Our book club had the best discussion ever after reading the Screwtape Letters. The author truly describes people who would be possible subjects for the young devil to convert to the dark side. Unfortunately, many of us saw ourselves in some of the descriptions! Great personal insight and a quick and easy read.
Also, quite humorous.

As the Columbine story unfolded, most if not all of us were taken in by a story created by the media. Much of what we remember about the Columbine incident, the individuals involved and perpetrators was created by the media to fill time during the standoff and is not accurate. A very fine investigative look at what really happened and what the real motives were. As fascinating for it's indictment of the media as for the story is reveals. So much possibility for discussion.

As a dog lover, I am fascinated by the relationships between dogs and humans. The unique feature of this book is that it is told from the dog's perspective. Beautiful story.

Gorgeous descriptive writing. So vivid. Unusual plot, but definitely a book about characters and their development. Did not want it to end.

I am one of those people who hated the Lucille Ball television program. I always felt if she just told the truth, unplugged the machine, etc. her problem would be solved. Same in this book. The secrets kept were kept for stupid reasons. The characters ruined each others lives by keeping these secrets. I just didn't find all this secrecy necessary or believable.

A sweet Christmas story to give your book club a break from all the serious material we read during the year. Fannie Flagg has again filled her story with wonderful characters living in small-town Alabama. This story is full of humor and heart. Each character has a flaw or two, and several are handicapped in some fashion. Many are stuck in the past. Through the example of an injured cardinal or redbird, and the love of a damaged little girl, the townsfolk learn to let go and to live again.

This book was enjoyed by all in our small book club. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how easy it was to discuss. We see some depths to this title with allusions to the holocaust and the lives of persecuted individuals. It demonstrates that inaction, in some cases, may not be the safest choice to make. And, in some cases, this choice is taken away through the violence of others. We all look forward to the sequel (and we look forward to the movie with Helena Bonham Carter as Miss Peregrine and Johnny Depp as Dr. Gorlan).

Excellent book for a book club. The author suggests that giving a small something away each day for 29 days in a row changes your perspective and encourages a more giving and grateful spirit. This makes for a very interesting discussion - does giving change your attitude? does it change your likelihood of receiving? what actually is a gift? is it a gift if you get something in return? should these gifts be given secretly or in contact with the receiver?

Two mothers; one who gives up all she has to help her son, and one who gives her son nothing to help him grow; one who has little and keeps it amazingly organized, and one who has too much and hoards it; one who has lived a life sacrificing for others, and one who has done exactly what she pleases. These women come together to clear out the home of the hoarder. They see the world from very different perspectives. Will they learn from each other, or will they kill each other first?

It is very fun to read a book written by a man telling the story of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy\\\\\\\'s point of view. This is well written, very well researched, and presents a very believable and fascinating retelling of P&P from a man\\\\\\\'s perspective. Jane Austen admitted she did not write any scenes of men alone or together where women were not present as she felt she could not express the male view. Stanley Hurd has done what Jane could not, while staying true to Jane\\\\\\\'s story, characters, and intent.

Amazingly beautiful language and an unusual narrator of Death makes this an unusual book. As the Book Thief is from the perspective of the Germans who opposed Hitler, it is also very insightful. Sad story, as all are about World War II, but provides great discussion opportunities.

Maeve Binchy writes about ordinary people, doing ordinary things, brought together in ordinary places, but repairing their souls in extraordinary ways. Week in Winter follows her usual method. Each story draws us in and gives us a glimpse at how being together and sharing time heals us. Great opportunity for discussions.

Not much more can be said. Several of us found ourselves repeatedly falling asleep while reading. Only one person actually finished the book. We found it absurd and very odd. That in itself is not bad, but it was then poorly executed.

Although I would not recommend this book to a friend to read, I have to admit we got a lot of discussion out of it. We didn't care for the book, and we had to spend some time exploring what it was about it we didn't like. We did not believe the characters and the choices they made.

We see Asperger's syndrome as a handicap in our society. Told from the perspective of a professor of genetics who displays many of the aspects, this romantic tale kind of puts that on its head. Don is seeking a wife and has created a questionnaire which he determines is a more efficient way to find a mate than random dating. Besides, he doesn't really have the social skills to date. But, then he meets Rosie....

Snow Child is based on an old folk tale. Because of this, you have the sense of a Greek tragedy - you can see it coming from the very beginning of the book. And, yet, the book is about living life to its fullest. The writing is beautiful and you have this sense of joy with a background of inevitability. This is definitely a story that allows for a lot of questioning and discussion.

This is the kind of book that is supposed to be so quirky and different that it just wows the reader. Well, this reader was not wowed and neither were the other members of our book club. We did not care for the characters and did not really care about the lies they told each other for decades. Not the kind of people we would want as friends and not the kind of people we care to read about. I learned nothing from reading the book that I didn't already know - be yourself, be honest, don't shut people out of your lives, don't expect your marriage partner to be the one to make your life fulfilling - do it for yourself. I would not recommend this book for a book club.

Carrying Albert Home is a charming book that is a combination of stories told to Homer Hickham by his parents and a great deal of family mythology. This is southern storytelling at its finest. It is kind of like reading a bit of Forrest Gump and a bit of Fannie Flagg. But is is also its own animal.

Elsie Hickham married Homer senior with both of them knowing she settled for second best. In a move to Florida, Elsie fell in love with a charming, sophisticated dancer named Buddy Ebsen. Yes, that Buddy Epsen. But, he was pursuing a career in show business and left for New York. Elsie returned heartbroken to Coalwood and was convinced to marry coal miner Homer, who very much loved her. As a wedding present, Buddy sent Elsie a live alligator which she named Albert.

Homer, Elsie and Albert made an uncomfortable trio. Elsie lavished all her love on Albert and there was little affection between Homer and the now large alligator. Homer gave Elsie an ultimatum - either the alligator went or Homer did. Elsie agreed to keep Homer, but on the condition they took Albert home to Florida. Thus the title of the book.

Along the way to Florida, Homer and Elsie have many adventures and meet many interesting characters. Hilarity ensues.

Carrying Albert Home is written in the great tradition of tall tales. You know there is the possibility that a kernel of truth is hidden in each part of the story, but it's hard to identify! This is the type of book written with a tongue firmly in cheek. At times it is even a bit over the top. You will smile and smile and occasionally laugh out loud. In our crazy high speed world, this very light set of tales allows you to sit quietly and listen to this southern collection of whoppers. Silly and fun and highly recommended.