Book Review - Local Wonders by Ted Kooser The Book Club highly recommends Local Wonders, where Ted Kooser muses on life in the Bohemian Alps of Garland, Nebraska. Readers will find it as humorous and poignant as Kooser's poetry. Kooser, a Nebraskan, was recently named United States poet laureate, the highest honor an American poet can receive. Setting his poetry aside for a moment, club members enjoyed his prose book. Celebrating this nationally recognized poet, Kooser's new fans noted how closely his poetry is linked with his stories and comments in Local Wonders. It's easy to be a fan of Kooser's poetry because he aims for simplicity of expression, even as his poems describe deep feelings and the wonders of the world immediately surrounding him. Kooser has said, "I used to show my poems to my secretary. If she didn't understand it, I'd go home and rewrite until she did." Book Club members answer, "We understand, Ted. Keep writing!"

Book Review - Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott As they discussed their March book selection, Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman, The Book Club members noted that reading about artists has increased their appreciation of art. It was only a few months ago that the members were drawn into the world of 17th century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring. This time, in Chessman's book, the scene is late 18th century Paris, the world of Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. Not only does Chessman's book capture that scene, but it also explores the rich relationship between Cassatt and her sister Lydia. Adding to the power of the book is the fact that Lydia, fatally stricken with Bright's disease and facing her own mortality, is also dealing with several family deaths and her fiance's death in the American Civil War. As Lydia approaches her impending death, yet managing to pose for some of Mary's most powerful and haunting paintings, Mary and Lydia both find comfort in their lasting legacy.

Book Review - Atonement by Ian McEwan Book Club members experienced the February 2004 selection on many levels. Does Atonement by Ian McEwan have a gripping and page-turning plot? Satisfying and rhythmic prose? Characters we come to know and care about? Lessons about life that we tend to expect from good literature? A "gotcha" ending? The Book Club members' answer to all of the above is a resounding "Yes!" But Ian McEwan gives readers one more thing to think about - the awesome power of fine storytelling. Think about the title and read this book if you dare!

Book Review - The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd The Secret Life of Bees, a first novel by Sue Monk Kidd, relates the story of a young woman's search for a sense of family. It is the tale of Lily Owens whose life has been shaped by a blurred memory of her mother being killed. Set in South Carolina in 1964 the story unfolds as Lily's black "stand-in mother" insults three of the town's deepest racists. Lily decides to free them both and they flee to Tiburon, South Carolina - the town that holds the secret to her mother's past. The two are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters. Lily comes to find the meaning of the power of love between a mother and daughter in the extraordinary setting of a world of bees and honey and the spiritual kinship of a black Madonna. This imaginative story with its finely crafted writing makes it a novel that is a joy to read and one you will not soon forget

Book Review - Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Members of The Book Club gave Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, their April selection, a unanimous top rating. This gripping book, narrated by eleven-year-old Reuben Land, is more than just a growing-up story. Set in Minnesota and South Dakota, this tale has something for everyone - love, adventure, humor, tragedy, and faith. Readers will not soon forget its distinctive characters and precise language. As San Francisco Chronicle reviewer Andrew Roe says, "Peace Like a River serves as a reminder of why we read fiction to begin with."     Book Review - Blue Shoe by Anne LaMott In Blue Shoe by Anne LaMott, Mattie Ryder is a divorced mother of two living in her childhood home where the walls are infested with rats and the unanswered questions from her past sift through the cracks. Getting rid of the rats is easier than making peace with the past when Mattie discovers some painful truths, especially about her father. Finding herself in the middle of raising her children and caring for her mother who suffers from increased dementia as the result of a series of small strokes, as well as a multitude of other exhausting relationships, Mattie longs "to be God with skin on to the world." As she develops the healthiest relationship with Daniel, former rat exterminator turned boyfriend, she decides "to tell the truth. The most radical thought of all. What a concept! Tell the truth and let go of the results." In the end, Mattie comes to terms with all the rats in her past, including the truth about her father's relationship with Abby, a childhood friend. This revelation culminates in a poignant picture of grace, as Mattie lovingly washes Abby's dirt-covered, scarred, and smelly feet. With humor, candor, and honesty, LaMott writes about real life relationships where everyone is dysfunctional to some degree, self-centered, confused, and angry. Her quirky brand of Christianity is a breath of fresh air in a world polluted with radio and TV airwaves heralding all the right answers and knowing the right way to God. LaMott dares God to show His grace to all of the unlovely, messy, confused characters in Matthie's life. In so doing, LaMott gives me the courage to trust that God can even love me. Thanks, Anne!     Book Review - Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks The historical novel, Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks puts a human face on the Bubonic Plague that ravaged England in the mid-1600's. Through the eye of Anna Frith, a young widowed servant girl, we follow the story of a small mining village that chooses self-imposed quarantine. As death moves through the households, the villagers respond variously: panic, rage, greed, meek acceptance, murderous superstition. No one is left unchanged as the characters and the reader grapple with ageless questions: Why is there pain and suffering? Who chooses who lives and who dies? Why do some people lose their faith while others deepen theirs in the face of tragedy? Favorite books that members have read in the past are listed below. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt By now almost everyone has read Angela's Ashes who are going to. And they've probably seen the author, Frank McCourt, and his brother on TV. For those that haven't, they've missed out on a true tale of an unbelievably deprived childhood told with even more unbelievable humor. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson The movie of Snow Falling on Cedars conveyed the story and atmosphere of the book just about as well as a movie could. This is the story of a Japanese American's murder trial set in a small community in northwestern United States. It takes place a few years after World War II when prejudices are still prevalent against Japanese Americans. They, in turn, remember and resent the concentration camps where they sat out the war, losing four years of their lives. Reporting all of this in his small-town newspaper, the main character has to struggle with feelings that he harbors against the defendant because of an old love affair. The reader, like him, will be changed by this story. Follow the River by James Thom Follow the River is based on the true experience of a pioneer woman in the colony of Virginia in 1755. This fictionalized account tells the saga of Mary Ingles' struggle after she was captured by Shawnee Indians and taken away from her home and family. After a daring escape from the Shawnees, Mary retraced the route her captors had followed. With the Ohio River as her guide, she walked one thousand miles through untamed wilderness to return to her own people. The descriptions of the hardships along the way underscore a strength and determination that is nearly incredible to modern readers. Plainsong by Kent Haruf Plainsong is set in a small town in eastern Colorado, but the town and its residents could just as well be in Nebraska. Readers in Polk County might recognize attitudes and people from their own communities, the good as well as the not so good. It's all there in Haruf's story of just a few of the inhabitants whose lives intertwine in Plainsong. This is a story about people adapting to their own difficult circumstances and helping each other along the way. Stones from the Rivers by Ursula Hegi Ursula Hegi, the author of Stones from the River, grew up in Germany and knew a person who was identical to Trudi, the unforgettable main character. That accounts for the authenticity of this story, which deals with Trudi's complex and varied traits. But there are other finely drawn characters too and much more to this story about dealing with being different, rising to the challenges of dangerous times, and choosing what truths to remember The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver The Poisonwood Bible is an amazing book for several reasons. For one thing, it is written from the viewpoint of several different characters, all members of the same missionary family. Some of these characters learn from their experiences and some do not. For another reason, the book exposes some of the ridiculous ways our western culture has expected third world countries to adopt our way of life whether it makes sense to them or not. A third reason to read this book is to get a detailed impression of life and customs in an African country. A fourth reason is that Kingsolver's concern for ecology is woven throughout Poisonwood. Lastly, this book was written by a real lover of words. And it shows. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness, like Poisonwood Bible, explores the evils of western civilization forcing its ideas onto Africa. This story demonstrates the hypocrisy and moral confusion of 19th century colonization by European nations. The destinies of Conrad's main characters show that the heart of those who would exploit Africa are destined to become darker than the heart of that continent. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Bridge to Terabithia was written as a young people's book but it is a satisfying adult read too. The winner of the Newbery Medal for best children's book in 1978, it is the story of friendship. Two fifth graders create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia and they learn from each other and share their strengths and weaknesses. A tragedy strikes and you'll have a lump in your throat as the story evolves into one about courage Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier A 17th century masterpiece by Jan Vermeer is the inspiration for The Girl with a Pearl Earring. The subject of the painting is unknown but Chevalier brings her to life in the person of Griet, a servant girl in the artist's household. Through her eyes, the reader learns about the creative process of Vermeer. We also get a glimpse of life in Delft, Holland, at a time in history when Protestantism began to expand and a burgeoning middle class replaced the Catholic Church as patrons of the arts. Under these layers, is the poignant story of a girl on the verge of womanhood who has to deal with conflicting expectations and a strict social hierarchy. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant You can learn about the Biblical times of Jacob when you read The Red Tent. Jacob's daughter, Dinah, is mentioned only briefly in the Bible. As the central character in The Red Tent, her life is typical of women at that time. This story brings ancient time to life. Brought to you by The City of Stromsburg and the Stromsburg Chamber of Commerce   Close Window