February - Stargirl

It's about time we read Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I know it's been suggested several times, but I'm finally pinning it down. A brilliant book about fitting in, finding yourself, and a little romance. If you've already read it, read the companion book by Stargirl herself called Love, Stargirl.

Lots of copies at the library. Hope you enjoy!

We'll meet at Angie's, February 11, 7 p.m. Come with your new Stargirl name.

Book Club and Hati

Would anyone be interested in bringing supplies to put some hygiene kits together?
The supplies are simple...I've just felt so helpless today and can't stand it. :(

Here is a list of what is needed to make up one kit. This is from the most current directions given from The Church:
2 unbreakable fine-tooth, combs without pointed handles
1 pkg of 4 toothbrushes (pakage must be sealed)
1 tube of tooth paste 6-8oz and no pumps
2 bars of soap (3.5 - 5 oz each)
2 hand towels (15 X 25 inches each) no dish towels or wash clothes.
1 heavy duty, one gallon, sealable bag.

Book Club Jan. 14th Amy's House

Hi everyone! 7pm at my house for a chat about I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Looking forward to it!

Here's a list of Discussion Questions I found that we'll use:
1. I Capture the Castle was first published in 1948. How might readers have responded differently to the novel at that time? How might their responses have been the same? Why does the novel continue to appeal to readers today as it did in 1948?
2. I Capture the Castle is told through Cassandra’s entries in her journals, an exercise she has undertaken in order to teach herself how to write. Why do you think Dodie Smith chose the form of the diary to tell the story of Cassandra and the Mortmain family?
3. Mortmain’s celebrated novel is described throughout I Capture the Castle as a literary breakthrough, a predecessor to James Joyce’s work, and meriting the analysis of famous literary critics. Yet beyond a few spare descriptions, Smith tells us little about the actual story. What do you imagine Jacob Wrestling to be about?
4. A voracious reader, Cassandra compares her situation to that of the Bennets in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. How would you compare the situation of the Mortmain sisters to that of the Bennet sisters?
5. Why does Mortmain encourage Cassandra to be “brisk” with Stephen? What does I Capture the Castle say about class in mid-twentieth-century England?
6. What is the meaning of the book’s title?
7. Cassandra is fascinated by the Cottons and their American mannerisms, traditions and expressions, just as the Cottons are fascinated by the Mortmains and their English mannerisms, traditions and expressions. What does I Capture the Castle say about English preconceptions of Americans and America and vice versa?
8. How does I Capture the Castle reflect society’s changing views toward women during the first half of the century? How do the women in the novel view the roles and opportunities open to them both in the family and in the world at large differently? Consider Cassandra, Rose, Topaz, Mrs. Cotton, and Mrs. Fox-Cotton.
9. Over the course of the novel, Cassandra comes to seem less a child “with a little green hand” and more a young woman. How is I Capture the Castle a story of Cassandra’s coming of age?

I capture the castle

JANUARY's book is "I capture the castle" by Dodie Smith at Amy's house.

New Moon - Girls Night Out

Hey ladies!!

Thursday November 19th is the midnight showing of New Moon, so exciting!! Lets all make a plan to get together and have an AWESOME night. Wanted to know what others thought about the events of the evening, so we're making a post to find out.

Getting together for dinner before the show would be great, like last year, and we've come across a couple of different ideas. Currently there are 8 different theaters showing New Moon, after contacting the theater they suspect all 14 theaters will be showing the movie. Also they have an option of watching Twilight at 9 before New Moon starts. This is only happening in 2 theaters right now, and don't know if they are going to add any others. The costs is $5 and you'll get to stay in the same theater to watch New Moon so your seat is already 'saved'. So what do the rest of you think? What kind a scenerio do you like?

a. Same as last year - Dinner and sit in theater for a couple of hours before New Moon starts
b. Dinner, Twilight, then New Moon
c. Other (please specify)

Leave a comment to show what you think.

Have a FANTASTIC day!!

More on Pope Joan...

Pope Joan by Donna Wookfolk Cross
Historical drama...with all the elements of love, sex, violence, duplicity, and long buried secrets
"For a thousand years men have denied her existence--Pope Joan, the woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to rule Christianity for two years...when her older brother dies in a Viking attack, the brilliant young Joan assumes his identity and enters a Benedictine monastery where, as Brother John Anglicus, she distinguishes herself as a scholar and healer. Eventually drawn to Rome, she soon becomes enmeshed in a dangerous mix of powerful passion & explosive politics that threatens her life even as it elevates her to the highest throne in the Western world."
Vicki, Wendy, Erin & Amy B all have copies. I will be getting another copy tomorrow that will be available, and then I'm re-reading a copy & will be done soon as well! Hope you all enjoy!

Love that Erin

How amazing is this spread that Erin did at book club? Very "On a Pale Horse" appropriate.

The cupcakes have devil horns. There are skeleton candies and chocolate chunks of grass (over graves, I'm assuming, right?) Note that Angelica (or maybe Luna) is riding a magic carpet pizza. Both Death/Zane and Mortis are featured. Ha! I'm still laughing.

Thanks, Erin for a fun night, great food, and awesome discussion. There's a special place in HEAVEN reserved for the likes of you!