Little Commune on the Prairie

 

I had never even heard of the Hutterite religion until this book.  

It was very interesting.  The idea of communal living is very enticing (especially after reading this!) 

Where else do women get a two year helper when they have a baby,  do you never have to cook unless it's your designated job?

This is the author's family story.  Her parents were devout Hutterites.  They break with their community when the author is a child and the story of the struggle on leaving the community is as interesting as the story of the Hutterite society.  

I did become a bit confused with some of the language and family relationships (and then realized that there was a guide at the end of the book...)

A sweet story about family and community.

ROOM...

Okay, I didn't know what this book was about when I started reading.  It's our book club pick for January so I thought I'd get ahead... 

Jack and his mom live in Room.  Door slides open for them sometimes and he comes in.  There is TV, and Stove, and Bed and... well you get the picture.   It is very similar to the real news story from a few years ago.
I don't normally like scary books that are in the realm of reality.  This one was, but I must admit I did like it.  This haunting tale stays with you.  Happy ending?  Maybe...

Cotton Comes to Harlem

Cotton Comes to Harlem was sited as being "one of the foremost American detective novels."  
I normally don't pick detective novels (well, I did read Nancy Drew and Ms Marple books as a kid) but this was our book club choice for February. 
I did think the imagery was wonderful.  You could picture yourself in Harlem during prohibition which is full of all kinds of images.  The language was a little rough, but it was mainly con artists and criminals as main characters (besides the two detectives.)  I realized after I read it that the author, Chester Himes, had actually been in jail during this time so the language and details are probably pretty true-to-life. 
The story revolves around a few con-artist schemes.  The main one being the "Back-To-Africa" movement run by an ex-con/preacher who is selling land and ship passage to Africa.   The money he's collected is stolen at a rally and then the hunt is on to find it.  Two great police detectives, a scary white southern Colonel, and the Back-to-Africa gang are all on the hunt.  I won't tell you much more, but the Cotton does come into play.  The ending is wonderful so don't read that first! 

Ellen "Foster"

I just finished this month's Book Club pick-
Ellen Foster.
I liked it, but oh it was depressing. The poor kid!

It makes me think of a conversation I had with a foster mom while waiting in the doctor's office one day. She must have been about 74 or so, and had a baby in a carrier and two mentally-challenged kids with her, probably 4 and 7. She was telling me about the kids she'd fostered in her life, a total of 18. She said that most go through without being adopted, usually because the parents won't release their rights, or because they are just too "old" by the time they get to foster care. She had adopted one girl who was now in her 20's. It is just so sad that these kids don't get a "real" family of their own. In "Ellen" I saw how that foster family can become the "real" family in a child's life. All it takes is one person that's willing to give a hug and an "I love you."

Blue Shoes & Happiness

I didn't like this one as much as Tears of the Giraffe. I don't think the story was as interesting or fast enough to hold my attention. It was still fun to hear the language. Book club was fun- Christi made some wonderful Kenyan food (chai, greens, some polenta stuff that I can't remember the name of, beef stew which looked yummy, other goodies...)

Choices....

April is my month for our book club hostess.  I didn't realize it at our last meeting and was not prepared to tell everyone what our next choice is (I am a bad girl!)  which of course upset my A.R. (anal-retentive, not Arkansas) self.  I hate it when it's my turn.  I love to host bookclub, makes me clean house really good and I get to cook for bunches which I love.  BUT, I am not good with choices.  I get so overwhelmed thinking about all the wonderful books to choose from.  

*Will they like this one?

*Is this one too long?

*Is this one too depressing?

*Will they actually read this?

ARGH!!!!

I have it down to four choices and going to pick one out of a hat I think.  If you're in my club (or not) and have an opinion please pipe in! :)

It will be either:

Great Expectations- Charles Dickens 544 pgs 

Of Human Bondage- HM Somerset Maughm 745 pgs 

Pride and Predjudice- Jane Austen 448 pgs 

Coming of Age in Mississippi- Anne Moody 432 pgs