The Help

January/February book is The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Read it. It is amazing.

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.