tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25937654503921840302024-03-13T08:28:58.160-07:00Redondo Book ClubKaralea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-73871919675162659452011-03-02T15:25:00.000-08:002011-03-02T18:38:26.777-08:00Four....it's the magic number...I seem to be posting about four months back consistently. Here is another re-cap of the last four months of book club 'goings-on.' <br /><br />In October I hosted the book club for Ella Minnow Pea...a grammatically-based novel about a fictitious island off the east coast. The book was challenging to read for most of us as the first half included rarely used and difficult words, while the second half of the book was missing most of the letters of the alphabet. Interesting to decipher. I served split pea soup, fresh baked rolls, dulce de leche apple pie, caramel popcorn and warm buttered cider. The fire was lit and we had a great discussion. It was a nice night.<br /><br />November/December book club was hosted by Kristen, for Mother Theresa's book No Greater Love, and it was a wonderful night. Kristen was prepared with a beautiful spread of food for us to choose from, savory and sweet alike....for me, the highlight was the hot chocolate. It was warm and creamy....we will need to get that recipe. Kristen was also prepared with extra information about Mother Theresa. We all shared favorite quotes and talked about how we can become better people, mothers and citizens. Uplifting, to say the least.<br /><br />January book club was hosted by Peggy, for A Study in Valor. This was BY FAR our best attended book club....as we had Clarence Bramley (the 'main character' in the book) as our guest. Peggy went all out with food and desserts (the cake balls were ah-maze-ing). Brother Bramley was a real live hero who, repeatedly bore his testimony, raising the spirits of all in attendance. Personally this was one of my favorite book club nights. <br /><br />February brought us over to Mary Lou's house....er, diner. Mary Lou had so many different types of food for us to pick from...clam chowder, delicious drinks, fresh fruit, apple pie and red velvet cake. We couldn't stop chatting amongst ourselves to even discuss the book, The Rescue by Nicolas Sparks. But...overall, the book was typical Sparks...with way too much drama, predictability and romance...but on the up side, we all agreed that it was an easy read that required little brain power or general investment. A welcome relief after the 'heavy' book of January. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely and left feeling like we had a 'night away.' <br /><br />Coming up...<br /><br />March's book is The Art of Racing in the Rain and will be hosted by Cari. Dogs are welcome to join. Just kidding.<br /><br />April will find us reading Black Heels and Tractor Wheels and will be joint-hosted by Shauna and Kelci at Kelci's home. <br /><br />May's book will be Someone Knows My Name and will be graciously hosted by Lorraine. <br /><br />Happy reading.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-68480706420177663102010-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:002010-10-05T13:28:02.905-07:00Mao, Movie, Menagerie, Murder....That was a feat, I tell you. Trying to find a word that begins with the letter "m" to identify each of the past FOUR months of book club. I have to say "I'm sorry" to all my millions of devoted readers out there, for my lack in posting. Alas, I have moved again and with that comes some kind of insanity....not leaving time for things like blog updates and hours spent at computers, thinking of clever words to entertain and inform.<br /><br />So here it is, my attempt to update you on the book club goings on. In June we met at Diana's home to discuss Mao's Last Dancer, a non-fiction read about General Mao and the young children who danced in his school, Chinese communism, American immigration and general cultural differences. Diana had a lovely little tea set for us to sip warm herbal from and sweet potato chips that represented a sad part of the book. <br /><br />In July, Peggy hosted a Book Club movie night at her home. We were entertained by "The Secret Life of Bees" movie and Peg made an array of different popcorns....that I hear were wonderful. I was unable to attend, but I heard that Keiko mixed the sweet and savory popcorn and is still talking about it! Must have been delicious.<br /><br />In August, we met at the Kirsten's home to discuss Cheaper By The Dozen. This endearing classic features a menagerie of 12 children and the parents' amazing story of how they raised them. Karen helped Kirsten with the food and the room was full of women discussing the efficiency of the home life. This was an easy and quick read. Kirsten also had a quiz for us to take and Morse code on the walls. Very clever.<br /><br />September's meeting was hosted by Chari and we came together to discuss The Persian Pickle Club. This book was a quiet and simple story that takes place in the countryside in Harveyville, Kansas during the depression...but don't be fooled by the its quilted exterior, there just so happens to be a murder involved. Chari had a quilting block up and a 'persian pickle' pattern on the fabric that was stretched across the beams (ie. paisley). Peg taught us Beverly's way to tie a quilt and we all helped put a knot or two on the blocks as we discussed the book. Chari had rhubarb pie in honor of Queenie's swiss chard mishap from the book. We tied two quilts that will go to two sisters in our ward who are having little ones this year.<br /><br />Now for the up and coming. I will host in October. We will be reading Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn and our meeting will be on October 26th at 7 pm.<br /><br />Kristen will host on December 7th and we will read No Greater Love by Mother Teresa.<br /><br />Peggy will host in January and our book will be A Study in Valor (Come see a special guest speaker! Peggy is ordering in bulk off Amazon, call her to secure your copy).Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-28623518616151132452010-05-25T14:55:00.000-07:002010-05-25T15:03:56.174-07:00Black South, Jewish Orthodox and the Lepers of HawaiiMarch and April have come and gone with successful book club meetings. I've been crazy busy and preparing for a move up the California coastline to San Francisco. <br /><br />In March, we met at the home of Kristen to discuss The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Kristen did such a great job hosting, with delicious caramel cake and mud pie as well as yummy black and white cookies for each of us. We all loved this book so much and had a very interesting discussion on racism and the changing of times....and the lack of change as well. It was a great night of new friends and good conversation.<br /><br />April brought us to the newly remodeled home of Mandy to discuss The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis. Mandy blessed us with some Jewish traditional foods and culture. It was delicious. Challah bread, an almond spread, a cream cheese noodle dish (made by Lorraine), bagels and other great treats. We seemed to be divided on this book....with like and dislike. Maybe it hit a little too close to home for some of us. Did you see yourself reflected in one of women in this book? I personally loved the book and found it wonderfully interesting to learn about the rites of another religion. <br /><br />May will be Moloka'i by Alan Brennert and we will be meeting at Jennie's home at 7 pm. Hope to see you there.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-57812118454280284422010-03-09T17:15:00.000-08:002010-03-09T17:23:45.836-08:00FebruaryCari hosted our February book club in her home. It was a great night and another "packed" house. Cari served beef...which was a very prominent food in the book (Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls). That wasn't all, there was also delicious cheesy potatoes, fresh fruit with dipping chocolate and sugar cookies in the shape of cacti and boots. <br /><br />Conversation often went back to Jeannette's first novel, The Glass Castle (one of our book club favorites). We also got to hear about the author's recent visit to California from Kristen and Chari, who were able to go hear her speak. <br /><br />The consensus on this book was positive. <br /><br />March's book is The Help by Kathryn Stockett and will be hosted by Kristen on the 31st at 7 pm.<br /><br />April's book will be The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and will be hosted by Mandy.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-30108537825111552292010-03-09T17:04:00.000-08:002010-03-09T17:15:30.109-08:00Our January TripI was happy to host the book club for the month of January. The book was Nicolas Sparks memoir, Three Weeks With My Brother. <br /><br />It was wonderful to have 14 or so women attending and noshing on foods from 11 different countries (places that Nicolas and his brother visited in the book). Since it has been a while, I will do my best to remember all that I made....here goes: corn chips and guacamole from Peru, alfajores de dulce de leche (shortbread cookies filled with caramel) from Argentina, empanadas from Chile, fresh fruit from the Polynesian Islands, Lamingtons (chocolate and coconut covered pound cake squares) from Australia, Kolo Dobo (small round bread crackers) from Ethiopia, gummy buys from Cambodia and hot dogs wrapped in fresh bread from Norway. Of course the water was labeled in red with "don't drink the water." <br /><br />We had a great discussion about the book, about how we seemed to associate well with Nicolas and even like him a little more after reading about his childhood and history. We talked until about 10 p.m., which may be a new "late night" record.<br /><br />All in all, it was a great evening due to all you lovely women who continue to come devotedly.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-40556598425835854592010-01-08T16:19:00.000-08:002010-01-08T16:22:10.396-08:00Updated January LocaleA slight change to January meeting location.<br /><br />Cari Ann and I (Karalea) will be swapping months. <br /><br />I will host the January 26th meeting at 7 p.m., my home, the book is Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicolas Sparks.<br /><br />Cari Ann will host the February 23rd meeting (Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls)<br /><br /><br /><br />Can't wait to see everyone!!! Please come, read or un-read.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-84784154516791090172009-12-01T22:08:00.000-08:002009-12-01T22:33:25.695-08:00The Lost Symbol....and a tamale...Lorainne Beckett graciously hosted our book club meeting tonight. She is always a delight to visit with. Her home is immaculate and her decor is so unique. I love it. Thank you, Lorainne for welcoming us into your home. Dan Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol had no clever food references...and so, as Lorainne put it..."I decided to make whatever I wanted!" And I know I'm not the only one who is thankful that you did! Delicious and beautiful enchiladas, two types of tamales, lemonade, limeade, ice water and a whole tray of assorted cookies to choose from. The perfect spread. And it must be noted that the plates she used were paper...but looked so beautiful, I thought they were glass. Blue and white with an Italian flare. <br /><br />Book discussion was a mixture of religion, Dan Brown's seeming desire to "un-earth" the secrets within religions/societies, the shock of how the entire book only spanned one day in the life of Robert Langdon, and some it's "unbelievable" qualities. I must say though...this man does do his research and I am so thankful for the small peek into other religions, cultures and ideas. It was an experience in expansion of ideas and thoughts. Thanks, Dan. Oh, and thanks to Chari for giving the tutorial on the Kindle. Christmas lists are all being revised as we speak!<br /><br />January's book will be Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicolas Sparks the meeting will be at Cari Ann Olsen's home. Here is a little synopsis to get you hooked:<br /><br /><br />A<span style="font-style:italic;">s moving as his bestselling works of fiction, Nicholas Sparks's unique memoir, written with his brother, chronicles the life-affirming journey of two brothers bound by memories, both humorous and tragicIn January 2003, Nicholas Sparks and his brother, Micah, set off on a three-week trip around the globe. It was to mark a milestone in their lives, for at thirty-seven and thirty-eight respectively, they were now the only surviving members of their family. Against the backdrop of the wonders of the world and often overtaken by their feelings, daredevil Micah and the more serious, introspective Nicholas recalled their rambunctious childhood adventures and the tragedies that tested their faith. And in the process, they discovered startling truths about loss, love, and hope.Narrated with irrepressible humor and rare candor, and including personal photos, THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER reminds us to embrace life with all its uncertainties...and most of all, to cherish the joyful times, both small and momentous, and the wonderful people who make them possible.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />February will be Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by (one of our favorite authors) Jeanette Walls (The Glass Castle). Karalea Richards will be hosting that month (that's me! yippee!)Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-49304956361044583532009-12-01T21:42:00.000-08:002009-12-01T22:00:15.046-08:00Alchemy and Potato Peel PieAlchemy and Potato Peel Pie, they go together, right? Well, if they don't they are going to be forced to co-exist in this post. Life has gotten more crazy with school starting (three kids in should have given me MORE time, right? Not so.) and a new church calling filling up many of my hours....alas I have gotten behind yet again. So here we go. Recap.<br /><br />Our September book club meeting was held at Simone's home and I am still mentally savoring the delicious Brazilian delicacies that came from that woman's kitchen. Let me just say....sweetened condensed milk. Oh....heavenly goodness. Simone went out of her way preparing food from her homeland and i (no, we) appreciated it so much. Thank you, Simone. <br /><br />On a side note (that is how the book discussion felt, after the food!), the book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Cohelo was discussed and got...oh, probably a 50% approval rating. Some seemed to feel that it did not end properly, or there was confusion about the general story/moral of the book. Those who did like it, seemed to rave and maybe...just maybe...convinced the non-believers that this was a book worth reading...and owning. Let's just say it drew a different crowd (Tom and Paul). All in all, my memories of this book club night were filled with sweetness. I'm not sure if that was the sweetened condensed milk, or Simone's hospitality or just being together with good friends discussing books and life. Probably the whole mix.<br /><br /><br />October meeting was at Betty Richardson's home with her co-host, Shauna Orton. Again, I must start with the food. A savory sweet potato dish, sweet potato fries, hummus, chocolate "pringles-shaped" chips, apple cider, and more....oh, note to self..."don't eat on book club Tuesday...food too good to pass up." So delicious. <br /><br />Discussion ranged from the Nazi's taking over Gurnsey island to the lost art of letter writing. Questions like, "Would you send your children off the island for an undetermined amount of time for their own safety?" were posed. It was a very interesting discussion. A great night. (A windy night, if you remember....howling wind blowing outside as we all sat warm and toasty inside Betty's beautiful home). Thanks to Shauna (for baking and keeping us on track with the discussion) and to Betty for offering her home, hospitality....and hummus.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-40339799133087570902009-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:002009-08-29T08:24:50.083-07:00Who Did It?Book club for August was at Peggy's house and she made it a night to remember! We read The Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss. About half of us finished the book (not me...only got halfway through...it's a harder book to get into and read...but I'm still plugging along...and enjoying it...) <br /><br />Peg had so much good food for us to enjoy. Chips and salsa, fresh fruit, baked brie with nuts and brown sugar, crackers, fondue and fruit, cheesecake, all sorts of fancy drinks to choose from....amazing. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented (thanks Bonny for helping her out with set up!)<br /><br />Discussion about the book was light and interesting. Most seemed to like the book, but not love it. <br /><br />Our next book will be The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo and it will be at Simone's home on September 22nd. Brazilian food will be served and bikinis are optional. Just kidding. Betty and Shauna will co-host in October and we will read The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-10144305033032621192009-08-29T07:57:00.000-07:002009-08-29T08:16:52.309-07:00My Antonia and a SunflowerI'm behind. I'm sorry. I get the feeling that no one is checking the blog. That no one is reading the rambling. That it is pointless to keep posting the goings-on. Then Betty will ask me about it...and I am accountable. Thanks Betty. <br /><br />So, here we go. July's book club meeting was at Janice's home. Of course expectations went through the roof and we were not disappointed. Janice is the Queen of detail. It started with a little invite of chocolate covered sunflower seeds in a small clear plastic bag with a cardstock note attached telling date and time (oh, and by the way, she sewed the top of each card with a star stitch...how cute!)...the invite was accompanied by a question about the book on cardstock that had a cute little fabric yo-yo flower attached to it.<br /><br />When we arrived, there were sunflowers everywhere and good smells coming from the kitchen. (Little did we know what was coming!) Food was wonderful. We had fresh watermelon, mini cheese balls in baked Tostito cups and special Bohemian pastries (mentioned in the book....she had them overnighted from Texas! What?!) There was sunflower shaped sugar cookies and cold milk and refreshing water to drink. <br /><br />Each person who had taken a question led a part of the discussion and Janice had a quiz for us with prizes for those who did well. She also had a drawing...for those of us who did not do so well on the quiz! She raffled off some potted sunflowers and sent each of us home with a special handmade bookmark. It was amazing and wonderful and I am so thankful to know Janice and to be a part of her greatness! Thank you Janice for being shockingly detailed and simply ASTONISHING! We love you!<br /><br /><br />Our next book will be a murder mystery. The Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-78877511622124949132009-05-30T07:15:00.000-07:002009-05-30T07:30:16.175-07:00Hey batter, batter...Book club for the month of May was at Kristen's house (her very beautiful house, with hilly tree views, painted white brick fireplace and fabulous wood floors!) <br /><br />So, besides the comfortable setting, the spread was amazing. Kristen went all out with white bagged cracker jacks and peanuts, mini hot dogs, pizza, caramel apples, and coolers of root beer and water. Everything was surrounded by old baseballs, gloves, books, and photos. It was so clever and well done. Thank you, Kristen for all the effort and attention to detail. I appreciate that! <br /><br />Discussion over the book was enlightening. The majority thought this was a good book (I had a hard time with it -lack of interest in following sporting teams and politics has a lot to do with that-) But all of us had a favorite quote, which we shared...leading the topics of discussion to range from "why don't our children call adults by their titles of Mrs. or Ms., but rather by first names?" to allowing our children time to be kids and giving them the opportunities to fail and lose (for their own good!). It was an enjoyable night. Thank you to Kristen,again, for being our gracious hostess.<br /><br />Chari brought us a few book choices and we ended up picking "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger (which I do believe was her master plan for us!) We will meet on June 23rd at Chari's home to discuss. Enjoy this book! It's a good one!Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-62046138332211744562009-04-29T20:12:00.000-07:002009-04-29T20:27:21.396-07:00UPDATEI am a few months behind, but here I am now, updating, playing catch up, repenting...whatever you want to call it. <br /><br />Last month we met at Mandy's home for a discussion about the book Sarah's Key. By hearsay, I know that it was fantastically wonderful (no surprise there! Mandy always throws a great party). Many attended (I think Mandy said 14! Wow!!) Sorry that I can't elaborate, I was sick that night and was probably lying in bed, dreaming of book club with Vick's smeared under my nose. But, thank you Mandy for hosting and for suggesting such a great book. I loved that one!<br /><br />April book club was hosted by Melissa C. The book we discussed was The History of Love (which we all decided looks fabulous on our nightstands with it's gentle soothing aqua cover). We talked about the in's and out's of this great book, which held mystery and love, childhood and old age. It was beautifully written and clever. I think a lot of us came away with the desire to re-read this one with a new perspective. I know I did. On to more important matters: the food. What a spread Melissa laid before us. Apples with honey, pastries, trail mix, water, lemonade, sandwiches, soup, baklava (I probably forgot a few other things, but you get the picture....smorgasbord!) Everything was delicious and presented so beautifully. Mandy brought the soup and it was so good. Thanks to Mandy for her contribution. Thanks to Melissa for going over the top, the extra mile, above and beyond...you get it. It was amazing. <br /><br />Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26th at Kristen's home. We will be reading and discussing "Big Russ" by Tim Russert. See you there.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-11637109105212012782009-02-24T15:59:00.001-08:002009-02-24T16:01:14.841-08:00AlreadyI'd like to thank myself for hostessing the book club last month. (just kidding) We did have a great time discussing Marley & Me by John Grogan. Food was had, dog collars and squeeky toys were handed out. All was good.<br /><br />We will be meeting at Mary Lou's house tonight, February 24th at 7 p.m. We will be discussing "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. Please come, read or unread, we'd love to share your company.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-83957444997087967562008-12-03T06:09:00.000-08:002009-01-06T08:44:10.562-08:00RunningI am running behind, but that just seems to go along with this time of year, doesn't it?! Okay, first things first...THANK YOU to Bonnie for Hosting in October for The Last Lecture discussion. Of course the food was delish and the commentary on the book was teary and heartfelt. It was a great evening.<br /><br />Second, THANK YOU to Lorraine for hosting last night for Tallgrass. Again, great food. (I am salivating over the mere thought of the apple pie). Lorraine also had a few questions to pose, accompanied by adorable gifts for those of us who remembered the details. I think the consensus for this book was positive. We talked until after nine and left with full bellies and happy hearts.<br /><br />Housekeeping. We did talk about what to read next and came to a decision. We will read Marley & Me for a January meeting at Karalea's house (4th Tuesday at 7 pm). We also decided for February we would read A Town Like Alice and Mary Lou will host. Enjoy your holidays. See you in January.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-17835193496701611782008-09-30T21:57:00.000-07:002008-10-01T07:43:49.362-07:00Take a Little TripWhat an enjoyable evening at Melissa's home tonight. Number one, her new house is looking so great and number two...THE FOOD! Always a highlight for my blogging, the food for this book club was wonderful. Melissa put together a few scrumptious dishes from the various places our dear, sweet Undine visits in this month's read, Custom of the Country. She tempted us with a French nicoise salad and creamy goat cheese with crackers, Italian bruschetta with thin slices of baugette and a dreamy New York style cheesecake. Not to mention fresh fruit and veg and iced sparkling/still waters. It was heavenly. Thank you so much to Melissa, who worked so hard to make everything so lovely. Huge success. <br /><br />As for the conversation, Melissa also had some great trivia questions for us to answer and Ring Pop candies (that we could have "re-set" any time) as prizes. Our discussion included the topic of <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">never being satisfied with what you have in the present</span></span> in your life. We discussed our relation to Undine which seems to border on pure, unabashed hatred and maybe, sometimes, fear of similarity. Overall, I believe the club's feeling for this work of historical literature was "appreciation." <br /><br />Please note the following change: Our October read will be The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Here is a little teaser:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."<br />--Randy Pausch<br /><br />A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?<br /><br />When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave--"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"--wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.<br /><br />In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come. </span><br /><br /><br /><br />This book club meeting will be at Peggy's house on Tuesday, October 27th. In November we will be reading Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas and meeting at Lorraine's home. Happy reading!Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-69418949812889658042008-09-06T20:30:00.000-07:002008-09-06T20:44:26.365-07:00Three Cups of TeaI must say that book club here in Torrance is exceeding my highest expectations. Cia hosted our most recent discussion group and it was perfectly lovely to be gathered together in her beautiful home. She prepared some amazing dishes for us to sample, including tandoori chicken, naan and white bean dip, dates with feta, fresh figs, fresh strawberries with homemade whip cream, pistachio shortbread cookies, almond cake and an almost flour-less chocolate torte. Sparkling water and raspberry herbal tea were there to wash all this goodness down into our happy little tummies! Thank you to Cia for her hospitality. Amazing.<br /><br />Now, we know that Cia spends her summers abroad and while gone she is visiting family, riding bikes, chasing Thane around the train station and putting in grass with her own two hands, needless to say, there was little time to fit in our humble little book club read. However, Janice stepped up to the challenge of leading the discussion of our book. She did a great job of coming up with engaging questions that drew us back into this great book, about a great guy, trying his best to do a great service. Of course we had to be quizzed, and of course there were enticing prizes to be had! Diana and Kristen walked out with two very fun gifts for being so smart with their reading! Great job girls. I think that the overall feeling for the book was positive. I also think that after we started discussing the book, some opinions may have been changed from, "it was all right" to "that really was a great story!" <br /><br />Now our next book is Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. It is another different read for this group and I challenge each of you to get it done! Read it! Expand your repertoire! We will be meeting at Melissa's home the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-66170703714058366032008-08-03T19:51:00.000-07:002008-08-03T20:10:40.986-07:00Susan's Amish ExtravaganzaI have been lackadaisical this last month on keeping the blog updated...mostly thinking that no one checks in on it. But for those of you who may check every now and again, here we go again!!<br /><br />Book club in July was wonderful. Susan hosted the book The Covenant, by Beverly Lewis and she had a FULL house! Special welcome to Amy and Melissa, first-timers. Susan had a beautiful spread of food; cheese and crackers, peach cake, apple tart, fresh jam and homemade bread, and our new favorite water spiked with fruit and rosemary. It was amazing and tastefully done. We discussed this great book and general Amish culture, touching on similarities we shared with them and also the few things that seemed strange and shocking to us (wild teenage years!! with mom and dad turning the other cheek!) <br /><br />We also discussed the next book choice and had some wonderful suggestions from all corners of the room...ranging from church books to classics and non-fiction. We settled on Three Cups of Tea, the story of Greg Mortensen for August, which will be hosted by Cia. We also decided that some of us would love to read One Tattered Angel by Blaine Yorgason. Oh, and for those of you who are feeling extra ambitious and want to skip ahead, we will be reading Custom of the Country in September, per Melissa's request. Apparently it is a "classic." I'm excited to expand...aren't you?<br /><br />That is all for now. I am so thankful for the beautiful, intelligent women who come each month and hope that more will join us. It is always an enriching, fun evening and I can't imagine missing it!! Happy reading everyone!!Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-7600340646914112842008-07-09T06:38:00.000-07:002008-07-09T06:46:55.978-07:00Bugs on the TableWow! Thanks so much to Betty and Kelly for a wonderful night. We were smaller in number, but it was still so wonderful. The spread of food was amazing! Fruit and veg, dip to die for, delicious little cheeses and CHOCOLATE! Bless you both! I must say, that the bugs all over the table really topped it off! <br /><br />We discussed The Glass Castle by Jeneatte Walls and read some excerpts. It seemed like you could almost turn to any page and get a really great quote from this amazing book. The consensus was that this book was wonderful and awful at the same time. <br /><br />Our next book is The Covenant by Beverly Lewis and will be held at Susan's home. More info to come.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-44536616549142239622008-06-06T15:22:00.000-07:002008-06-06T15:41:54.183-07:00To Bee or Not to BeeWow! Thanks so much to Peggy (and Brittny too) for the amazing night of honey and hot topics. The food was amazing, including such delicacies as honey mango salsa, pecan honey brie, fresh fruit and veg with honey-spiked dips and honey glazed orange slices that were to die for, the array was rounded out with a heavenly beehive shaped cake that was doused in a honey glaze. It was beyond delish. Attendance was high and spirits were too. Conversation jumped from racial tension to motherhood and love and growing up. Always the gracious hostess, Peggy made everyone feel welcome and comfortable to share their thoughts. It was lovely. Thank you so much.<br /><br />What's next? The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls...here is a little summary:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.<br /><br />Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.<br /><br />What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.<br /><br />For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. Aregular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor. </span><br /><br />Our next Book Club meeting will be hosted by Kelly Martinez and Betty Richardson in Betty's home on Tuesday, July 24th.<br /><br />Finished already? July's book will be The Covenant by Beverly LewisKaralea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-55043412848248045892008-04-23T13:11:00.000-07:002008-04-28T21:04:14.860-07:00Muy InteresanteBook club last night was very interesting. <br /><br />First of all, let me thank Jill Adams for hosting it in her home and providing wonderful, artistic treats. So good. Another positive...a couple of new girls in the mix...Susan and Laura. So nice to have you. One more enjoyable moment...Tobey tormenting Melissa...Janice...Cia...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/karalea/NewAlbum223081136AM/photo#5194511812098304914"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/karalea/SBac-K2wq5I/AAAAAAAAAis/XsigrAgbnsI/s288/IMG_5673.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Now..."on with the show!" There has been some concern with the content of books that have been chosen. I feel like this was very inhibiting to the discussion of the book last night. Many people seemed not to voice opinions (out of fear?), due to the like/dislike voiced by others. Solution? <br /><br />We agreed that books will have to be previewed in the future by those recommending them. Fine. However, if you do not like the content of the book, follow Bonnie's example; close the book, go on with your life, come to book club and say that you didn't like that book. You're allowed not to like it...it's okay. Thanks Bonnie. <br /><br />I personally liked the book. I won't house it on my bookshelf. I didn't love it. It wasn't my favorite book ever, in fact it will probably get sold at the next garage sale I host, but I thought the writer did a great job of storytelling. Also, as we discussed in book club, she wrote from a male perspective very convincingly. The flashbacks were great. The old man was grouchy and determined and hilarious. The things that go on in a circus are horrific and disgusting (glad that I'm not a circus worker). That's about the gist of it for last night. Like I said...inhibited conversation.<br /><br />The next book we will be reading (or not...your choice) is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Here is a little blurb that may spark your interest:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Set in the American South in 1964, the year of the Civil Rights Act and intensifying racial unrest, Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees is a powerful story of coming-of-age, of the ability of love to transform our lives, and the often unacknowledged longing for the universal feminine divine. Addressing the wounds of loss, betrayal, and the scarcity of love, Kidd demonstrates the power of women coming together to heal those wounds, to mother each other and themselves, and to create a sanctuary of true family and home.</span><br /><br />Book club will be hosted at Peggy's house on Tuesday, May 27th at 7 pm. Happy reading. Happy lives. Happy women. That's what it's all about.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-18356124830149542342008-03-26T07:45:00.000-07:002008-03-26T07:51:39.812-07:00What's Next?Our next great read is a book by Sara Gruen, titled "Water for Elephants." We will be meeting at Jill Adams home on April 22nd at 7 pm. Hope to see you there!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2364154794_6a76e3e12f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2364154794_6a76e3e12f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-180248826365150932008-03-26T07:35:00.000-07:002008-03-26T21:10:09.059-07:00Yet AgainLast night's book club was wonderful. It was lovely to have smart women in my home and noisy children elsewhere for the evening (thank you so much to Kirts girls for sitting). We discussed Peony in Love by Lisa See. We talked of the protective love of a mother, the drama of teenage girls, "The Mother-in-Law" phenomenon, and the mutilating things women do for beauty (both here and in other cultures). It was so wonderful. Thank you to all who took the time from their busy lives to come. As the hostess, you try your best to make it a nice evening and at the last minute, after candles are lit and music is on, you think, "I hope someone shows up!" So, thank you all for coming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2364153052_4d317aa703.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2364153052_4d317aa703.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2363320773_8f79038d32.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2363320773_8f79038d32.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2363320001_4fa39af376.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2363320001_4fa39af376.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-22809514073136149292008-02-26T22:31:00.001-08:002008-02-26T22:48:31.174-08:00Success is SweetI am happy to report that the book club meeting this month was a huge success. Multiple reasons enter my mind. Reason number one: WE READ! So many women read, whether it was our chosen book (These Is My Words) or the other book (Condie), there was reading going on and that makes me so happy! Reason number two: Janice Hastings. Enough said, no elaboration needed....okay, I'll elaborate: Holy cow! Food, sweets, displays, quizzes with prizes, parting gifts that went with the book...the list goes on. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making it wonderful, Janice. Reason number three: Engaging conversation about everything from Sarah to segregation, pioneers to pecan trees! It is wonderful to be around women with voices. We have chosen book two, as most of you know. It is "Peony in Love" by Lisa See. Here is a synopsis for you:<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I finally understand what the poets have written. In spring, moved to<br />passion; in autumn only regret.<br /><br /> For young Peony, betrothed to a suitor she has never met, the lyrics from The Peony Pavilion mirror her own longings. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, amidst the scents of ginger, green tea, and jasmine, a small theatrical troupe is performing choice scenes from this epic opera, a live spectacle few girls, even women, have ever seen. Like the heroine in the drama, Peony too is cloistered and from a wealthy family, trapped like a good-luck cricket in a bamboo-and-lacquer cage. Though raised to be obedient, Peony has dreams of her own. <br /><br /> Peony's mother is against the production: “Unmarried girls should not be seen in public.” But Peony's father prevails, assuring his wife that proprieties will be maintained. Women will watch the opera from behind a screen to hide them from view. Yet through its cracks, Peony catches sight of an elegant, handsome man with hair as black as a cave -- and is immediately overcome with too many emotions.<br /><br /> So begins Peony's unforgettable journey of love and destiny, desire and sorrow -- as Lisa See's haunting new novel takes readers back to 17th century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed. Steeped in traditions and ritual, this story brings to life another time and place -- even the intricate realm of the afterworld, with its protocols, pathways, and stages of existence . . . a vividly imagined place where one’s soul is divided into three, ancestors are worshiped, misdeeds are punished, and hungry ghosts wander the earth. <br /><br /> Based on a true story, Peony in Love uses the richness and magic of the Chinese afterlife to transcend death and explore the many manifestations of love. Ultimately, it’s about universal themes: the bonds of female friendship, the power of words, the desire all women have to be heard, and finally those emotions that are so strong that they transcend time, place, and perhaps even death.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you want to know more about the author Lisa See, visit her website <a href="http://www.lisasee.com/">here</a>. Our next meeting will be at Karalea Richards home on Tuesday, March 25th at 7 pm. See you there! FYI: If you want to read ahead, our April read is "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen.Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593765450392184030.post-70812147413442982332008-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:002008-01-23T07:15:47.455-08:00It Has Begun!We've made a decision! Our first book club read will be "These is My Words" by Nancy E. Turner. Here is a synopsis:<br /><br />"Inspired by the author's original family memoirs, this absorbing story introduces us to the questing, indomitable Sarah Prine, one of the most memorable women ever to survive and prevail in the Arizona Territory of the late 1800s. As a child, a fiery young woman, and finally a caring mother, Sarah forges a life as full and fascinating as our deepest needs, our most secret hopes, and our grandest dreams. She rides Indian-style and shoots with deadly aim, greedily devours a treasure trove of leatherbound books, dreams of scarlet velvet and pearls, falls uneasily in love, and faces down fire, flood, Comanche raids, and other mortal perils with the unique courage that forged the character of the American West. This action-packed novel is also the story of a powerful, enduring love between Sarah and the dashing cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot. Neither the vast distances traveled nor the harsh and killing terrains could quench the passion between them, and the loss and loneliness both suffer only strengthen their need for each other. While their love grows, the heartbreak and wonder of the frontier experience unfold in scene after scene: a wagon-train Sunday spent roasting quail on spits as Indians close in to attack; Sarah's silent encounter with an Indian brave, in which he shows her his way of respect; a dreadful discovery by a stream that changes Sarah forever; the hazards of a visit to Phoenix, a town as hot as the devil's frying pan; Sarah's joy in building a real home, sketching out rooms and wraparound porches. Sarah's story leads us into a vanished world that comes vividly to life again, while her struggles with work and home, love and responsibility resonate with those every woman faces today."<br /><br />If you would like to know more about this book and others by Nancy, check out her website <a href="www.nancyeturner.net">here</a>. Janice Hastings will be hosting on February 26th. Happy reading!Karalea-Karaleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07517190626334320191noreply@blogger.com0