Traveling to Japan via Book

I first read Memoirs of a Geisha several years ago, and I can't wait to read it again. It provides an intimate look into the world of the geisha house, of relationships among women, between men and women and the role of geishas in Japanese culutre.

Join us for the discussion of Memoirs of a Geisha on January 9 after school in the library.

I'm definitely looking forward to today's discussion of The Golden Compass. I have enjoyed the book more than I thought I would.

Be sure to see Mrs. Richart in the library to reserve your discounted ticket to the film version of The Golden Compass. We look forward to seeing you there on Friday, December 14.

Film and Food Friday

Book Club Members,

Thanks to everyone who joined in the discussion of Perfume.
Join us in my room after school on November 16 to watch the film version of the novel, and of course, to eat.

Getting to Know a Killer

When we read Montmorency it seemed that most of us sympathized with the thief and wished him well as he entered a new life of public service, but as I read Perfume, I am finding it harder to care for this protagonist even though he is orphaned and is truly without any human contact or affection. Grenouille seems so distant from the human race; perhaps this is why he finds it easy to kill. His unparalleled ability to sniff out and identify any scent or mixture of scents is a fascinating plot element, and everyone with whom he comes in contact comes to an unfortunate end. It seems as though Grenouille is as cursed as he is gifted.

Join us for the discussion of Perfume on November 7 after school in the library.

Join us also for the viewing of the film version of Perfume (staring Richard Felix) on the Friday following the discussion.

Announcing our new selection!

I am happy to announce this year's Book Club theme: Books set outside the United States. I am very excited about the opportunities for a greater understanding of other cultures that awaits us in this year's selections.

In keeping with the theme, the second selection of the year is The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Set in Afghanistan, this is the story of two boys whose fates are wrapped up in one another. One boy is the son a wealthy man, and the other is the son of their servant. Amir, the story's narrator, struggles to deal with the dislocation of his family and with his own betrayal of his childhood friend, Hassan. The novel explores the human failings that to which we all have succumbed at one time or another--jealousy, disloyalty. Eventually, the story becomes one of redemption.

Join us for the discussion of The Kite Runner on Wednesday, October 10, in the library after school.

Food, Fun and Harry Potter

Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We had over thirty people sharing great insights and opintions. (The food was good, too.)

Has anyone finished Montmorency? I'm nearly done. I like the main character more than I think I should. I'm a little bothered by the fact that it doesn't bother me at all that he seems to feel absolutely no guilt or remorse for his thievery. Does he have a conscience?

Where has the summer gone?

Hey all! The summer has flown by and it is almost time for another school year and more great reads. To all my fellow Harry Potter fans, I am beside myself with excitement (and sorrow) that the release of the seventh book is only one day away. (Save Harry!) I will be emailing you for a book chat and possible day of mourning.

The first Book Club selection of the 2007-08 school year is Eleanor Updale's, Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? Set in 1875, it is the story of a man living two lives. By day, he is the wealthy, sophisticated Montmorency; by night he uses the sewer system beneath London to execute the robberies that fund his life as a gentleman.

If you enjoy this book, check out (no pun intended) Updale's other Montmorency books.

Join us for the discussion of this book on Wednesday, September 12.