Top 5 2011 Book club Books

Here is a quick link to the top 5 book club books of 2011 with descriptions: 1. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett 2. the sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes 3. We the Animals by Justin Torres 4. Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks 5. the Sojourn by Andrew Krevik

http://www.npr.org/2011/12/07/143163729/conversation-starters-2011s-top-5-book-club-picks

news from Burghausen

Hi Ladies,

We are settling into life in Burghausen, job is going well, and Ronan is settling in. I haven't yet been able to catch up on the Nov and Dec books, but I am reading the third book Hangman's Daughter book in German. It takes place in Regensburg where I lived many years ago, and in the second book, there is apparently a trip to small pilgrimage town called Altoetting, which is very near here. It has been one of the most well known Virgin Mary pilgrimmage sites in Europe for five centuries. It also has a lovely Christmas market, which I biked to last weekend.

I miss our monthly Mondays with you all. Keep a spot on the sofa open for me and I'll enjoy a mulled wine over here for all of you. Best wishes for the holidays!

p.s. Started a blog called Bellingham to Burghausen and Back, got two posts up. Would love comments or feedback.

Cheers,

Hilary

From Korea

Hi Everyone,

I was planning to post on the Read Teddies blog, but it all comes up in Korean. Since the "Sign In" button translates to "Blow that making", I'm a bit dubious about giving it all a try. Chelle has agreed to forward this as long as I don't blow it.

I decided I was going to like Border Songs so Iordered it on my Kindle right away. It's a really quick read and totally fun, so I highly recommend finding time for it. Lynch includes actual streets and places, although he invents a lot too. It was totally possible to imagine everything that happened. Reviews I read indicated that, although our hero is dyslexic, borderline autistic, and kind of a mess, it's impossible not to fall in love with him. I'd agree. I also loved his parents, and other characters are fun too. One reviewer said that the book reminded him of Richard Russo, but more tightly written. I'd agree with that too. And the craziness that's been our cross-border scene the last few years is the centerpiece...on steroids.

All in all, a fun read. And that, three weeks early, is my contribution to June book club. (I was afraid I'd forget if I waited until a more timely date.)

Another recommended book

My one big visit to book club for the year coming up this Monday! This doesn't keep me from recommending a book I won't be around to discuss: The Geography of Bliss. Cranky guy goes to different countries to see what and where happiness is. It's his well written journal.

What French Women Know (it's a lot)

I've just finished this book and there was a reader guide in the back with some very provocative questions.  It might make a good book club read, if we're interested in dissecting our cultural differences as women and how we relate to men and each other.  It would be a different discussion than our normal book club, but might be fascinating and eye opening.  At the very least,  I found it to be well worth reading and very thought provoking.

--Chelle