Monday, March 9, 2009

It's Decided

The read for this next month is "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Here is a brief summary from bookbrowse.com.

From the Jacket

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.


Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Sounds great, doesn't it? It also has wonderful reviews. Here is another suggestion. Are we all going to try and find the books ourselves? Libraries are wonderful options, however, I am not sure that the one in Eagle Mountain would have enough. I personally like to own the books I read for book club. Then I can write it it, eat while reading it and not worry, etc. So, an option would be to order them all together. The book is 40% off at amazon right now, and we can get free shipping if our order is over $25. The books are $13.20 (regularly $22, and this is the hardcover). If 3 people want to go that route, the shipping would be free, and we would get the books in the next week and a half, I am more than happy to place an order. And, I just checked out Costco online, and if our store has it, it is $12.59 for the hardcover. That is definitely a great option. I will check into it, and see if our stores (Lehi and Sandy) have it.


Well, enough from me. PLEASE comment so that I can know what we need to do to get this book club up and running. If you do not have a blog on blogspot, follow these instructions to post a comment:
1. Click on the comment portion at the bottom of the post (it will say 3 comments...or however many we have)
2. After "comment as:" click the down arrow and choose the option "name/URL"
3. In the "name" box, type your name. IGNORE the URL box, and hit continue
4. Type your comment, and click to post it
5. Word verification will come up. Type the letters, submit it, and you should see your post appear.

Happy Reading!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Let's Get Started!

Hey everyone, I am so excited to get started on a Kiowa Valley book group. There are so many things that we gain from reading. Knowledge, ideas, relaxation, "me" time, etc. With a book group, we will be more motivated to read, and also have the opportunity to discuss what we read. First things first, a book! Michele Goertzen has volunteered to be the first host for the group, so I asked her if she had any books that she wanted to read. Here is her list (well, was her list. Michele, have you read any of them yet??)
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
  • Something Jane Austen (preferable not Pride and Prejudice)
  • Robinson Crusoe
  • The Other Queen by Phillippa Gregory
  • The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroldewski
So, please post your thoughts, and check back to see what was chosen, and when we will meet. Also, please add what your schedule is, so that we can try to accommodate as many as possible. If the whole "blog" thing doesn't work for you, feel free to call me, JoAnn, at 302-2624 with any questions.

Happy Reading (soon)!