Any Comments on "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett?

During August, some of us read State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett. This was an optional selection, because of the very early due date for the book.

If you read State of Wonder, feel free to offer your reactions here, as a comment to this blog post.

Reminder: Live meeting to pick up A Change in Altitude, by Anita Shreve, and to discuss additional selections for the coming months on a special day: Tuesday,  September 3, 12:05 p.m., at DCLC.

Please don't read these comments if you haven't yet finished the book; they may contain spoilers!

"Noah's Compass" Not Inspiring for All; "State of Wonder" August's Optional Read

We had a modest turnout for our discussion of Noah's Compass, by Anne Tyler. Maureen, Michelle, Lois, Mary, and Susan attended.

To some readers, this story and character were too lackluster, and they did not enjoy reading about someone who had such a passive approach to life. To others, the book gave a glimpse, sometimes humorous, of the struggles of real life.

For August, some of us will read State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett. It is not a group selection because the book must be returned to DCLC by August 26, which is too early for our September meeting.

However, if you've read State of Wonder or would like to delve into it this August, let us know what you think of the book!

Reminder: Live meeting to pick up A Change in Altitude, by Anita Shreve, and to discuss additional selections for the coming months on a special day: Tuesday,  September 3, 12:05 p.m., at DCLC.

Please don't read these comments if you haven't yet finished the book; they may contain spoilers!

Invitation to Comment on NOAH'S COMPASS

In July, "One Book...One Literacy Council" is reading Noah's Compass, by Anne Tyler.

We hope everyone enjoyed reading the book. If you have finished the book, feel free to comment below.

Reminder: Live meeting to discuss Noah's Compass will be held Monday, August 5, 12:05 p.m., at DCLC.

Please don't read these comments if you haven't yet finished the book; they may contain spoilers!

Group Enjoys Discussion of "The 19th Wife"

We had a good turnout July 1 for our discussion of The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff.

Mary, Michelle, Susan, Ellen, Lois, Edith, and Susanna shared their reactions to the book, which most considered engaging and thought-provoking.

Topics of discussion included whether the present-day mystery was adequately explained, the interesting arguments for and against polygamy in Mormon history, and the light the book shed on religion and marriage in general.

Maureen, who could not attend the live discussion, highly recommends reading the book on a Kindle or other e-reader. She found she could jump easily to the historical references either to discover which parts of the novel are historically accurate or to read more about historical topics that interested her.

Thanks to all who participated!

July's Selection--Ready for Pick-up July 1

For July, our selection is Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler. Members of the group recommended Anne Tyler's work for her quirky characters. This book involves a fifth grade teacher who wakes up in a Baltimore hospital, not sure of how he got there. The book will be available for borrowing at our July 1st meeting (12:05 at DCLC) and shortly thereafter.

Invitation to Comment on THE 19th WIFE

In June, "One Book...One Literacy Council" is reading The 19th Wife, by David Ebershoff.

We hope everyone enjoyed reading the book. If you have finished the book, feel free to comment below.

Reminder: Live meeting to discuss The 19th Wife will be held Monday, July 1st, 12:05 p.m., at DCLC.

Please don't read these comments if you haven't yet finished the book; they may contain spoilers!

Invitation to Comment on "The 19th Wife" through Chapter XI

In June, "One Book...One Literacy Council" is reading The 19th Wife, by David Ebershoff. There is one Large Print copy available to be borrowed at the DCLC offices.

We hope everyone is enjoying the book. If you have finished Chapter XI, "Wife #19: The Con of the West" (p. 324 in regular book; p. 353 in large print edition), then it's time to let us know what you think of the book.

Reminder: Live meeting to discuss The 19th Wife will be held Monday, July 1st, 12:05 p.m., at DCLC.

Please don't read these comments if you haven't yet finished Chapter X1; they may contain spoilers!