Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet-Review by Lindsay

Hi All,
It was a great meeting (as always) with a good turnout. We all enjoyed this book, with ratings ranging from 3.5 to 4.25.  It was a well written, poignant story about an enduring love between two star crossed kids.  It was an easy read, although it bordered on being too simple.  At times the story seemed implausible and too convenient.  It reminded some of us of this shameful episode in American history, while a few of us were not aware of the details of the Japanese interment during WWII.  We saw parallels in present day "profiling" and it cautions us to examine the present that these injustices are not repeated.
Some of us struggled with the age of Henry, as he seemed to be much too young to be so in love and so mature in his actions.  While we understood that it was a Chinese cultural tradition, of a boy being considered a man at 13 years old, he seemed too old for his age.  Hands down favorite characters were Sheldon and Mrs. Beatty.  For relatively minor characters in the book they were very well developed and we fell in love with them.  However, we did feel that the characters were all too nice and perfect, and everything seemed to wrap up nicely for the good guys.  There are also some historical inaccuracies which didn't detract from our enjoyment of the book, but should have been tightened up by a good editor.
The relationship between Henry and his father, and then in turn, Henry and his own son Marty, was interesting. Reading how Henry handles his father and his prejudices, and how he struggles to not act the same way with his son, reminds us that the goal of each generation is to grow and be a better parent than the last.
Until next month.....Lindsay

Same Kind of Different as Me-Review by Pam H.

Hi Ladies,

Great book club meeting today.  We missed our friends who could not make it. For those of us who had not attended a meeting at the Pinery Golf Club,  there seemed to be a concensus that the room is perfect.... so it sounds like we will return there whenever possible.  Thanks to Cindy for bringing her delicious sausage/cheese balls (not sure what they are called) but they sure were good.

We made a decision today that whoever suggests the book, leads the book discussion and brings a goodie to that meeting.  We did stipulate however, that we are to keep it simple and not try to get into a "need to out do her" kind of mentality.  Store bought is just fine... so not to make this added task a chore in any way.  The next book is  Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet  by Jamie Ford.  We believe that Johnnie suggested the book, so unless it does not work for you, Johnnie.... you would be the leader.  If not okay with you, just let us know and someone else will do it.

Now for the book...the rating (based on 8 of us) was a 4.06. The range was 3.5 to 4.75.  Most agreed that it we liked the chapter variations going back and forth between Ron and Denver and that the book was an easy, though fairly emotional, read. Several thought it was a helpful reminder that we would "like" to do better with regard to helping people and being more compassionate on a more regular basis. For some, the book was inspirational as well.  It tied in nicely with our recent efforts as a club to do more things for others and avoid the "popping" in at Christmas mentality.

There was some discussion that the writing was not the quality that we prefer but others felt that the writing (since it came directly from Ron and Denver's heart) was fitting and more authentic. There was a discussion about whether Deborah was a little "too" perfect and if perhaps the book was a bit too "wrapped up with a bow".

We discussed whether we view homeless people that we encounter on the streets and at stop lights now in a different way.  That idea had mixed responses with some feeling that it would make a difference and others feeling that they are cynical about the motivations of the homeless panhandlers, in general, and that the book did really alter that view.

Several of us felt that the death scene for Deborah had some significance or brought up some significant feelings about loved ones that we have lost... so some tears where shed and sincere personal feelings were expressed.... which is always a good thing for a group of friends to share and brings us all a bit closer.

I could go on but suffice it to say, it was a rich discussion.

Some folks maybe interested in the second book that Ron and Denver have out called,  What Difference Do It Make.

The next meeting is schedule for March 9th and at this point it will be at the Pinery Golf Course unless a change is made for some reason.

With regard to the Ronald McDonald House on Valentines Day.. we are meeting at 6:45 am at the Pinery Golf Course so we can carpool.  Please park in the employee area over near the outdoor tennis courts. We will figure out a way to pick up Kellie.. details on that to develop,  perhaps during the trip to Costco on Monday for those going on that adventure.

Nice to see you all and have a great weekend.

Pam H

Green Mansions-Review by Cyndie

I think we had a successful book group discussion today!!  We were spread across our rating system from .5 to 3.5 (avg 2.375).  Green Mansions, written in 1904, is not a light read.  W.H. Hudson was a naturalist as well as a writer.  His love of nature and the need to preserve and respect it was evident in this book.  The time period was also relevant as far as the Romantic movement and the "lengthy, descriptive and flowery techniques of Victorian prose". 

That being said, the negatives were  -  descriptions tooooo long
                                                  -  confused about story line
                                                  -  weak plot
                                                  -  too cerebral
                                                  -  too poetic
                                                  -  style of writing/language

The few positives were -  symbolism -  good vs. evil, religion, lost paradise
                               -  command of english language
                               -  outside of our comfort zone
                               -  good story
                               -  for time period, good descriptions of forest
                             

We discussed how rating a classic novel is different because of all the underlying meanings written into them.   Some books can be dissected and evaluated in many degrees, where others are just not deeper than the title.

Pam H. will check her library of pictures for one of her daughter with Rima in Hyde Park.

Now we can check W.H. Hudson off of our reading bucket list!

The book Saving CC Honeycutt was offered by Bonnie Jean as a good read.  I have read it.  I enjoyed it.  It reminded me of the book with the bees...the title escapes me.

Our next meeting will be February 10th.  It will be held at the Pinery CC at 9:30am in the women's lounge .  The book is Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.

See you then. Safe journeys to those of you heading out!  Happy Reading!

Hasta Luego

Cindy