upcoming Christmas party

We've emailed a bit about this, but I wondered if not everyone is seeing the email (Melissa - it says "bounced" for yours - so that's one), so I thought I'd put a little something on the blog.

We're talking about Tues, Dec 13th, or thereabouts, for the Christmas party. Something in that week, anyway, if that works for everyone? I've only have one negative response for the 13th so far, so that might stick. But I'm open for the 14th or 15th as well, if those nights work better. So please take a look at your calendars and let me know!

It will be at The Manor again, like last year.

White Elephant gift exchange. (I promise, I'm done with embarrassing items. I have mine already, and it's not even remotely "questionable" in nature.)
Bring a treat to share (or did we want to do a dinner? soup & salad?).
Other gifting is entirely optional, so don't feel like you have to come up with something if that's not your thing, or if you're just feeling overwhelmed. Those of us that like to gift stuff won't be offended, promise.

Matched

Matched is our current selection. Orem and Provo Libraries have at least 20 copies each, but you'll need to put a Hold on it if you want it - it's popular!

We'll meet to discuss the book in January (correct me if I got that wrong), and we'll have our Christmas party in December, at Stately Jorgensen Manor (my parents house - same as last year) with no pressure to talk about the book.

We should get that party calendared now, before everyone has too many other obligations. Votes? Preferences?

The Egg & I

So, I think I sorta forced the gals to agree with my choice for our next book, but I think you'll all enjoy it.

I thought of it back when Liz got her chickens, and went in search of it, hoping against hope that it was still in print (it's older - from the 30's, I believe). Amazingly, it had been re-printed in the late 80's, so I was able to get a copy from B&N. Perhaps Borders will have one going cheap as they go out of business?

Provo and Orem Libraries only have one copy each, but my copy should be available pretty soon, so let me know if you want to borrow it.

It's one of my all-time favorite movies. Maybe we can watch the movie when we get together to talk about it?

The Devil in the White City

Remember when Lisa gave us a list of books her trusted ward members loved? This was on the list. It was a fascinating read. I own it, so if anyone wants to read it, you can borrow mine. It's partly about a real-live murderer, so it's a bit disturbing, but it's a really interesting slice of our nation's history.

Chuck-a-rama April!

Pavilion of Women (for May/June)

Ladies, we had a fabulous time last night out at Chuck-A-Rama in Draper!
(insert cute photo here - I didn't take one, but a couple others did)

We really enjoyed just chatting and being with each other, with a smattering of book-related discussion thrown in just for good measure.

For our next meet-up, we'll read Pavilion of Women, by Pearl S Buck.

Orem and Provo libraries each have only one copy, sadly, so some may have to purchase this one.

We'll meet up on Thursday, June 9th,* 7-ish, have take-out of the Oriental persuasion, and hang out in Sar's hot tub!

*Sar &tc gone the 23rd, her Sis the 16th, so we backed it up to the 9th - which we hope works for most of us?

Darcy Trilogy

I think you all know that I'm a die-hard P&P fan, so it was fun to pick up these three books for more of a Darcy & Elizabeth fix. The trilogy shows what the life of a gentleman was back then, and frankly, it seems pretty darn frivolous and unfair by our standards: everyone who starts out as a servant remains so for the rest of his life; those born to privilege don't have to do anything except manage to dress well and not squander the family money. These books are well-written and entertaining. The second one, though, is simply filler, so I would suggest skipping it. It involves Darcy trying to forget Elizabeth (it does have a great title--Duty and Desire) and being entranced by a dangerous woman named Sylvanie. You'll grow to appreciate some new characters in this version of the story--particularly Darcy's astute valet and his heroic friend (who seems so much cooler than Darcy when you get to know what he's really about). Still, when the last book came to an end for me, I was still touched by the beauty of love won, and I appreciated seeing Darcy's change from book I to book III as he softens. Has anyone else read these?

March/April reading

As previously mentioned via email, we're reading Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

and we'll be meeting at Chuck-A-Rama in Draper on the 4th Thursday in April, 7pm (see email for address, etc.)

I've just finished with this, so if you'd like to borrow it, just let me know! I loved every minute of it.

(It's sitting on the table by the front door, should anyone wish to take their chances at dropping by to get it - the Twins are generally at home.)

Miss my girls!

Hey ladies!

It's February, so unless you met secretly last month, it's time to meet again this month, right?. Is there a book out there I should be reading? I just read my Christmas book (late, I know. I'm really behind these days) by Richard Paul Evans-- Promise Me. It's about love, of course--- fitting for the month. I love his books because I can read through them pretty quickly and I love a good candy read when I haven't had the chance to read in a while.

Where to have book club?? Jorgensen Castle? The Chocolate in Orem is a delightful and delicious place. My home is open. Should we venture up to Kiki's or Marcy's way perhaps?

Miss your guts, lovely Bookettes!!  I have your Christmas gift and my shower thank you's to deliver (still. So embarassing. you think I could just put a stamp on them and mail them, right?!)

I'm thinking it'd be fun to Bookette party anyway....hot tubbing, Just Dance on the Wii, and food that you all bring because it is always SO delish.

Amazing Grace

Sadly, I haven't read anything in a while, but I did enjoy this movie last night: Amazing Grace. I highly recommend it.