Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

June Book Club we reviewed "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg. This charming tale takes us to a small town of Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where we follow the adventures of Elner Shimfissle.  She is an elderly woman who is independent, practical and a constant and reliable friend for more people in her small town than she or they realize. When she falls from her fig tree and is knocked unconscious, taken to the hospital and declared dead her family and the entire town is rocked and shaken by the news. Each evaluates how important this woman was to them, and while this is taking place, Elner has a near death experience.

Waking at the hospital where they thought she was dead, the impact of her life and coming back to life affects more than just her family and friends. This delightful read is funny and full of thoughtful, spiritual insight. It is a book that makes you think about life, your impact on others and how death is a part of life.  Not to mention it has some delicious food described in the book that comes complete with the recipes in the back.  

Many of our Book Club attendees loved how true to form the characters were to people from the small town life they had experienced all around the US. The story is engaging and refreshing to read in our world that sometimes feels very crazy, jaded and disconnected. The hopeful view and practical wisdom of the spunky Elner and the tale woven around her life makes for a pleasant, lovely read.

Austenland

The book we chose for our May book club meeting was Austenland by Shannon Hale. It is modern tale about Jane, who has not had a lot of luck finding the right guy and blames this on her unhealthy obsession with the perfect "Mister Darcy" she has in her mind. And that would be the Mister Darcy as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation that she hides in her plant because she is embarrassed she longs for such an idyllic, and what she believes to be unrealistic, true love romance of her own.  

When an elderly (and wealthy) relative dies and bequeaths to her a trip to an English "role-playing" resort, Jane finds herself on her way to Austenland:  a getaway for women who are obsessed with all things Regency Romance, Jane Austen style.  She is suddenly wearing empire waist dresses and forbidden to have a cell phone as she tries to fit in among other women who vacation in this pretend world of the past. Flirting with the actors is part of the game, but Jane finds herself torn between reality and fiction. 

This novel is fun and entertaining, most especially if one also has a 'thing' for Mister Darcy and enjoys romantic tales. Sweet and funny, the story is an enjoyable read from beginning to end.  Our book club enjoyed sweet treats with an English Tea theme and of course lots of enjoyable company and lively discussion about this delightful read. 

-Merilee

 “If you were a woman, all I'd have to say is 'Colin Firth in a wet shirt' and you'd say 'Ah.'” 

 ― Shannon Hale, Austenland

Fishers of Men

"Fishers of Men" by Gerald Lund is a historical novel, set in the time of Jesus Christ as he is just beginning his ministry in the Holy Land.  Characters real and fictional are woven together with a tapestry of detail that allows the reader to get a realistic feel for what the time period was like during the ministry of Christ on the earth. It is a rather large book, and I will fully admit that I have not actually finished the book! I am enjoying it however, and working my way through.

But I still came to book club! ;) I say that because life is very busy for everyone, and I never want book club to be a burden but a great place to relax with others and talk about books, even if you haven't got around to reading that one!  This book I have not finished, not because it was boring or difficult, it is not. It is quite comfortable to read and in many places (so far) very interesting and engaging...my only excuse is that it is now May! Good thing I already read the one for May right?

Hopefully I can post more of a detailed review later, if I remember! But many sisters were able to report how much they enjoyed "Fishers of Men" and the two sequels-it is a trilogy, and I would encourage any of you to please reply here with insights and thoughts about how you liked the book. (Even if you are replying months or years later-would love to hear from you!)

-Merilee

“The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy; it lasts when all other pleasures fade.” 

Anthony Trollope

"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand

            I love a good headline; or in this case, the perfect title.  Some books, movies and even headlines can be misleading, produce an incorrect idea, or flash out confusion in an attempt to grab the reader's eye.  The beauty of "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" is that the title is accurate, precise and fulfilling, much like the book itself.  Well researched and written with an honest yet optimistic tone, "Unbroken" tells, (and as amazing as it seems) the true story of the amazing life of  Louis Zamperini.

            From the start he is a dynamic character, and though it is very clear that author Laura Hillenbrand has researched deeply, spoken with an astounding number of witnesses and verified the events in Louis' life, one cannot help but race to Google after just a few chapters to learn if this is an over the top lie. 

            Zamperini was an Olympic Athlete, a runner in the 1936 Olympic games. THE epic, German games! The ones you see in countless movies as a touchstone in our modern era. Nazis, Hitler, Jesse Owens and four Gold Medals, you know, THAT Olympic Games?

            But before you believe this is a story about the overcoming struggles of an athlete, think again.  Real life intervenes in the dreams of Zamperini. He is perfectly situated to run in the 1940 games, (which ironically were slated for Japan but were moved to Helsinki because of the outbreak of war) but is denied because of the further spread of WWII in Europe and the cancellation of the games until 1948.  The 1940 games never happen, and much happens in the world, and in the life of Zamperini during those years; much pain, much endurance, and indeed survival, resilience and redemption.

            Zamperini is swept up in his prime to serve in the US Military, specifically the Air Force and was serving as a Bombardier when his plan was lost at sea. Presumed dead with the entire crew, Zamperini, his pilot and one other crew member survive the crash landing in the middle of the vast Pacific and survive for 47 days on rainwater, raw fish and the grace of God there is no doubt.  Reaching the Marshall Islands after their ordeal, they are immediately taken prisoner and tortured as Prisoners of War for the next two years in Japan.

            Hillenbrand is clear enough for us to be horrified by the treatment of the POWs in Japan, but not grotesque, though readers are sure to understand the magnitude of the torture he and hundreds of other men suffered.  It is appalling and yet, stunning what he and others are able to endure with a resilience that is difficult to comprehend. She is careful to give us spoonfuls of research and history without it being a school lesson, yet gently nudging the reader to with a desire to know more of the history surrounding Zamperini's situation in the world.

            The ensuing, but yet unnamed ailment we know as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is evident in Zamperini's life and yet a beautiful transformation is made from his angry soul when he embraces the power of forgiveness and faith.  It changes his life and outlook, and even at the age of 95 (at this writing) it is clear he has a perspective and inner joy that can only come with the healing power of faith. Not overwritten, but tender and leaving the reader with a calm sense of the divine, "Unbroken" gives us pause and reflection on things we find difficult today in our lives, and things we must endure, as well as a comfort and hope in our ability to do so. A great read. 

            I would love to hear your comments about what you liked or did not like about this book, or just whatever you would like to say about it.          

Welcome!

Hi there! Just thought a blog may be a good place for general information for our Book Club. And because not everyone can always attend, or may have even regular conflicts, I was hoping that by having a blog you can participate a little, either by reading about what we discussed, or commenting on things about the current book you would like to share.  This is not a 'private' blog, but it isn't set to be advertised either.  I will try not to be too personal as far as sharing emails or addresses etc. and I would recommend you do not publish detailed information as far as emails. Feel free to post your thoughts on a book and why you liked/didn't like it though.

If you need to contact me, you should already be on my email list, but being as this is pretty much a Littleton Ward/Ridge Building group I am not hard to find in the directory. ;)  And if you are some stranger, please just carry on and move on by.

Since 2006 when Katherine and I figured out no one else would start a Book Club in our ward, we just threw one together and read "Jane Eyre".  What a blessing to me and I'm sure many others to be able to join together and discuss a book, eat dessert and just have fun once a month.  I hope it is as enjoyable for you as it has been for me. 

Because we adjusted ward boundaries, we have several members from both Littleton and Bowles Grove wards. Everyone is welcome from both wards, you can bring friends with you too. You do not need to have read the book or feel guilty about it if you haven't.  If you want to host, you don't have to pick the book but you can; if you want to pick a book but not host, that's okay too. You are welcome to lead a discussion if you are hosting, but you can delegate that out to me or anyone else attending. This is low key and we read for enjoyment, entertainment, education and enlightenment! I'm always looking for someone to host or a new book for us to read so suggestions are welcome.

I have put most of the books we have read previously on the side, though I fully admit I do not know if I got them all or if I have them in the right order. If you know I've got one or more wrong or missing, just email, or comment and I'll fix it. :) We haven't done repeat books yet but I am open to doing some again if a large group would like to or it's been a while.

I've included a set of links for local and online places to find books. We are lucky in that we have several nearby library systems, all have online resources and so you can find and reserve books if you need to. Also, we have local bookstores that are happy to sell any books to you. And of course, online retailers.  If you know of a good resource, please just let me know and I can add it.

Time flies when you're having fun, so it's amazing to me that it's 2012 and we started this in 2006! But just counting out the books, I feel 'well read'! I think I only have missed a few, but mostly I've enjoyed finding new treasures by the recommendations of book club members. So many books I probably would not have picked up but have now found a nice place in my heart.

I figure I will post an update after every Book Club, reviewing our activity and the book. Feel free to comment (if you are a book club member, strangers-sorry this isn't really an open forum) and I am trying to find a way to have a permanent suggestion area to be available for members to access and suggest upcoming books while online.  I may also try to do a brief review of some of our past books but that may take a while for me to do, so if you would like to be a contributor to the site and help with posting reviews just let me know.

So, welcome and happy reading!