I'm working on the book list for the fall....and trying to make it easy for you by linking to all the recommended versions.   Warning:  this reading list is tough....so start early.  If you haven't yet purchased Susan Wise Bauer's book The Well-Educated Mind, chapter 7 on The Story of the Past (which includes our current reading list) is excellent.   We also talked about moving our date to the 2nd Friday of the month so that during holiday times, we won't be interrupted.  Here's the reading list we discussed at the last meeting along with the proposed dates for meeting.   Please read over it and let me know of any problems you foresee with books or dates.  Now is the time to voice your opinion!   Although if you're like me, it may seem too early to have an opinion.

August 14:  Plato's The Republic--Penguin classics.  Click here.

September 11:  John Locke  The True End of Civil Government--Cambridge paperback.  (This version is $39 on Amazon, so just you're on your own.  I'm getting  this one.

October 9:  Thomas Paine's Common Sense--Oxford classics.  Click here.

November 13:  Alexis De Tocqueville--Democracy in America---Signet classic.  Click here.

December 11: Bob Woodward--All the President's Men--Touchstone books.  Click here.

--these are all used but cheap!

Email me or leave a comment on this post if you have any objections.   I'll make the list 'final' in a week or so after everyone has a chance to look over the dates and list.

Happy Summer to you all!

More on Ben Franklin......

I love this book.  Even more, I love the period of time in history.  My daughter and I were watching Sense and Sensibility this weekend and we both commented how we would have loved to have lived 'back in those times'.  Yes indeed.  To wear beautiful long dresses and learn to dance and do needlepoint and have afternoon tea and have 'callers'......I think I would have fit in quite well with my old-fashioned ways.  As I sit here slouched over my laptop with my lounge pants on, I think more formality in our lives would be neat.  I love their use of language too.  People in that era could construct some beautiful sentences.  That said, I thought we all should bring our favorite Ben Franklin quote to bookclub on Thursday.  Not necessarily a quote from the book, but a quote from him.  I'll get us started.

“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”

See you Thursday!

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"

This is the book for March.  I started reading a book called Founding Brothers first which is excellently written and a good preface to reading a autobiography on one of the founding fathers......or brothers as Ellis calls them.  I'm about halfway through Part One of the 'Autobiography'  and it's a great read so far.  I'm continually fascinated by early American life and culture and in particular of the times in which Franklin lived.  He was the youngest of thirteen, self-educated for all intents and purposes and on his own in a strange city by age 17. He relished good books and educated himself mostly by reading them in every spare moment he could find.  Have you started the book yet girls?  Do you have a kinship with him already since he was the master at doing what we are trying to do for ourselves.....namely give ourselves the education we never had?  Start reading and then let's talk.

And maybe for some good bookclub fodder, you should bring your favorite Ben Franklin quote to our meeting, which is at my house on March 20th.  Or was it the 19th.  Someone inform me.

Your faithful bookclub junkie,

ms.edie

This is our book for February, we will be meeting on February the 20th at Sue K's house.





Written in 1565 at the request of her confessor, St Teresa's autobiography is at once an extraordinary chronicle of a life governed by the desire to draw closer to God and a literary masterpiece that brings to life a woman of candor, humor, and great spiritual strength. Teresa writes of her early life, the conflicts and crises she faced, and her decision to enter a life of prayer. Her lyrical, almost erotic description of ecstatic experiences call to mind the sensuous language of the song of songs.

TERESA OF AVILA (1515-1582), also called St. Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish nun and one of the great mystics and religious women of the Roman Catholic Church. She was the leader of the Carmelite Reform, which restored and emphasized the austerity and contemplative character of this religious order. Canonized in 1622, she was elevated to Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970, the first woman to be honored.

The book that nearly did us in......

One Hundred Years of Solitude will not be voted as the favorite book of this years' club.  It's long and confusing and of six generations of a family, they recycle the same four names over and over.  I resorted to making flowcharts and family trees to keep myself awake and on track. I thought I was gonna lose my bookclub friends over this one.....but this group of women never disappoints.  We found plenty of meaningful discussion and then went on a tangent to dividing the room into two camps....those with OCD and those with ADD.  We all know which camp I fall into and if you can't remember, I'll give you a clue.  My dishwasher is half unloaded.....I have four books going right now....and I can't find the piece of scrap paper that I jotted stuff down on today at bookclub. 

We now move into the chapter of The Well Educated Mind on memoirs.  We start with an autobiography on St.Teresa of Avila....hosted by Sue....on Feb. 20.  I have to say I'm thankful to be done with the book of magical realism with too much insest and too few names.  I need to read some literary fluff before I start back into the 'classics'.  

Our schedule for the spring, in case you want to read along, is as follows:

Feb. 20  The autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila

Mar. 19  The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin  (changed to Thursday because of G-parents day)

Apr. 17  Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis  (Leigh Ann's)

May 15  Elie Wiesel   (Kim's)

More info upcoming on the children's bookclub that we will start in June.  We will try to do three books this summer and potentially have 2 groups- a 1-3 grade and 4-6.   The book we will use to guide the children is called Deconstructing Penguins.  I haven't ask yet, but maybe Pamela would like to be our moderator for one of the groups? Pretty please.

A huge thank you to Polly for opening her amazing home to us.  Shame on me for forgetting my memory card.  I will have to make a trip back soon to take pics.  The food and fellowship were wonderful as always!  And even though this wasn't my favorite book, I'm loving this bookclub.

Thanks for hanging in there girls even when the going gets tough.

Love to you all,

Edie

Our bookclub 'book' this month is A  Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  Although it's a short read, I've never actually read the book.....so I'm excited to finally read it.  We are also going to see the play at the Clarence Brown Theatre on Wednesday December 10th.  Our regular bookclub meeting will be held on December 19th at Pamela's.  Emails will be forthcoming on details and directions.  

Since A Christmas Carol is so short, I'm totally taking advantage and have already read this book this past weekend.  The book is Uncharted by Angela Hunt.  It was voted top christian fiction book of 2006 and has been compared to C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce.  It is a must read.....because it's a very compelling story and because I need to discuss it with you all.  So, c'mon ladies......you've got time.

Also, since Advent started Sunday, the girls had I are doing our regular Advent readings from the Treasury of Daily Prayer book and thanks to Denise (who let us borrow her book) we're also reading Jotham's Journey.   It's an Advent fiction story with a devotional at the end of each night's reading.  We're only 2 days into it and the girls already want to read ahead!  Apparently this is part of a trilogy so I know we'll be set for the next three Advents. 

Thank you sweet girls who have so graciously replenished my lip gloss supply.  I am so thankful for all of you and for the friendships that are strengthened through this fellowship!

Love to all!     Edie
Happy Reading!   Don't forget that we have moved our meeting to the third Friday of each month so don't procrastinate 100 Years of Solitude (our Jan. book) like I probably will.

Heart of Darkness

Phew, what a book. Although I am not really enjoying the book, I am enjoying the thoughts it is provoking. Is the title "Heart of Darkness" referring to the Darkness of the Congo--or The Darkness of the heart?
Some people when presented with dire circumstances, rise above their predicament, while others prefer to take the path of least resistance, giving themselves power and a boost to the obviously faltering ego. (E.g Mr Kurtz). Take Hitler and his entourage who carried out the atrocities of the Holocaust--compare them to Sister Mother Teresa, who spent most of her life in true poverty and saw first hands the atrocities these poor souls had to endure, yet she choose to shine through the plight that lay ahead of her and those in her care--she rose above the situation. She did not want her station in life to be elevated, yet, in her death, she is put on a pedestal, to which we would never be able to aspire. What she did not want in life, was thrust upon her in her death. Now Mr Hitler, he could only put himself on a pedestal by taring down other human beings. It is interesting to note that Mr Hitler in his death, achieved the opposite of what he wanted in life, he is now seen for what he was and will forever be remembered as as the epitomy of evil.

Bitten by the vampire bug.......

I know I just told you not to start the Twilight series......but......Leigh Ann had the great idea of going to the Twilight movie,  which opens Nov. 21st.   So let's just say you wanted to join us for a movie that night---I know, I know,  an impromtu girls night out,  then you might possibly want to read Twilight before then.  But don't blame me if your children don't get fed or changed and your husband has no clean socks.   I will not be held personally responsible for any such behavior.  I've got my own husband's dirty socks to ponder.   Also,  consider the fact that every.  single.  fourteen.  year. old.  will be there,  so we'll have to line up early.   And wear black nail polish.  and dress all goth and such.   I'm sure such fodder is beneath you because you're already reading Heart of Darkness and couldn't possibly lower your standards.   But just try it this once.  What could it hurt?  Noone gets addicted on the first try.  Right?

Hello, my name is Edie and I heart vampires......

Whatever sweet darlin' has been entering those recipes onto our blog is my new BFF.  I suspect it's our favorite trophy wife, Ms Pamela.  Do you girls see that---at the sidebar and down at the bottom of the page.  WE HAVE RECIPES!   Okay, I'm easily amused and excited.  Which brings me to the book I'm reading right now......which is NOT  Heart of Darkness, I regret to say.  I have been 'sucked' in to this adolescent vampire love story series......yeah, the one all the 14 year olds are reading called "Twilight".  I read the first book in less than 48 hours and am now on the 2nd book.   I may need an intervention.  And I know Leigh Ann needs an intervention because she's reading them too...faster than me.  Charlotte Mason would call such reading 'twaddle'.....I call it literary crack cocaine.    Don't start it whatever you do.   No matter how dark and boring you find Heart of Darkness.....do not under any circumstances start the Twilight Series.   Step away from the teenage vampire love story.   So, who HAS started Heart of Darkness?

October Bookclub Meeting....

These have to be some of the wittiest, smartest, strongest women I have ever met.  So many different personalities, with conflicting points of view.   I love hearing them talk (especially Pamela who makes anything sound sophisticated with her British accent) about books and its' characters which always leads to talking about life and its' characters!    This is the highlight of my week.  
or is this the highlight of my week??
And Tanya was so gracious to host us in her BEAUTIFUL home....

with sweet Amy to help her with food.   Thank you girls so much.  I know you went to a LOT of trouble and it was so appreciated.
and did I mention there was a lot of gourmet food.....of the french persuasion...like chicken cordon blue bites,  and quiche,  and brie baked in puff pastry.....
and truffles and petit fours,  and fruit....
What shall we do next month for the book Heart of Darkness?   Its' setting is the Congo.  That may be an interesting food display.   But these ladies are talented and will come up with something wonderful.   Thank you all for a wonderful meeting!

My dearest Bookclubber friends,
Don't forget that the meeting on Friday this week (the 24th) is at Tanya's house. She has graciously agreed to host and her and Amy Gurley are providing the food. I can hardly wait. I will send another email with directions just in case you need them. I've been listening the Madame Bovary all morning (audiobook) while making breakfast casserole and muffins. Only I could find a way to mulititask while 'reading'. See you Friday!
Blessings,
Edie

I know that there are a lot of less than desirable qualities at work in our dear Emma Bovary. I know that. However, I find myself having pity and compassion for her and I'm curious if any of you do as well. Or are you just insensed and offended at her superficiality and self-obsession? I happen to be at the height of my own hormonal swing and maybe that's why I feel sorry for her. Don't we all have varying degrees of Emma in us at various times in our life? Or is it just me?

Wet Nursing.......

Jeannie made an interesting comment about the practice of wet-nursing in 19th century France. I found an interesting article here that you might find compelling which discusses infant mortality rates and why people often chose wet nursing. It's pretty short and informative and also discusses the practices of 'nursing in' versus 'nursing out' ; but because in our day and time this has so fallen out of favor, it does give some helpful insight. Do you think Emma Bovary was unable to nurse her own daughter or thought it way beneath her to do so?

Madame Bovary?

I can't believe I've decided to dive into *the book club* with Madame Bovary. Not that I won't have a lot to say or an opinion to share, but it sure won't make my recommended book list-- as if anybody really cares! Honestly, I'd like to be finishing Uncle Tom's Cabin or maybe even starting Pride and Prejudice.

I suppose I should embrace the vocabulary lessons it offers, but then I'd have to give up precious reading time to look up the long list of words. Or I should be inspired to attempt that online French course so that I could pronounce the confusing list of characters, thus enabling me to keep them all straight--but once again, that would take away from precious reading time. I'm a realist, so I am going to have to be satisfied with finishing on time and realizing that my mind is almost one step closer to being well-educated. (I'm sure that I will not get full credit for this book since I didn't look up the words or learn French.)

I wonder if a half-read Uncle Tom's Cabin plus a bought-but-not-read Pride and Prejudice plus my lazy attempt at Madame Bovary equals one whole step towards being well-educated. That seems like a deep thought. Maybe this book club stuff is helping.

Denise - who does not have a fancy signature line!

p.s. If I actually show up this month, do you think I could be air-brushed into your lovely photo?

Upcoming Meeting.....

Hi Girls,
Just a friendly reminder that our next meeting is Friday October 24th at my house. French fare to be served. Leigh Ann has graciously agreed (after I twisted her arm and fed her homeade french bread) to coordinate the food. I think fondue is in our future. As for the book, Mr. Flaubert is a talented writer but this has not been my favorite book. What do you ladies think so far? And just in case you're having the kind of month I've had, we're reading Madame Bovary!

Also, be looking at the historical memoirs so that we may decide which books to choose for the spring. Can't wait to see you all!

Vocabulary lesson......

Wow....I'm only 50 pages into Madame Bovary and I have looked up several words already.....

sacristy, shuttlecock, sheepfold, lorgnon, harridan, fichu, pelerine, peruke, kirsch grog, chiiterlings......

I guess that's part of the "larnin" process that makes this reading group so much fun!! Is anyone else picking up some new words???

Leigh Ann

Wez jes' readin' an carryin on wit some sich......

Our book this month was Uncle Tom's Cabin and wow.....what a great read.    Our discussions were lively and probing and could have gone on all day......which is why we now have a blog;  so we can discuss our books and the subjects they inspire at any time day or night.  Meet our lovely group.....
Meet our lovely food......thanks so much to Tina and Jeannie for Southen' fixins.   I absolutely loved it all!
even the pickled okra sandwiches......
and especially Sue's passion for the book and the whole 'north and south' dilemma.   
and the hostess,  me, myself, and I.....so thankful to be surrounded by wonderful, smart, engaging women who inspire and challenge and comfort me.   What a fun day!   Thank you ladies for your contributions!   

A few of our bookclub members pose for a picture after our last meeting.

Why do we have a bookclub and why does our bookclub have a blog????

Our bookclub is in its infancy. It's called Midday Bookclub because we meet at midday. We decided to start a bookclub because in the midst of taking care of our families, we wanted to keep our minds working. The bookclub is based on the book by Susan Wise Bauer called "The Well-Educated Mind" which is a book that is a guide on how to properly read a book and what books 'well-educated' people should have read. We just started in August with Pride and Predjudice and had so much fun....and actually talked about the book.....ALOT. We even found that it would be fun to be able to talk about the book along the way.....enter.......our blog. So join us and let's educate ourselves.