Book Group Ideas

I have been in my current book group for more than six years now. In that time we have read dozens and dozens of books. Every May we gather and choose our books for the coming year. Unfortunately, my reading is WAY down this year. I haven't updated by sidebar list for weeks and weeks and never did my 2013 reading wrap up.

Nothing like full time work to really send your priorities out of whack, I know.

Anyway, as our annual "book sell" comes up (you bring 2-3 books you think the group would like, give your pitch and then the group chooses which to read), I find myself a bit stuck. Whether by design or accident I have emerged as a leader in the group, and they usually pick what I sell. This puts enormous pressure on me to make good choices. My three picked this year were: Great Expectations (great, as expected); A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (a wonderful conversation) and The Screwtape Letters (epic fail).

Here are some of my thoughts for this year . . . though I'm looking for other recommendations too.

1.  A Wrinkle in Time. One young adult book is usually chosen and I think this would be fantastic. I have tried to sell it before and it fell flat. On the other hand, several people have told me that if I did try to sell it this year they would vote for it after a very mixed reception to Tuck Everlasting. Don't you love the background intrigue?

2.  The Rent Collector. I don't know anything about this except that my sister recommended it; I doubt I have time to finish it before the end of the month. I was less than enamored by the Shadow Mountain Publication (an arm of Deseret Book) because I'm skittish about LDS novels like that. Also, our group tends to like stuff they can get at the library. This would not be one of those.

3.  The Poisonwood Bible. Read in my Texas book club about 10 years ago. I remember really enjoying this book but wonder if it might be too . . . edgy . . . for this current group. I know--the book isn't really edgy--but this group definitely isn't.

4.  A Separate Peace. Such a weird, dark novel of unhealthy and yet necessary friendships. I loved this book once upon a time. Another young adult novel though certainly not feel-good.

5.  The Chosen. Too cerebral, maybe? I don't know; it is such a lovely book with cool insights into modern Judaism.

I want to read Steinbeck but it is definitely too edgy and nobody wants to do Austen. In the past I've sold (and we read) The Help, The Potato Pie Society book with the absurdly long title, Rebecca, The Good Earth, To Kill a Mockingbird, Goose Girl, Tess of the Dubervilles, Ethan Frome, Mrs. Mike . . . there are more, but I'm trying to get YOU to do the thinking here!

Full Circle

My youngest cousin had his mission farewell a Sunday or two ago. My mom called to tell me about it, asking if she remembered when he was blessed at that same Church 19 years ago. I was in college then and I did remember going to the blessing. It was very exciting--he is a twin and I think most of us knew that these young grand babies would be the last of their generation in a very large family. At the time, their parents weren't active in the church and my dad did the blessings. 

Because I have no filter, I felt strongly impressed to bear my testimony that day. I spoke about the miracle of children (I was studying childbirth in a physiology class at the time; I had no direct experience) and the joy of family. I quoted this scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants:

"And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be couple with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy."

I know, I know it was 19 years ago . . . what a ridiculous thing to remember! Well, I didn't remember, not really, not the details anyway. But for some reason my mom did and when she told me about it the other day I thought back to that time. My mom said it stood out to her powerfully because when I was finished, my aunt (the twins' mother), tears streaming down her face said to my mom, "She said exactly what I would have said had I been able to.

In my cousin's farewell meeting, a little less than 19 years later, a high councilman spoke after my cousin finished. He commented on the enormous number of people/family at the meeting (these boys are still the pride and joy of a large family and their community to boot) using the same scripture. This time, my aunt, tears streaming down her face said to my mom, "Who would have thought, 19 years ago, that I would send TWO sons on a mission?" His twin brother is currently serving in Spain. 

My mom had one of those profound moments when everything feels like it comes full circle. I wish I had been there. Sending my love out into the universe today; I hope it lands on something that needs it.