Greatest global online bookclub in town

Darlyne, it was good to hear your feelings about the book because I had the same reaction. I found the first 50 pages to be very interesting and then I kept waiting for this woman to make some progress in resolving her grief. I finished the book but I could hardly wait for it to end. I agree that Wede’s book was much better. Our book club discussion was so interesting because half the people really liked it. I must admit, it was well written.

Miggs

Somebody asked for comments on this book a while back. I didn’t finish it. It was probably just me but I got tired of her “poor me” attitude. I realize that she had a very good reason for it but anyway—. Wede’s book, It Must Have Been Moon glow, describing new widowhood was much better imho.

With an Air Force father, a Navy husband and my own itchy foot, I’ve made several trips back and forth across the country and, no matter where I’ve been, it has been interesting, beautiful - just a lovely place. Each state has it’s own signature, and sometimes more than one; Texas for instance has the high desert (El Paso) and then lower desert, then Hill Country, then the plains country east of Austin/San Antonio. North of Dallas/Ft. Worth is different yet. And many states have the same kind of thing. I LOVE driving back and forth - there’s always something new and different to look at.

I got back from my trip to ND and Montana yesterday afternoon. Ludkily the planes were on time and the connections easy. I flew to Grand Forksand visited with Jacky and her husband ,who was a child hood friend of mine. I then drove to Bozeman, Montana with my sister and BIL. Many would find the trip across ND boring but I found the flatness and grassy plains refreshing and it got very interesting and picturesque when we got to the Badlands. The wedding was fun and my brothers whole extended family was there. I haven’t seen some of them for years. They had a blue grass band at the reception and the father of the bride and his daughter danced the Texas two step for their dance. I enjoyed watching that especially. After driving back to ND I had enough time to visit with two more child hood friends and a mini nurse reunion. A classmate who lived in Grand Forks had arranged it because one was coming from California. I lucked out on having that day free before flying back. Ten of my classmates where there. Now I am ready to get into my usual rut. I am tired of talking.

On the three days on the road I listened to this tape. I think it is the third of Picoult’s book that I have read and I really like them.

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Anna Fitzgerald has helped her older sister Kate fight leukemia. She has provided platelets, bone marrow, and stem cells. When the parents asked her to donate a kidney she protested and hired a lawyer.

Anna loves her sister very much. She hasn’t friends because she couldn’t go to camp or be away in case she was needed. She was known as the “sick kids sister”. Anna was especially conceived to be a perfect donor for her sister. The illness of the sister affects the whole family. There is a brother who gets into a lot of trouble, trying to get someone to pay attention to him. From the book cover: Picoult has a masterful understanding of the complex bonds that hold contemporary families together.” It has a surprise ending which I find typical of Picoult books. I rate this book highly and would recommend it.

Supposedly AOL had a way to search but of all the times I tried it, I couldn’t get anything but “no match found” or some such wording. It WAS irksome.

Personally, I like the blog.

I just wrote a long post about my trip and it wouldn’t post so I am trying this before I write it again.

Thanks for the suggestion, Darlyne. I ordered the book, The Tender Bar from Amazon. For some reason, the delivery date is not until August 9-11. I looked up all the reviews in this forum with a search—that was certainly handy. I don’t remember being able to search on AOL.

Miggs

I think The Tender Bar would be a good one for you. I can’t remember the author right now—I just got back from a long trip and plane ride but I wrote a review of it earlier and you can probably find it if you scroll back to previous messages.

I’m looking for a book that is an easy-read for the summer that would provoke a good discussion that I could recommend for my neighborhood book club. We just finished reading The Year of Magical Thinking. This produced a great discussion—members either disliked it a lot or liked it a lot—no fence-sitters on this book. The author is Joan Didion and is her reflections as a recent widow.

Are there any suggestions?

Miggs

The Do Not Call register has been a blessing even tho’ some calls do slip through. What I get tired of some 800 numbers calling with “Unavailable” showing.

Somewhere I read about punching the pound key several time when you get calls like that. Something about the pound key tone (?) interrupting the call or the line. It wasn’t explained very clearly.

This has come up before a long time ago but from what I understand, telemarketers are now able to get cell phone numbers which can add up the bills. You can access “donotcall.gov” and list the numbers of both land line and cell phones. If you do it by phone you must call in on the phone for that number. Online you can do three numbers at a time, follow the instructions and you get an acknowledgement. These are good for five years.

Just thought I’d mention it for anyone interested. As far as I know, it doesn’t change the rules–charities and people you contact can call–but it has worked in eliminating cold sales calls dramatically in my experience.

There is a new O Magazine out - I assume it is July - I forgot to look. There is a letter to Oprah in there from Harper Lee. I find this fascinating that a remarkable author has written Oprah about the joy of reading. I have to go back and read it again. I thought many of you would like to see that. This entire issue looks fascinating because there are several articles relating to books and reading. Georgianna

Garvin, mine is a CD called Metropolitan Klezmer which I purchased when the group performed at a local space which I had attended. Also Izaak Perlman did a CD where he performed with a Klezmer group. It’s very lively, tuneful music and I think you’d like it. Do you have a music store you can get to? If not Amazon probably would have it.

And booksfree.com has it along with several of her other titles. It’s on my list.

This one does sound good; another type of book I like.

I have just finished this book. I loved it. It is a story of five
women who form a book club and meet once a month for
30 years. With very different personalities and backgrounds, they become acquainted because of a power outage during a snowstorm on the cul-de-sac where they live. We watch their children grow up, observe happy and unhappy marriages, and learn their secrets. The books they read are the things that keep them together in the beginning, but as the story progresses, their own lives and the turns they take become better than fiction. Lorna Landvik is the author. I read another of hers - “Oh My Stars” and liked it. This one is even better. I’m going to suggest it to our local book club.

Jan

Isn’t underline. It merely separates that words from the completed sentence. I don’t think underline is a part of this.

Do any of the synagogues have concert nights? That’s how I heard it in ABQ! And it was marvelous.

As for underline, I’m checking

THAT

out now. Don’t know how this will turn out until I click on publish.

Let’s see what it does.

Jo

This is a new one to me. Where I can hear it?
~~~Garvin

Probably all of you have gotten my post that I’ve learned how to use both Comcast

and

AOL.

BTW, above, I tried to use the little box saying “ul” — assuming that meant “underline”. Instead, on my own screen, I see the brackets (or whatever those v-things are called). How does it look on your screen? (I don’t dare try to “ul” the word “your” — on AOL, I could!)

Anyway, when you write to me, you can use my old GMC14@AOL.com again!! Hallelujah!
~~~Garvin

I have the CD of Perlman playing with a Metropolitan Klezmer Band and I like it so much, I put it on my iPod, so I can go walking around listening to this tuneful music.

I have just finished this book and it is the monthly topic for our neighborhood book club. It is highly acclaimed. Has anyone else read this book? It is by Joan Gideon and describes her experiences and remembrances the year after her husband died.

Jenncoh did explain it very well, I agree, Leah, and I hope nobody thinks I was disputing that. I was looking for more info besides what it is, which google provided.

At any rate, I saw a special where Itzak Perlman played with some klezmer musicians (klezmorim???) and that was so good - everyone looked as though they were having a marvelous time, including Perlman.

Of course, any time I’ve seen him, he ALWAYS looks as though he’s have a wonderful time.

Jo

Welcome back, Garvin. Glad to see you here.
As for klezmer, I believe Jenncoh explained it very well. Some of what I have is Izaak Perlman, the violinist, joining with a klezmer band. Probably not to eevrybody’s taste , but I love it.

Howdy, Dear Frienzies!
This month I have been struggling learning to use this blasted new Comcast account. Am afraid to let go of AOL yet, lest I miss something.
Anyway, this is my first attempt to get into our beloved GGOBIT since starting with Comcast. (I do like Comcast for being fast and for not tying up the phone line — but that’s about all I like so far.) I am now GMC14@Comcast.net. Jo has been a dear, helping me find my around this dratted new carrier.
Delighted to hear that Wedewede’s Bob has an article in AARP — shall look for it. I’ve always enjoyed everything I’ve read of his!
Pleased to hear the bits of news from the rest of you. And I shall really return ere long!
~~~Garvin

PS: Bit of book news: A friend gave me for my April birthday

The Autobiography of Santa Claus. Very interesting and delightful reading, including a lot of historical info. Well, Santa

has

been around for a long time!