Moving Beyond Words by Gloria Steinhem Sept., Oct. VSI Book to Read

“From one of the most influential women in the country and bestselling author of Revolution from Within comes a collection of provocative, entertaining, mind-changing essays. The six pieces, three of which have never been published before, explode common assumptions and propose radical new ways of looking at human possibilities.”

Thank you Cathy for this selection.  It got some great reviews on Amazon.com so even though it’s been around 10 years that this book has been written, I am certain that it is still relevant today.  Can’t wait to read it!!!!

 

Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Wednesday 31 August 2011 at 4:33 pm

VSI July/August 2011 Book of the Months: Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell

Thank you Rebecca for this wonderful choice.  I can’t wait to read it; and then I want to see the movie.  Happy Summer Reading to all.

Margot

From Library Journal

When Gruwell was a first-year high school teacher in Long Beach, CA, teaching the “unteachables” (kids that no other teacher wanted to deal with), she discovered that most of her students had not heard of the Holocaust. Shocked, she introduced them to books about toleranceAfirst-person accounts by the likes of Anne Frank and Zlata Filopvic, who chronicled her life in war-torn Sarajevo. The students were inspired to start keeping diaries of their lives that showed the violence, homelessness, racism, illness, and abuse that surrounded them. These student diaries form the basis of this book, which is cut from the same mold as Dangerous Minds: the outsider teacher, who isn’t supposed to last a month, comes in and rebuilds a class with tough love and hard work. Most readers will be proud to see how these students have succeeded; at the end of their four-year experience, the Freedom WritersAas they called themselves, in honor of the Freedom Riders of the 1960sAhad all graduated; Grunwell now works at the college level, instructing teachers on how to provide more interactive classes for their students. Recommended for youth, education, and urban studies collections.ADanna C. Bell-Russel, Lib. of Congress, Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

 

Posted under B) VSI Book Club,B)QUICK SHARES OF GOOD BOOKS AND MOVIES BY VSI BOOK CLUB MEMBERS by margot on Friday 15 July 2011 at 8:46 pm

Quick Shares of Books and Movies by VSI Bookclub Members 6/11

Hello All,

Here is a post where you can add your book and movie recommendations and below is one that Nancy has already posted per blast email:

Okay here I go with a book I have not read yet but one on my list as soon as I can get it. Saw the review in the WSJ a debut novel  already released in England and soon to be released here. It’s a psychological thriller about a women’s loss of memory and is written in journal format I believe. What intrigues me is the comment most people thought the book was written by a women (shades of The Ginger Tree) and in fact it was written by a man. 90% if the readers thought it was written by a women and some publishers demanded a photo to prove the author is a man.It was written by a 40 year old audiologist which was my major in college. It comes out next month and I will be reading it as soon as I can order from the library. Jackie I would be interested if you have heard anything about the book since it has been released in England. Almost forgot the book is called Before I Go to Sleep written by S.J. Watson. Nancy
Here’s one from me:
I also just finished a very interesting, but depressing book named “the Sociopath Next Door” by Dr. Martha Stout.  Since I’ve had very close acquaintances with Sociopathy I thought I should know more about it.  However, it’s depressing to know that 1 in 25 people have no conscience and are sociopaths.  Next I am going to read a book left at my condo by my Vet Landlord called: “The Intelligence of Dogs–a guide to the thoughts, emotions, and inner lives of our canine companions” by Stanley Coren.  It’s supposed to be a controversial book that is radically changing the way we think of man’s best friend.  Hopefully it’ll be a bit more cheerful than the last two books I’ve read. 
I haven’t seen any movies lately, so I would be interested in any recommendations. 
Margot 
 
 
 
Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Wednesday 15 June 2011 at 1:22 pm

UPDATES on the VSI BOOK CLUB 5/11

Hello Dear VSI Book Club Members,
Below  are some members’ comments and new ideas as to how to improve our book club. So, this is the compromise with which I’ve come up:
For those who wish to continue with the book club as is, I suggest that we read and comment on a book every two months.  Nancy’s book: Jacobean Building by Alaa Al Aswang will be the book club’s read selection for May and June.  Rebecca has recommended Freedom Writer’s Diary by Erin Gruwell and could be the book to read for July and Aug.  Cathy’s selection of Gloria Steinheim’s Moving Beyond Words could be for Sept., Oct.  Nov., Dec. could be Jackie’s and Nancy’s recommendation of Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson.  That would finish up 2011 and in Dec. 2011 we could make plans for 2012.  Does everyone agree with this schedule? If not, please let me know and we can change the order, whatever.  Comments can be made any time during these 2 months and even later if one wishes. 
Furthermore, for those who wish to just participate on a new program called: Quick Shares of Good Books and Movies, I’ll set up a new category/post for that.  You can email the group that/and/or make comments on the blog post. 
Best,
Margot 
BELOW ARE THE EMAIL COMMENTS I HAVE RECEIVED ABOUT UPDATING THE BOOK CLUB:
Margot
I like the little of both idea and I am more thn happy to continue with the new new improved book club. So lets keep going forward with th e club and email books we recommend and whoever comments comments. It was just a little lonely in bookclub land the past two books.   I have Mays book ready to start.
Nancy
Hi Everyone I hope spring is finding everyone in good health and happy reading. Margot and I decided to revise the book club. Instead of reading a book each month and commenting on the book we thought it would  be fun to keep in contact via email about books we are reading and would like to recommend to others. That will take the pressure off having to read a book each month. I know I am always looking for a good book to read and I would like to know what everyone is reading and liking currently. Margot will create a blog section to comment if you want to do it via the blog or you could group email everyone once you have read a book you liked. We did not want to lose contact with everyone and feel this will be a fun way to stay in contact. If you like Margot suggested a movie recommendation section of the blog as well. Please let us know what you think of this idea and please stay in contact. Margot and Nancy
Thank you Nancy and Margot!
 
I love the idea.  I have been one of the least consistent members of the club due to other time constraints.  This sounds great to me!
 
Susan

 

Hi Margot & All,

I have mixed feelings about the new and improved book club. I mostly like the idea, but the one thing it did for me was to keep me reading, and reading a variety of books. It gave me the little push that I need to read. I absolutely love reading, but I find it very difficult sometimes to find the time to read for pleasure. The Ginger Tree and the May book are the first ones I haven’t been able to find time to read in the three (or four) years I’ve been in the book club. Even though I was sometimes almost a month behind in my reading, I persisted and got it read. I’m just afraid now I will see your recommended books and put them on my want to read books list, and get to them when I can. On the other hand, I felt very bad about not being able to read April’s and May’s books. I didn’t like the feeling of being pressured even when the pressure was coming from me. If anyone has a suggestion on how I can feel enough pressure to read without feeling bad if I don’t, I ‘d love to hear it. I already had my August book picked out. It was recommended to me by a friend. I haven’t read the book yet, but it sounded very interesting I don’t remember the author’s name so I will write that when I get it.

As you know Margot I am thoroughly convinced that things happen for a reason and I believe strongly in connections. I have had too many experiences not too. I have told you that I felt a connection to you the first time I met you, and I feel close to you even though we haven’t spent much face to face time together. I was so afraid that the book club was going to become defunct. That would have been very upsetting to me because I feel we were all brought to this club for a reason. So, I do look forward to seeing the new blog and hearing about your book recommendations.

 Hugs,

Corinne

Hi Margot

I like it ! Great idea!  
I never seemed to be able to keep up ..
Jenny

Okay here I go with a book I have not read yet but one on my list as soon as
I
can get it. Saw the review in the WSJ a debut novel already released in
England
and soon to be released here. It’s a psychological thriller about a women’s
loss
of memory and is written in journal format I believe. What intrigues me is
the
comment most people thought the book was written by a women (shades of The
Ginger Tree) and in fact it was written by a man. 90% if the readers thought
it
was written by a women and some publishers demanded a photo to prove the
author
is a man.It was written by a 40 year old audiologist which was my major in
college. It comes out next month and I will be reading it as soon as I can
order
from the library. Jackie I would be interested if you have heard anything
about
the book since it has been released in England. Almost forgot the book is
called
Before I Go to Sleep written by S.J. Watson.

Nancy

Well Nancy, what a coincidence – my sister mentioned the book to me recently
and I have already ordered it through the Library – hopefully in time for my
holiday reading.  It has received great reviews and there is a wait list, so
fingers crossed.

Jackie

Margot,
Actually, How about “The Freedom Writer’s Diary” by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell?
Is that too old of a book?  I attended the chick-fil-a leadercast on Friday.  Erin was one of the
speakers and shared their story.  Sounded like a great book to read.  If it has been out too long
let me know.  I will give my month to Cathy.
Thanks.
Rebecca
 
  Jackie

  Hi Margot,

 I’d like to suggest Gloria Steinem’s “Moving beyond Words”
 
Cathy
Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Sunday 15 May 2011 at 11:49 am

The Ginger Tree by Oswald Wynd is the book to read for April

For those who found that the Cleopatra book is too dry, please do read this wonderful story which is written in 1977–however, you would never guess that.  It is timeless and so pertinent to today because the book also features the last BIG earthquake of 1923 in Japan.  It is a beautifully told tale. 

Review

“Marvelous” — The Spectator (London)“Wonderful” — New York Times

One of the few contemporary novels to show Japan as it was and is. — Japan Times

Product Description

In 1903, a young Scotswoman named Mary Mackenzie sets sail for China to marry her betrothed, a military attaché in Peking. But soon after her arrival, Mary falls into an adulterous affair with a young Japanese nobleman, scandalizing the British community. Casting her out of the European community, her compatriots tear her away from her small daughter. A woman abandoned and alone, Mary learns to survive over forty tumultuous years in Asia, including two world wars and the cataclysmic Tokyo earthquake of 1923.

One of the few contemporary novels to show Japan as it was and is. — Japan Times

Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Wednesday 23 March 2011 at 8:41 am

May VSI Book of the Month—The Yacoubean Building by Alaa Al Aswang

Thank you Nancy for the continuation of What’s Up in Egypt.  Our Cleopatra book is ancient history; your book present history.  These times are moving fast and learning a bit more about this part of the world, is perfect for a bit of needed knowledge.  It will be interesting to comment on the differences of the “then” and “now”. 

Review

“Captivating and controversial .. . .an amazing glimpse of modern Egyptian society and culture.” (New York Review of Books )

“[A] hilarious, sensual, bawdy and beautiful novel.” (Nerve )

“…tremendously likable…. This vision of life connects high with low, rich with poor, through shared vices and needs.” (San Francisco Chronicle )

Product Description

This controversial bestselling novel in the Arab world reveals the political corruption, sexual repression, religious extremism, and modern hopes of Egypt today.

All manner of flawed and fragile humanity reside in the Yacoubian Building, a once-elegant temple of Art Deco splendor now slowly decaying in the smog and bustle of downtown Cairo: a fading aristocrat and self-proclaimed “scientist of women”; a sultry, voluptuous siren; a devout young student, feeling the irresistible pull toward fundamentalism; a newspaper editor helplessly in love with a policeman; a corrupt and corpulent politician, twisting the Koran to justify his desires.

These disparate lives careen toward an explosive conclusion in Alaa Al Aswany’s remarkable international bestseller. Teeming with frank sexuality and heartfelt compassion, this book is an important window on to the experience of loss and love in the Arab world.

 

Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Wednesday 23 February 2011 at 8:12 pm

March 2011 VSI Book is: Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Shiff

A bit of Egyptian history could be very interesting considering what’s going on today in that spot in the world.  I’ve always loved knowing more about Cleopatra and can’t wait to read Shiff’s book.  So here’s what Amazon.com has about this book:

For those who think they know enough about Cleopatra or have the enigmatic Egyptian queen all figured out, think again. Schiff, demonstrating the same narrative flair that captivated readers of her Pulitzer Prize–winning Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov) (1999), provides a new interpretation of the life of one of history’s most enduringly intriguing women. Rather than a devastatingly beautiful femme fatale, Cleopatra, according to Schiff, was a shrewd power broker who knew how to use her manifold gifts—wealth, power, and intelligence—to negotiate advantageous political deals and military alliances. Though long on facts and short on myth, this stellar biography is still a page-turner; in fact, because this portrait is grounded so thoroughly in historical context, it is even more extraordinary than the more fanciful legend. Cleopatra emerges as a groundbreaking female leader, relying on her wits, determination, and political acumen rather than sex appeal to astutely wield her power in order to get the job done. Ancient Egypt never goes out of style, and Cleopatra continues to captivate successive generations. –Margaret Flanagan

Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Monday 21 February 2011 at 10:17 pm

Snow Just For The New Year in St. George is Perfect!! 1/3/11

What a joy for Hugo and me to wake up this morn to our favorite–snow.  It doesn’t last long, but when it’s just freshly laid on, it’s always so beautiful.  Even the birds love it. 

Posted under picture of the moment by margot on Monday 3 January 2011 at 11:15 am

December Sunset Showcases St. George Skies 12/14/10

Leave it to red rock rimmed St. George to throw a spetacular sunset show mid-December. Even in bbbbrrrr temps, nature is the huge drawing card here. 

    

Posted under picture of the moment by margot on Wednesday 15 December 2010 at 3:06 pm

January’s 2011 Book is: A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz

Thank you Celeste for your wonderful choice.

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

“In each little life we can see great truth and beauty, and in each little life we glimpse the way of all things in the universe.” 

DEAN KOONTZ thought he had everything he needed. A successful novelist with more than twenty #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit, Dean had forged a career out of industry and imagination. He had been married to his high school sweetheart, Gerda, since the age of twenty, and together they had made a happy life for themselves in their Southern California home. It was the picture of peace and contentment. Then along came Trixie. 

Dean had always wanted a dog–had even written several books in which dogs were featured. But not until Trixie was he truly open to the change that such a beautiful creature could bring about in him. Trixie had intelligence, a lack of vanity, and an uncanny knack for living in the present. And because she was joyful and direct as all dogs are, she put her heart into everything–from chasing tennis balls, to playing practical jokes, to protecting those she loved. 

A retired service dog with Canine Companions for Independence, Trixie became an assistance dog of another kind. She taught Dean to trust his instincts, persuaded him to cut down to a fifty-hour work week, and, perhaps most important, renewed in him a sense of wonder that will remain with him for the rest of his life. She mended him in many ways. 

Trixie weighed only sixty-something pounds, Dean occasionally called her Short Stuff, and she lived less than twelve years. In this big world, she was a little thing, but in all the ways that mattered, including the effect she had on those who loved her, she lived a big life. 

About the Author

Dean Koontz won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition when he was a senior in college, and he’s been writing ever since. He has sold more than 375,000,000 copies of his books, in 38 languages. Dean lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, and their new dog, Anna.
Posted under B) VSI Book Club by margot on Friday 10 December 2010 at 12:42 pm

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