The Paris Wife

I just finished The Paris Wife and it's inspiring me to read some Hemingway. Anyone have a favorite book of his? When we discuss this book in a few months, I think it could be interesting to pair it with Hemingway's own memoir of the same period in his life, A Movable Feast. Thoughts?

Books for the year

I've posted the books we've chosen to read in the next year at the left, but thought everyone might like the list of all nominated books. In no particular order, here they are:
The Art of Racing in the Rain (much recommended as a read, though generally not thought of as a good discussion book)
Ape House (Abby recommends reading it, and then going to CWU to see the primate facility, and also to the zoo)
Blood, Bones, and Butter (an interesting--though often annoying memoir; okay, that's just my opinion)
Dreams of Joy (Brenda recommends this, but says to first read the prequel, Shanghai Girls).
22 Britannia Road
Left Neglected
Sense and Sensibility
The Book of Scientology (Amy advocates for this one, which has been well-reviewed; she'll give us a report after she's read it)
The Moment (takes place in Berlin prior to fall of the Wall)
Sarah's Key (now a movie with Kirstin Scott Thomas, an actress I love watching!)
The Moonstone
The Social Animal (recommended by Nancy--sounds like a fascinating non-fiction read)
My Korean Deli: Risking it All for a Convenience Store (I recommended this one; may not be a good discussion, but a fun book)
Food Inc.
Freedom

Other recommendations? Did I leave something out?

Little Bee author at Seattle Libraries

Great news. Little Bee is this year's selection for Seattle Reads, and the author is making a number of appearances around town in May. You can get all the information here: http://www.spl.org/audiences/adults/adu-calendar-of-events#/?i=3
Highlights include: Book It Repertory Theatre staged readings of Little Bee at the Greenwood Branch library on Monday, May 2 (7 p.m.), and on Friday (1 p.m.) May 13 at the Central Library. And several meet the author events, including An Evening with Chris Cleave at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13 at the Central Library. He'll also be at other branch libraries on several dates in May.

My May is really packed, so I'm not sure which of these (if any) I'll be able to make it to. But I know how much everyone loved the book, so hopefully someone can make it to one or more of these events.

Book by Diane Ackerman

Do you remember the Zookeeper's Wife? I loved that book. Incredible story, beautifully told with gorgeous prose. The author, Diane Ackerman, has another book out. It's due out this month; the title is One Hundred Names for Love. I'd love to consider this for our group.

I also noticed the another of my favorite authors, Anna Quindlen, has a book out I haven't read: Every Last One. It's now in paperback. Has anyone read this one?

Blood, Bones and Butter

This reading suggestion comes from Helen. Amy says that the chef's restaurant, Prune, is "delish." So does this mean if we read the book, we need to make a trip to NYC to check out the restaurant? Wouldn't that be fun.
Blood, Bones and Butter: The Inadvertant Education of a Reluctant Chef by Chef Gabrielle Hamilton of the restaurant Prune in NY.
Here's a review: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022806916.html

Books to consider for May

Thanks everyone for sending suggestions for May books. So far, here's what we have, with a little bit of info based on comments from those who recommended it:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand; nonfiction, a great read, but sometimes emotionally difficult.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; first book in a YA series that's very popular and well regarded. Here's a link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1919156,00.html

The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass; Brenda loved this; I've read it as well and pretty much love all that Julia Glass has written.

I'll add Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout which won the Pulitzer in 2009. I found this a really interesting book with a central character who wasn't especially likable, but very interesting (admit it--likable is usually BORING!). I also like this because it's really a collection of short stories and it's been a long time since we've delved into that genre.

Let's plan to make a decision on one of these (or nominate another title) at our April meeting.

Cleopatra!

Hope everyone is ready for a great discussion next week about Cleopatra. I have to admit, this was a challenging book, but it's stayed with me. A few questions to think about prior to the meeting:
What was your vision or understanding of Cleopatra before reading this book, and how did it change (or did it?).
Do you think Cleopatra has been accurately portrayed?
Are you swayed by the author's argument that so much of our view of Cleopatra was shaped by the Roman's who had a specific agenda?
Was there anything about the era that Cleopatra lived in that was surprising?
This book has received tremendously positive reviews. Do you think it's an exceptional biography?

Okay--hope everyone persisted with this book. Looking forward to a fun discussion. Extra points to anyone who comes dressed as the Queen of Egypt!

A view of our culture

Two books to think about for next year: The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Amy Chua), and Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Front Lines of the New Girlie Girl Culture (Peggy Orenstein).
I haven't read either, but I think both could yield interesting discussions into our culture as it pertains to the evolution of parenting (is the first a pendulum swing to finally balance out the era of self-esteem parenting), and how we raise girls.
Thoughts?