The Miraculous Journey of Edward Turlane by Kate DiCamillo (5)

I am always on the look out for new childrens books and this one is lovely ... When I was in the bookstore one of the woman there recommended it me and told me that "you will end up loving and caring for this rabbit so much"

Heres an overview of the book:

"Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Kate DiCamillo and Bagram Ibatoulline take us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again."

I read this book to both my children and they loved it plus it as the added bonus of a lovely message ... And I have to admit on both occassions I did cry ... So the lady in the bookstore was correct ... I cared and loved Edward quite abit ....

I rate this book 5*****

Discussions Questions for P.S I Love You

OK girls ... Here is the discussion questions for our next book ....

1. Who is narrating PS, I Love You? Where is the story located? What affect, if any, does location make to the story? Why?
2. At what point does the book hook you? What makes you keep reading? What is your favorite part?
3. Keeping in mind that Ahern was 21 when she wrote PS, I Love You, discuss her strengths as a storyteller. How effective is she at describing Holly's experiences? If you have lost a loved one, or know someone who has, discuss how much you relate to Holly's mourning process.
4. Look at the first two paragraphs of Chapter One. What is going on? What information does Cecelia Ahern provide at this early stage to set up the story that follows?
5. Thinking about the book's early dialogue, like Holly's wedding preparation in Chapter Two, explore Ahern's word choices. How does she convey about the story? Read aloud the long paragraph on page 8. What does Ahern reveal about the characters?
6. Briefly describe Holly's family and friends. Which characters do you like most? Why?
7. How does the idea of "a list" come about? What is so compelling about a list left by a loved one who has died? How does the list help Holly? Talk about which item was the most difficult for her, and why. If you know anyone who has been left such a list, share how it affected them.
8. Consider the last two paragraphs of Chapter Four, beginning with "Her stomach did a little dance . . ." Discuss your response. What is the author sharing with the reader? How successful is she? Why?
9. Looking at Gerry's letter to Holly in the package with the envelopes/list, discuss what you feel while reading it. Why does Holly feel both sad and relieved?
10. Overall, which item or items on the list move you the most? Why?
11. Think about Holly's reaction to Gerry's karaoke instruction. How does the experience help her? What happens to her when she learns her name had been placed on the list for karaoke months earlier?
12. Even though Gerry is dead, how does he come alive in the book? At what point in the book do we learn the most about Gerry? Describe him both physically and mentally.
13. In Chapter Five, what does Holly mean when she says she knew that she needed Gerry more than he needed her (when he was sick)? Why does she say that the list is the best thing that could have happened right now, three months after Gerry's death?
14. Look at Chapter Ten and discuss Richard's interaction with Holly. Share your opinions of him -- both the beginning of the book and at the end. What do you think of Richard?
15. Discuss who experiences a transformation in PS, I Love You. Why is it important that we see the characters moving on? Who is Holly at the book's start, and at the book's end?
16. What is some of the evidence that shows Holly moving on? Why does Holly cool towards Jack? How do Sharon's pregnancy and Denise's marriage help Holly?
17. How does Ahern set up Holly's relationship with Daniel? Did you think Holly was going to hook up with Daniel? Why? Discuss what happens in Daniel's love life, and why he makes the choice he does.
18. Consider Declan's film about the girls, "Girls and the City". Does it remind you of anything else? What do you think of it? Why does it strike a chord with its audience?
19. Who did you think the secret gardener was? Are you surprised that it is Richard? The garden is one of many metaphors that Ahern uses in PS, I Love You. What are some others? How do these metaphors enrich the story? How do they amplify Holly's journey?
20. What affect does the vacation to Spain have on Holly? How does the magazine job change her?
21. When the film of the book is made, what actors might make the story come alive for you?
22. Share how PS, I Love You has affected you? Has it had any impact on your close relationships? How?

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society By Mary-Ann Shaffer (5)

Ok ... Firstly the main reason I picked this book up was because the cover caught my eye .... I am a sucker when it comes to covers .... If it is pretty and appealing I will pick it up

The second reason I picked the book up was because the title really enthralled me to find out more ...

I just loved ... Loved ... Loved this book ....

It is set just after WW2 and the whole book is set out in the form of letters ...

It tells about the occupation of the Germans in Guernsey during a 5 year period . When a group of residents of the Island ( who generally do not mix together ) find themselves by chance forming a Book Club ...

I have to say that in a few places I did Laugh out Out the main Character is female and she is fiery that you cannot help but fall in love with her ...

You will cry as some of the stories they relate of the war are heartbreaking but are told beautifully ....

This is a gorgeous book and one that I will read and re-read again .....

I rate this book *****

First Post

Well I was writing another review of a book I had just finished on my blog and thought it would be a good idea to have a blog solely just for the books that we are reading and a chance to share what we think and enjoy ....

As a group of LDS women we formed a book club a few months ago and have not looked back ... We enjoy getting together and chatting ... And finding each others points of views .... And the added bonus of reading good books .... So between the 7 of us we will write our reviews of the books that we are reading at the moment and hopefully will be able to inspire you to pick the book up ....

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (5)

I picked this book up a few years ago while waiting in line to pay for my shopping ... I was on holiday and had finished all other books that I had with me ... Little did I know then that the next day I would be completely hooked and finish the book in one sitting ...

I have always been interested in history and this book has it by the bucket load ... Some people are turned off when you mention that it story is about Vampires not just any ordinary Vampire but the top guy himself Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) .... It is set in Europe in many countries that when you read you just want to visit them all ...

It is a story of a girl who finds a book and her adventures thereafter .... I couldn't put the book down ... Totally fascinating !!!!

A brilliant read especially considering this is her first novel

A Rate this book 5 *****

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (5)

While browsing the 100 best books in Angus and Robinson I came across The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

It isn't a very thick book but it has so many wonderful stories hidden inside ...

It is described as being a modern day Fairy Tale and is about the personal journey of a Shepherd Boy. I loved the different parables dotted throughout the story and it really made me reflect on what my goals and dreams are ... And what am I doing to achieve them !!! As a bookclub we had quite a lengthy and spiritual discussion on the many things we as woman strive to do and what are the obstacles that are blocking us ...

Know matter what life throws at this young boy he always looks to the brighter side it is the case of is the cup half empty or full ????

If you are looking to read an uplifting book then this book is for you ....

Loved, Loved, Loved this book .....

I Rate it 5 *****

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult (4)

I was quite glad when this book was picked for our book club as I had already brought it and was excited to read it ...

The Amish way of life fascinates me and this is the backdrop for this novel ...

I found it confusing at the start ( I think mainly because there where so many new characters and two of the main characters have similar names so was going back and forth for abit to see who was who) Then suddenly after a couple of chapters you are totally enthralled ....

I found it very thought provoking and you totally got lost in their world ...

There are few twists and turns in the book and a great ending ....

I really enjoyed this read and would love to go out and purchase more of her works ...

I give this a Rating of ****