Book Clubs!

Looking for a book discussion group?

We currently have 2 at the Three Rivers Library! The Read a Movie Book Club meets the last Wednesday of the month at the Minooka Branch building, and Bookies Book Club, held in conjunction with the Village of Minooka, meets the second Saturday of the month at Minooka Village Hall.

We'd love to see you at our next meeting!

*Please note the next Read a Movie Book Club will meet January 26, 2011

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Ann Brashares continues to jump successfully from teen to adult fiction in her second adult book, “My Name is Memory.” A mix of romance and fantasy takes readers on a journey across centuries and past lives. Daniel is one of a few people in the world who remembers his past lives, no matter the body he is born into. We hear a firsthand account of Daniel’s journey from sixth-century Africa through eighth-century Turkey to WWI, in almost a detached way, except when it comes to Lucy.

Readers meet Lucy as Daniel pursues her in present day, trying to get her to remember who he is and their lives together. Readers are able to see Daniel’s view of their star-crossed love story as it has developed over time, but Lucy (also known as Sophia in the past) never remembers. Though scared by Daniel’s seemingly insane claims about their lives, prompting Daniel to leave her alone, Lucy slowly and eventually discovers the truth. As the mysteries are unraveled, going back and forth between their two viewpoints, another element of danger in the form of a murderous soul threatens to ruin their current reunion.

I most enjoyed the element of fantasy of this book, which has never been explored thoroughly in the past, shedding a different light on the idea of reincarnation. Brashares does changing viewpoints and romance well, developing characters to care about and a romance to root for. While the book becomes sluggish at some points, the adventure and suspense Brasheres leads up to is worth the wait. “My Name is Memory” is an intriguing start to Brashares' planned trilogy.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Every year during Banned Books Week, I make sure and read at least one book that has been challenged or banned...BECAUSE I CAN! This year one of the books I chose was Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Although the book has been around for quite a while (it was first published in 1999,) it made the news this year after a gentleman in Missouri referred to it in an editorial as "soft pornography," and Ms. Anderson's publishing company took out a full page ad in the New York Times to defend their author and the book.

We meet Melinda, a high school freshman, at the beginning of the school year. She is clearly depressed, refuses to talk to anyone (including her parents) unless absolutely necessary, and not only does she NOT have any friends, she has people who hate her so much they torment her. We see the world through Melinda's eyes and it is not a pretty - or safe - place to be.

As the school year continues, we see some small signs of life in Melinda - although she is barely coping, she finds an outlet in her art class. She continues to exist on the fringe of school society as additional clues are presented as to what prompted Melinda to go from a popular and bright student to one who tries to disappear into herself.

Without providing any spoilers, this book is a sensitive and realistic journey into the mind of someone who has been deeply injured. Yet, in spite of the damage, she perseveres. This book deals with heavy subject matter, but one that BOTH teenage boys and girls, sadly, need to be aware. This was Anderson's first novel and it was nominated for a National Book Award. I look forward to reading more of this author.

Bookies Book Club!

What: Bookies Book Club

When: Saturday, October 9th

10:00 a.m.

Where: Minooka Village Hall Community Room

What We're Discussing: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult

Hope to see you there!

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

Andie Miller has had 10 years to get over her divorce and her ex-husband, and now that she's getting ready to remarry, she is ready to put the past behind her. While visiting her ex to wrap up some final details, he asks her one last favor - to take over supervision of two orphans in a creepy haunted manor in a remote corner of the world - for which she will be paid enough money to begin her new life debt-free.

When Andie arrives at the home, she is greeted with open hostility by the housekeeper, Mrs. Crumb, and stony indifference by the two children: 12 year-old Carter and 8 year-old Alice. As Andie sets about debunking the ghosts that she keeps hearing about, getting through to the children and getting the house in order, she begins noticing some odd occurrences and strange characters hanging around the house.

The longer Andie spends at the house, the more determined she is to protect and stay with the children, and the more she starts believing in ghosts. Will she be able to protect the children from the malevolent spirits she has seen? Can she convince the children to leave the only home they have known? Will she marry her fiance and live happily ever after?

Jennifer Crusie has penned a spooky and fun story complete with romance, terror, humor and intrigue. Gothic chick lit! While it gets a little messy towards the end with a sudden storm of characters and plot lines, overall, it is still a quick and satisfying easy read.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is an annual event in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, one that is required viewing for all inhabitants of the 12 districts of the nation. Each district randomly selects a male and female young adult to represent them in the "game," a brutal contest in which the last person surviving wins. The games were created as a means for the "Capitol" to remind its citizens of their ultimate power and control after an uprising which led to the demise of the area formerly known as District 13.

When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister, Prim, is selected to represent District 12 in the annual game, Katniss wastes no time in volunteering to take her place, knowing this will most likely lead to her own death in the arena. Her participation in the game, along with fellow District 12 participant, Peeta, has repercussions which no one could have predicted.

This three-part series by Suzanne Collins (Underland Chronicles series) is written for a young adult audience; however, the themes, pace, plot and characters ensure this is a worthy read for adults as well. Suspense, danger, and romance all intertwine in this well-written and cleverly done series. These books are page-turners that will keep the readers engaged from the get-go. In fact, Collins is so adept at ending each chapter with a cliffhanger, it is nearly impossible to put the books down.

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Growing up, Justin Halpern remembered his father as being a blunt and intimidating figure in his life. Always consistently honest, his father never held back in letting his family know just what was on his mind at any given time. When Halpern suddenly finds himself moving back home at the age of 28, he has the opportunity to view his dad's wisdom from a whole new perspective - and with a fresh sense of appreciation.

With the help of his family and friends, the author set about collecting some of the wit and witticisms of his father over the years, and created a Twitter page to share them with others. What started off as a 140-character-or-less series of tributes to his father evolved into a book deal, and now, a television show.

This is a quick and entertaining read that is also surprisingly sweet. If crass language is a concern, this probably is not the book for you - although language is a problem, something with the word, "Sh*t" in the title is most likely not a serious consideration anyway. The quotes, while liberally peppered with expletives, are both hilarious and honest. In the end, the short vignettes and quotes paint a picture of a dedicated father whose love for his family is both touching and fierce.

To follow Justin Halpern on Twitter, go to: http://twitter.com/Shitmydadsays