The Torilla Curtain-Review by Jonnie

 

We had a great turnout for the October bookclub.  The Tortilla Curtain got an overall 3.8637 (Pam!)   just kidding.  For those that finished the book, they rated it 4 to 4 1/2.  The ones that had not finished the book gave between 3 to 3 1/2.  It was definitely a book that needed to be finished to appreciate.  We all had our opinions on immigration and the effects on our country.  The book gave us a brutal look at what some people will endure just to be here in the US.  Since she lived in Mexico, Cindy was able to give us a first person view on what the Mexican life is like.  She pointed out that our "basics" are far better that what the Mexicans consider basic.  However, she also pointed out that they love and live life to the fullest.  Sometimes we forget that the material things are not what makes a full life!

The book also shows what happens when people want to move to "nature", but then want "nature" on their terms.  We want the beauty and seclusion of living in the "hills", but not the hardship of adjusting to the animals and other natural hazards.  

Overall, most people thought the book was written well, though some thought some of the descriptions were a bit too long.

This book was the CSU school wide book in 2009.  TC Boyle spoke to the school twice that year.  There is a review on the CSU web site.  

The next meeting is at Pinery Country Club pm Nov 11th.  We can use the ladies locker room if the weather is not good.  We will be discussing The Paris Wife.  Bonnie Jean will be leading the discussion.

The Christmas Party will be December 9th at Laura's house.  Make sure you let her know what you are planning on bringing.  (I will bring the baked French Toast Casserole again).  We also discussed becoming more involved in our community as a group.  Both by collecting things for a group and by  volunteering.  Bring ideas and details to the Nov. meeting.  We even discussed maybe doing a different  need every quarter.  Sorry this is late - there were a few people that were going to finish the book and rerate.  It will be interesting to see how they rate after finishing!

The Hunger Games-Review by Valerie

 

We were all present except for Pam H. and Deb; we missed you both! Nine of us rated the book, with 2 being the lowest and 4 the highest, for an average of about 4.  Cindy gave the book a 2 due to the subject matter (kids killing kids). I think we all agreed that we could feel what these characters were going through. It is a book set in the future but there quite a few parallels that didn't make it seem totally impossible, given our society today. The issue of "humanity" was discussed and was thought provoking throughout the book.  Katniss, of course, was our favorite character.  We loved her strength, commitment to family and intelligence, although she was still naive in many ways.

It was definitely a page turner but a few of us felt like a some of the issues represented in the book could have been better developed.  And last but not least, some did not like the ending but....stay tuned and keep reading! Catching Fire and Mockingjay answer many of those nagging questions such as: does Katniss pick Peeta or Gale? Is there a district 13? What will happen to Katniss's family? What becomes of the Capitol?

If you liked The Hunger Games, you have to read all three books!

Fall of Giants-Review by Lindsay

The ratings for the novel ranged from a high of 5 to a low of 2.5, we either loved it or hated it.  We found the historical perspective of WWI very interesting as it isn't a part of history that we often study.  Seems like our studies skip from the Civil War to WWII, so we enjoyed that aspect of the book.  We were impressed with the depth and accuracy of the historical research included in this story.  The stark contrast between the classes was engaging.  We could taste the coal dust in the Welsh town, and our hearts went out to the poor peasants in Russia who were hung for minor crimes by the Tsar.  No wonder the Bolsheviks shot the Romanov family!  And you've got to be proud of the United States when you read about the dysfunctional governments around the world during this time, and the mental midgets that instigated WWI. 

The criticism of the book was the huge number of characters and difficulty getting attached to or identifying with any of them.  Some of us thought the writing and dialogue between the characters was a little weak; and the personal situations between the characters was not very believable.  The front row seats the characters enjoyed in viewing actual historical events added to a personal perspective, but hard to believe that they were witness to these pivotal events.  But of course, it is an historical novel, so we must remember that! 

The good news (or bad) is that this novel is the first in a trilogy.  We can continue to follow the characters in the next novel if we so chose.  I think the rise of Hitler will be interesting to read in the next installment.  What a shame the League of Nations was not more successful, perhaps that horrific time in history could have been avoided.

Our next meeting is scheduled for September 9th, 9:30 am at the Pinery CC.  We will be discussing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which is the first book in a trilogy as well!

Hope to see you all next month,

Lindsay