June Book Club Selection - Tracy

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

The Last Summer at Chelsea Bay - Discussion

Book: The Last Summer at Chelsea Bay by Pam Jenoff

Meeting Place: Tribes Alehouse and Grill

Ratings:

Tracy - 3.5

Barb, Sherry, Joyce

Michaelene - 2.75
Joyce - 3
Melissa - 3.5

Barb - 3
Sher - 2.25
Kim - 2.5

Average Rating:  2.93

  
We began our evening by torturing the waiter.  Poor guy!  We're glad he had a great sense of humor.  We studied his appearance and all guessed his name, which happened to be Mike.  

When Kim announced May's read a few weeks ago, she claimed it was a strong recommendation from another book club.  We all had high hopes for The Last Summer at Chelsea Bay but it ended up being a flash in the pan.  We all agreed that it was a quick, easy, beach read.  Many felt the main character was a little promiscuous for that time period.  Another flaw was the disappointing ending.  The author may want to find a new editor because we noticed many grammar errors and typos.   Although many did not like the book, a few of us somewhat enjoyed it, but definitely did not rate it in "one of the best books ever" categories.  We ended our meeting with some good ol' Fannie May.  Thanks to our former BCDP winner, Barb, for making our waist line thicker! 

Kim, Tracy, Melissa

Recommendation:  Although we did somewhat enjoy the book, I'm not sure many of us would recommend it for the reasons above.

BCDP

BCDP:  While we were guessing the name of the waiter, Kim decided that whoever comes closest alphabetically to his name wins the BCDP.  Tracy wins with a guess of "Matt"!  She won a really cool frame featuring our members of BC.  It is displayed in her living room!

May Book Club Selection - Kim

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff

The Lake House - Discussion

Book: The Lake House by Kate Morton

Meeting Place: Rockwood Tap House

Ratings:

Kim - 2.75

Drawing names and JW's dessert!

Tracy - 3.5
Michaelene - 2.5
Joyce - Made it to chapter 9!
Melissa - 3.5

Barb - 4.5
Sher - 2.5

Average Rating:  3.21

We all met at Rockwood Tap House in Downer's Grove.  We had a great
 night....well, except for the service.  Obviously, Rockwood Tap House was the last place this waiter wanted to be on this particular Wednesday evening.  Especially serving 6 women who were going to sit for awhile discussing a book.  But we did have a great meal along with Joyce's cherry-cream cheese dessert!  Yum!  Thanks Joyce!

  
We began our evening with Sherry's discussion questions.  Most of us had some concerns about the eminent author Kate Morton.  We all praised her for The Secret Keeper.  Then we read The Forgotten Garden and ratings fell slightly.  This month we read her latest The Lake House and ratings dropped again.  Her books are all pretty similar in format and we feel she needs to change things in future books.  Although we still enjoyed various parts of The Lake House, we all had similar complaints.  First, some felt the book could've been 100 pages shorter.  There were some events in the book that were irrelevant.  She adds a great amount of imagery to her books.  Some view this as too much "fluff" while others feel it paints a clear picture of the setting.  Last, some of the events were a little too far-fetched.  Way too unbelievable or coincidental to say the least!  

Baby Theo

Recommendation:  Although we did somewhat enjoy the book, I'm not sure many of us would highly recommend it for the reasons above.

Barb's win

BCDP:  Sherry had us draw out of a hat and the winner was Barb!  She picked the paper with baby Theo, one of the characters from the book.  Barb won a beautiful flowering pot!

April Book Club Selection - Sherry

The Lake House by Kate Morton

The Hypnotist's Love Story - Discussion

Book: The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty

Meeting Place: Barb's House

Ratings:

Sher - 

Kim - 3.5
Tracy - 4
Michaelene - 3.25
Joyce - 3.75
Melissa - 4

Barb - 3.5

Average Rating:  3.67

Barb ran out to Jimmy John's and picked up sandwiches for the book club.  She also served beef barley soup and one of her famous, homemade Easter lamb cakes.  Delicious!

We couldn't find discussion questions so we just attacked different scenes, characters, and themes in the book.  We were intrigued by the stalking and hypnotherapy themes.  Most of us agreed that Saskia, the pathetic stalker, was our favorite character.  We also admired Kate, Lance's wife, who appears at the end of the book.  

One creepy scene discussed was when Saskia shows up at Ellen and Patrick's house in the middle of the night.  There were also many side discussions that can't be discussed on this blog!  Haha!  

Recommendation:  Overall, most enjoyed the book and rated it quite well.  Many talked about recommending this book to some select friends.  

BCDP:  Barb had us pick a number between 50 and 100 to determine the bcdp winner.  Joyce wins!  Unfortunately, we will not be able to enjoy one of her awesome desserts next month since she will be out of town.  Darn!

Other events:  The movie, Me Before You, makes it's grand entrance on June 3rd.  We are thinking of possibly seeing the movie together since it was a very popular, well-liked book we've read!

May Book Club Selection - Joyce

The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in May.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday, May 27th.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning.  Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck.  She's even started to feel like she knows them.  "Jess and Jason," she calls them.  Their life -- as she sees it -- is perfect.  Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking.  It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough.  Now everything's changed.  Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved.  Has she done more harm than good?

Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut.

These Things Hidden - Discussion

Book Club Feast!!!!!

Book: These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Meeting Place: Barb's House

Ratings:

Melissa - 4.5

Barb - 5

Kathy - 2

Joyce - 3.5

Sherry - 2.75

Kim - 3

Tracy - 3.5

Michaelene - 3.5

Average Rating:  3.47

Book club started with the ever famous "What would you do?" question.  Michaelene presented us with the following scenario:  Your significant other was convicted of a crime and sentenced to 15 years in prison.  If you were given the opportunity to take over his prison sentence, and do 2 years, would you do it?  We shared our results and discovered that we had various answers.  We discussed how our family's situation impacted our answers.  

Kathy's streak is on!

This question was related to a theme in the book.  Allison went to prison for 5 years in place of her sister, who committed the crime.  We discussed why Allison would do such a thing when her future is looking incredibly bright.  We believed that she wanted to escape the stress and pressures associated with her "perfect" life.  

Adoption and safe-haven laws were other themes in the book we discussed thoroughly.  We enjoyed the night sharing personal experiences while eating Jimmy John's, fruit, pasta and potato salad, and of course, dessert!  Not to mention, Barb created a great atmosphere with a beautifully decorated dining table, and individual floral vases we took home.  Thanks!!! 

Recommendation:  We had a wide range in our ratings for this book; 2 on the low end, and 5 on the high end.  Overall, most enjoyed the book!  

BCDP:  Michaelene drew names from a hat and Kathy won again!  She went home with a container of candy and a gift card to Starbucks.  She is going for the triple crown next book club!  

April Book Selection - Michaelene

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in April.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday, April 29.

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever.  Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child.  Her former friends exult her downfall.  Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school.  It's Brynnshy, quite Brynnwho carries the burden of what really happened that night.  All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

Now legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy.  And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

Take Me With You - Discussion

Book: Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Kathy winning some campfire treats!

Meeting Place: Tracy's House
Ratings:

Michaelene - 3.75
Melissa - 4
Barb - 3.75
Kathy - 2.25
Joyce - 5
Sherry - 2.25
Kim - 3.5
Tracy - 3.75
Average Rating:  3.53

For the first time ever, ACsBC headed out in the wilderness on a camping trip.  Well, not really!  But we pretend well!  Our campfire feast consisted of grilled burgers, pasta salad, kale salad, and s'more brownies.  

After reading this book, many enjoyed the plot because of the characters.  Most felt that some of the main characters possessed many admirable traits that gave us hope for the human race.  Even though some of the main topics were alcoholism and neglect, there was a "feel good" sensation, especially toward the conclusion.  Some members claimed to have a great feel for the outdoors and camping.

Recommendation:  Although many members enjoyed this book, a couple were disappointed.  They claimed the book was boring and hard to pick up.  Also, unrealistic at times.  Who would leave their kids with a complete stranger?  Overall, the book had a decent average rating.  Decide for yourself if it's worth a try!   

BCDP:  Tracy gave everyone a post-it note to submit a rating.  She felt in the past people may have been influenced by other's ratings.  Everyone submitted a post-it note with their name and rating.  First we went through the ratings individually, then Tracy drew a name out of a hat for the BCDP.  Kathy won a package of Bass-Pro shop s'more brownie mix, campfire hazlenut coffee, and bulls eyes.  

March Book Club Selection - Tracy

Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in March.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday, March 25.

August Shroeder, a burned-out teacher, has been sober since his nineteen-year-old son died.  Every year he's spent the summer on the road, but making it to Yellowstone this year means everything.  The plan had been to travel there with his son, but now August is making the trip with Philip's ashes instead.  An unexpected twist of fate land August with two extra passengers for his journey, two half-orphans with nowhere else to go.

What none of them could have known was how transformative both the trip -- and the bonds that develop between them -- would prove, driving each to create a new destiny together.

Still Alice - Discussion

Book: Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Meeting Place: Kim's House
Ratings:

Tracy - 3.5

Michaelene - 2.75
Melissa - 3.5
Barb - 4
Kathy - 2.5
Joyce - 4
Sherry - 3
Kim - 3.75
Average Rating:  3.38

We're in the midwest freezing our tails off so Kim decided to whip up a dish to take an edge off the chill.  We started our evening warming up with homemade chili and all the fixings.  Next, Kim read all the early signs of Alzheimer's Disease.  We discussed each of them in great depth, always leading us on a tangent.  Haha!  After reading this book, we were all more educated on Alzheimer's Disease and we got the chance to get the "real" feel of what it's like to be diagnosed and live through all the stages.  Most of us felt great sympathy for Alice, and can't imagine receiving this diagnosis.  Everyone agreed that they are now a little more aware of their own forgetfulness.  Sigh...  Some members plan on venturing out to the movies to see Julianne Moore's role as Alice.  She recently won the "best actress" award at the Oscar's.

Alice's diagnosis seemed to have rubbed off on the group.  Ironically, everyone "forgot" to take photos of our evening!!!  So the blog will be photoless this month.  And we finally had perfect attendance for a full member group shot!!! 

BCDP:  Kim's daughter picked a name out of a hat to find the lucky winner.  Michaelene again!  That's 2 weeks in a row!  She won a cute butterfly necklace.  There was a butterfly theme throughout the book.   

     

Pierogi - Barb

Barb's homemade pierogi

Thanks to Barb, we got the pleasure of devouring her buttery, potato-filled pierogies!  This delicious recipe was handed down from her late mother, Ann Jarecki.  You will have to go the extra mile for this awesome polish dish, but it will be well worth it!  ENJOY!

Combine the following and mix:

3 Cups Flour
1/2 Pint Sour Cream
1/2 Stick Margarine
1 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
1 Egg Yolk

*Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour.
*Flour surface and roll out dough.
*Use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out circle shaped dough.
*Put about a tsp. of filling (below) in center of dough and fold over, pinching the ends to seal.  You can use the tines of a fork to seal if you prefer.
*Place formed dumpling (pierogi) into boiling water.
*When pierogies float to the top, take out with slotted spoon and place on waxed paper or oil sprayed cookie sheet.
*Fry pierogi in butter turning once.
*Serve with Sour Cream!

Filling:  I used potato for my filling for Book Club.  Chop and saute onions.  Mash boiled potatoes; add butter and sauteed onions.  Instead of using milk, I added sour cream.

February Book Club Selection - Kim

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in February.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday,February 25.

In Lisa Genova's extraordinary New York Times bestselling novel, an accomplished professor diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease learns that her worth is comprised of more than her ability to remember.  Now a major motion picture from Sony Pictures starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth, and Kristen Stewart!

Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build.  At fifty years old, she's a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children.  When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life--and her relationship with her family and the world--forever.

At once beautiful and terrifying, Still Alice  is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Ordinary People.  

Frozen German Sweet Chocolate Pie - Tracy

Tracy decided to "theme" our dessert with a German pie.  Not only was it delicious, but super easy to whip up!  She found the recipe on Kraft's website.

1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet chocolate
1/3 cup milk, divided
4 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

Microwave chocolate and 2 Tbsp. of milk in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted.  Add cream cheese, sugar and remaining milk; beat with wire whisk until well blended.  Refrigerate 10 min. to cool.

ADD whipped topping; stir gently until well blended.  Spoon into crust.

FREEZE 4 hours or until firm.  Let stand at room temperature or in refrigerator about 15 min. or until pie can be cut easily.  Store leftover pie in freezer.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

All the Light We Cannot See -- Discussion

Homemade German Cuisine

Book:  All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Meeting Place:  Tracy's basement
Ratings:
Kim - 4.75

Tracy - 3.75

Michaelene - 2.75
Melissa - 4.5
Barb - 4
Kathy - 2.5
Sherry - 3.75
Average Rating:  3.71

Our night began with a delicious German cuisine which consisted of brauts/sauerkraut, potato pierogies, salad, pasta salad, and pears.  Melissa popped the cork to some French Champagne and we toasted the new year!  We traveled back in the 1940's to France and Germany and explored the damage and destruction of World War II.  All the Light We Cannot See presented many interesting, unique topics which made for a great discussion!  We explored all the story lines throughout the book and shared which/whom we liked the best.  Marie-Laure was highly admired because of her strength living a life blind.  We really felt the struggles and challenges a blind person experiences.  Another favorite character was her father.  We admired how he built city models for Marie-Laure so she could experience some freedom around town.  He was definitely a candidate for "father of the year".  Werner, an orphan, highly knowledgable of radio transmissions, did not go unnoticed.  Other favorites discussed were Uncle Etienne and Madame Manec.

Michaelene's the winner!

BCDP:  In the story, there were 4 diamonds floating around and being searched.  One was real and rare, the other 3 fake.  Marie-Laure's father escaped France with the real diamond, "Sea of Flames", which put him and his family in danger.     Sherry themed the BCDP with 6 "gems".  The red gem was the "Sea of Flames", where the blue were fakes.  She taped them under our chairs and the winner, Michaelene, had the real deal!  She won a gift card to Panera Bread.  

Recommendation:  There were some mixed reviews, but most members enjoyed the book and would recommend it!  We really liked the characters and the World War II setting.  Some members did not like the jumping around in time.  Sherry felt the book could've been 100 pages shorter and complained there were too many unnecessary details.  Overall, a great read with some high ratings from our members.

Extra:  Sherry bought reader wraps for the entire group!  

 

January Book Club Selection - Sherry

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Below is a description of the book (taken from Amazon) we will be reading in January.  We will discuss this book on Wednesday, January 28.

From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks.  When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home.  When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure's reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea.  With them they carry what might be the museum's most valuable and dangerous jewel.  

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by crude radio they find.  Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance.  More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure's converge.

Doerr's "stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors" (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling.  Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.  Ten years in the writing, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer "whose sentences never fail to thrill" (Los Angeles Times).