? Why do you think this happened? Could they have prevented it?
I don't know about this. I don't think that anyone really thought that the White Witch would have been brought up, even Dr. Cornelius. It is true that the dwarfs were treated well by her, but I do believe that the group was caught off guard. What frustrated me about this was that Peter et al. didn't rush in earlier. As soon as they heard the White Witch's name they should have stepped in and said that they were there.

Question 3: Who was your favorite character, and why? :)
Mine will always be Aslan. He is such a strong and compassionate leader. I love how Peter accepts his role in these first two books, but it is amazing how Aslan can see the good in everyone. What a great character!

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Okay, here are some questions I have thought up to facilitate discussion. Feel free to ask questions yourself, or just post comments. I am anxious to hear what ya'll thought. :)

Question 1: Did you feel that this book had any religious or symbolic references?
These are my thoughts: I know that C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicles before he was ever converted to Christianity, but I really enjoy the symbolism and reverence that is easily associated with them. I felt like this book was more JUST a story, but I did enjoy the tone of symbolism, much like the belief in Santa in "The Polar Express" (For example, the belief in Aslan and the children being able to see him). What did you think?


Question 2: In the book there is the part where Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin are listening to the arguments behind the door of whether or not they should call on the powers of the White Witch. Within a few minutes a small battle ensues. It seemed even Dr. Cornelius did not see it coming? Why do you think this happened? Could they have prevented it?

Question 3: Who was your favorite character, and why? :)
Mine was Trumpkin. :)

A New Book for the New Year

I just wanted to make it official that the book for January is Return to Narnia: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. I thought it would be fun to read a book in anticipation of the movie coming out in the spring.
We hope everyone had a wonderful time together. We did. We love you all!