"The Ladies Auxiliary" by Tova Mirvis. I have to admit when I first started the book I was skeptical. It started a little bit slow (first 25 pages or so are a bit rough), but once I got into it I LOVED it. I think this one might have to go on my list of top books. Just a quick summary- the book is about a community of Orthodox Jews living in Memphis, TN and their reaction to a new comer. The book focuses solely on the female side of the community, their interactions with each other and with the new comer. There are so many parallels between the community described in the book and the culture in so many LDS communities- such a good discussion book for a group of LDS women. Read it!
"The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. Ok with this one I need to add the caveat that this wasnt my favorite book, and I probably wont ever reread it, but it was one of those books that had enough odd twists that the discussion it prompted was great. This was a mystery, there was a set of "evil" twins, a "ghost", and a really strange sibling relationship (you have been warned). Anyway if you are looking for a book that prompts questions and lively discussion, this might be one to consider. If you are looking for one that doesnt have some parts that make you go, "hm... did that really just happen?" then I might try something else.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. We actually havent read this one yet, but in preparation for the month I host I read it. I really enjoyed this book, it will be one that I reread. I liked the sentimental storyline intermingled with actual issues (one of the things I enjoyed about Ladies Auxiliary as well), and I liked that even the the "villain" was shown to have a heart. I will admit that I liked the movie better than the book (I KNOW!), but Alison Janney (CJ from the West Wing) was in it and she is one of my favorites. Also, the movie glossed over some of the more sad parts of the story and in the end I felt like it was a happier ending. Either way I am excited for April's discussion.
Has anyone else read anything worth readying lately?
2 comments:
I just read "When we were strangers" about an Italian immigrant girl. Really liked it.
Also liked:
"Still Alice" (about early onset Alzheimers)
"Velva Jean Learns to Drive" (coming of age in Appalachia)
"Unbroken" (WWII POW)
"Promise Bridge" (Civil War and underground railroad)
"Forgotten Garden" (young girl gets 'adopted' by ship master and when she is 19 he tells her who she really is; book goes between 3 time periods)
I just reread The Chosen and liked it way better than the first time I read it. If you're looking for another Orthodox Jew book, there you go. We could have a book discussion over the phone about it. I'd also discuss The Help - I loved it! I'm going to read How Green Was My Valley in the next few weeks. My family all claims it's a good book. I'll let you know.
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