Months ago I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and LOVED IT! It's not a genre I typically like (juvenile/fantasty/action), so I was surprised how much I got into it.... but really, how could you not?! It's about a girl who lives in a country where the government is in complete control and forces each village to sacrifice a girl and boy each year to compete in the Hunger Games. Basically they're thrown into a controlled environment where they must kill every other person to win and stay alive. If they win, they also guarantee enough food for their village for the next year. Sounds gruesome, and it kind of is, but trust me, you won't put it down!
I also read Glenn Beck's Common Sense, the case against an out of control government. It's a short read and to the point. I agreed with everything in it. He really doesn't take party sides in this one and relates current politics with Thomas Paine's view of government. I lent my copy out, but I think it's already time to read it again!
Two months ago I read the Glass Castle for book club. I can't say enough good things about this book. It was CRAZY interesting. It is a memoir written by a woman who was raised unconventially (to say the least) by parents who had less common sense that anyone I've ever heard of. She and her siblings lived in unspeakable conditions and battled hunger, deprivation, and neglect of the worst kind. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish, since children going through that sort of abuse is often too painful to read, but her writing doesn't beg for sympathy or pity, she's merely telling her story. And her story is too fascinating to put down. Certainly by the end (what am I saying... even after the first chapter!) you feel like any {bad childhood memory} just melts in comparison. I would consider this a MUST READ!
Last month for book club we read the Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I've heard this is a popular and well liked book, but I kind of had a hard time with it. It's written in old fashioned language (which I found charming... if you could only talk like that now!) and is told in letters only. I would call it a {La La} book. It was dreamy and light and when it was over I could have just shrugged my shoulders. The author is a good story teller, but I never felt so captured by it that I couldn't put it down. I guess I liked it, but not enough to recommend it really, or ever read it again.
I also tried reading The Book Thief and got about 250 pages in and just couldn't read another word. I was so bored. It was so wordy. What I mean is, I felt like I spent hours of my life reading and yet could have summarized it thus far in two sentences. The author has a really strange, unique way of writing that didn't appeal to me. And yet again, I've heard wonderful things about this book and know people that loved it. It leaves me wondering what is wrong with me. Oh well.
Another one I couldn't finish was Niagara, power, beauty and lies. It was chosen for book club and is about Niagara Falls and the region, but is written in a slighty {conspiracy theory} sort of way. I didn't get past page 50. It was like pulling teeth.
As a side note, I also checked out The Help, by Kathryn Stockett and am super excited to get into it! I've heard amazing things all around about this book and think I'll probably pick it the next time I host book club!
10 comments:
I think that controvesial books about politics should not be read at book clubs where you like and see the people on a regular basis. But that is just my opinion. I think politics is a hard issue to discuss anywhere because people get so passionate about their opinions. While we were on our cruise we sat with a man, wife, and adult grandson. First they jokingly asked if we were Mormons and where Wayne's other wifes were. Did not really endear me to converse with them. Then the grandson from England said that it was Roosevelts fault that Hitler was able to invade Poland. Strike two! Then the wife started in on how wonderful Obama was. Way too much for me! I looked at Wayne and told them that we needed to leave to get to our tour. So, back to your question. If you feel you might make enemies it might be better not to go because, to me, it would not be worth having to watch what I said in order not to offend. I hope that helped you.
I'm kind of shocked that you're nervous to share conservative views... I always feel I am the only liberal around... and everyone from book club or church are very conservative... I'd say go... I would, and have totally read Glen Beck's books (even though I would hardly call myself a conservative... may be getting there though)... I even own one! I think it's fun to talk politics with people who know what they are talking about (not that I do).
Oh Steph...you crack me up. It's a hard decision. I like hearing what educated people have to say because I don't take the time to educate myself.However, it seems like most people that are going might be going to be heard. Who knows. I wouldn't go if I was you because I know you have really strong beliefs about it all and will probably inevitably be frustrated. I'm interested to hear what you think of the book though!
I LOVE the Hunger Games too, and I can't wait for the third book to come out this summer. (I hope she ends up with Peeta!!)
The Glass Castle is one of my all-time favorites, and doing church welfare stuff, I have met a few people who honestly prefer to be homeless. It's bizarre!
Finally, I totally understand your dilemma about Book Club. I have to admit, I hate discussing politics with my friends. It makes me develop unkind feelings. If you think you will just be frustrated and angry, I probably wouldn't go. I agree with Kalie though--I'm surprised that you feel in the minority as a conservative. I was shocked that Diana picked that book because I figure that most of the ladies who attend are conservative.
I haven't read the Audacity of Hope, but I've heard that a lot of it is about his life, not his political ideals...I could be wrong, but that might make it more palatable for you.
It is sort of a "risky" book to choose for Book Club. I'd much prefer The Help. I don't think I will be able to go and listen to a political discussion--I don't handle contention very well.
Wow I really don't read popular books...I have a pile otherwise I'd give those a try. My best advice for you is 3 Nephi 11:29 because honestly contention is bad joo joo and we should all avoid it like the plague. I was just reading in "A Banner is Unfurled" about how they had a debate school & the prophet put an end to it because of the contention factor. You should read those books, but they're really sad but hey that's real life. It's educational and all for sure but it does bring a spirit of contention.
Have you read my friend's book? The genre isn't my cup of tea but it's enjoyable er I think so.
Right now I'm reading Dawn's Early Light the book is about 60 years old I love it, probably wouldn't fly to well in this liberal world heh heh it makes me laugh some of the things said it's good and interesting though.
First, don't go to bookclub. Be "sick" that day. It's just safer. And you will still like everyone afterward.
Second, hunger games was grusome, i couldn't finish it.
It is one of those that sticks with you and creeps me out.
i would rather read sweet valley high, baby sitters club, or sisterhood of the traveling pants.
you know, warm and fuzzy.
but, i didn't finish it, so I can't put up a strong argument. :)
{ps. i may be a pansy} ;)
I totally know how you feel Steph. Last time was a little much I thought and actually came home a little flustered. I am struggling to read the book as well because I NEVER had a desire to read it and don't support the author. So we'll see if I do.
Yep hard decision and causing contention is never a good thing but I'm all about standing up for what you believe in. Sometimes you do just have to keep your opinion to a minimum but I would never be embarrassed about where I stand. The hard part with politics is it is hard to bring a hard core lefty to the right. They have their minds made up. Some may say the same thing about a righty....but I just think common sense is the winner and that tends to be the people on the right =) Well good luck with that and like I've said before.....just don't read books and you won't have this problem...lol =)
I say GO. Just have an open mind and don't feel like you have to convince anyone of anything. Just have fun listening to what others have to say and if nothing else just see the fun in it. I have been in lots of book clubs and there are always books I don't feel like reading and usually I am glad I did even if it just pushes me even more in one direction.
Hey next time you post your book reviews, can you send me a private message first!? Haha the library is all out of the "must reads!"
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