Liz Curtis Higgs' The Girl's Still Got It Book Club

Never in a million years would I have thought an in-depth line by line study of a book of the Bible would be so intriguing, suspenseful, romantic, and inspiring.  Yet, Liz Curtis Higgs' manages this feat and then some in her work of nonfiction, The Girl's Still Got It.  I looked forward to dental appointments with glee, dance classes with anticipation, and children's bedtimes with relief so that I could steal some time alone with this work of writing.  Having read the book of Ruth before, this time I was awakened to the richness of the language, precise word choices, and the eloquence of simple storytelling.  Calling the hub at work, I recited Biblical verses with endearing emphasis, "I will do for you all you ask,"  (Ruth 3:11), and "Spread the corner of your garment over me . . ."  (Ruth 3:9).  Writing a sweet nothing in his valentine this year is going to be, figuratively speaking, a piece of cake due to Higgs' influence.  In addition to making Ruth's story relevant in the 21st century through down-to-earth explanation, Higgs' also concludes each chapter with a blurb from a present-day woman who relates her own story to that of Ruth. 
For the purposes of book club, one may take a cue from Ruth 1:6, "When she had heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them . . ."  In Higgs' explication, the reader learns ". . .  the people of Judah are discovering plump grapes on the vines, clusters of olives nestled in the trees . . ." (29).  Thus, it makes sense to offer both red and green grapes during discussion as well as a variety of olives- pitted, stuffed, marinated, etc.- in order to reenact the bounty the people of Judah were discovering at the time.  While munching, discussion may be facilitated by Higgs generous offering of discussion questions for the purposes of book club as well as more detailed questions for a more frequent atmosphere of book study.  In addition, in lieu of a verbal lashing of the male protagonist, embrace your inner Cupids and share your own personal Boaz stories with one another as a finale to discussion.

Liz Curtis Higgs

J.W. Bull's Pickin' Tomatoes Book Club

Claiming 1st Prize in the 2012 Shirley You Jest Fiction Book Awards, J.W. Bull's Pickin' Tomatoes was ripe for review.  Deemed a romantic comedy, I found there was so much more to be found in the pages of this novel. . . self-discovery, overcoming loss, and the necessity of genuine friendship.
Not only was a smile spread across my face as I sat reading during my daughters' dance class, but tears flowed, too, during a young protagonist's dialogue with her mother, losing a battle with breast cancer:

"Momma?  You don't feel so good?"  I whispered as I peeked from behind Daddy's legs.  The hospital was a scary place with weird smells and lots of whiteness.  Where were all the colors?  Momma stretched out her hand to me.  I crept around Daddy and put my hand in hers.  It felt dry and warm.  "Sometimes even mommies get sick, Maggie,"  she replied in a voice that didn't sound like her.  (Loc 548 of 3590 Kindle) 

as well as a first-time pregnant woman at the deathbed of her father:

For a time, we stayed like that, curled up in the hospital bed together.  Joined by memories and hearts.  Until I felt his body begin to relax and his eyes closed.
And he went home to Momma.  (Loc 1477 of 3590 Kindle)

Thus, the anecdotes sprinkled throughout such as:  "Finding Mister Right is like washing dishes.  Just when you think he's squeaky clean- bam!  You find dried up, crusty old egg on him"  (Loc 42 of 3590 Kindle) kept the pace of this work moving right along.  In addition to the various literacy elements interspersed throughout, J.W. Bull offers the reader easy-to-decipher, mouthwatering recipes sure to please any food lover.
So, for the purposes of book club, assign one recipe found at the back of Pickin' Tomatoes to each bookie.  This way everyone has a chance to sample each delicacy written about and compare ease of execution with the main character, Maggie Malone.  Food for the mind and body. . .  Pickin' Tomatoes is a win win!

J.W. Bull

Susanna Sonnenberg's Her Last Death Book Club

Having read about Susanna Sonnenberg's latest memoir, She Matters, in a newspaper, my interest was piqued about not only this as a potential read, but also her first memoir, Her Last Death, the true story of a troubled (putting it mildly) childhood and the effects of which infiltrate adulthood.  The honesty with which Sonnenberg arranges her words grasps the attention of the reader in much the same way an automobile accident may engage passing motorists. . . too horrific to comprehend, but impossible to turn away.  Blushing while reading one passage, empathizing while reading another, this is definitely a page turner.  Feeling as if I now know the Susanna on these pages, I yearn to know the rest.  What has happened between the final page until now?
For the purposes of book club, many gourmet delicacies are discussed throughout.  However, a defining moment in the memoir comes when Susanna realizes she favors her eggs scrambled, not a soft scramble, but hard.  Thus, a brunch with the eggs in question would be a compelling conversation starter.

Susanna Sonnenberg

Kim and Krickitt Carpenter's The Vow Book Club

Yeehaaaa!  As a former English teacher and book addict, I am thrilled to write in the case of The Vow the "book was definitely better" than the movie (keeping the written word alive).  The Vow written by Kim and Krickitt Carpenter with Dana Wilkerson tells the true story of this newly wed husband and wife who face physical, emotional, and financial obstacles after a near-fatal car accident. 
Told from the point-of-view of the husband, Kim Carpenter, it was a quick, inspiring read.  The fact the book was written from the husband's point-of-view only, though, left me wanting to know more about Krickitt Carpenter, her feelings and thoughts during this entire ordeal since it was her memory of her life with this man which was affected.  A more feminine style of writing may have softened, or at the very least offered further elaboration on such passages as, "I still yell at her from time to time and I feel bad about it"  (177).  Huh?  

For the purposes of book club, the ideal of Kim and Krickitt's decision to court one another again in an effort "to rebuild the marriage from the ground up" (162) came to mind.  So, what does one eat while at the movies on a date with that special someone?  Perhaps a buttery bag of popcorn causing one's greasy fingers to "accidentally" touch while digging for another handful may rekindle the flame.  So, a variety of popcorns ranging from sweet to savory in flavor from Chef's Shoppe in Edwardsville, IL, may not only satisfy the munchies during discussion, but also may recall a past love.  

The Carpenters

Janet Evanovich's Notorious Nineteen Book Club

Janet Evanovich's nineteenth installment of the Stephanie Plum series is definitely notorious.  A nostalgic rush of previous savored novels early in the series came back while reading.  Hunks Morelli and Ranger played more prominent parts in the storyline instead of  cameos.  Although still no absolute resolution to the love triangle, an absence of fussing between Morelli and Stephanie was refreshing while a more in-depth relationship between Ranger and Stephanie was alluded to instead of "casual" encounters (if you catch my drift).  A favorite character, Randy Briggs, reappears in the series and is crucial to this plot, not merely an afterthought.  Bravo!  
For the purposes of book club. steering clear of the mashed potatoes might be best (yes, you'll have to read to find out why).  Instead, a Pino's-like lasagna with meat sauce, extra bread, and tiramisu.  For dessert, a cake in the shape of "Tiki" would be a welcome finale.

Janet Evanovich

Rhonda Tibbs' Shadow Book Club

Ooops!  She did it again . . .  Rhonda Tibbs', author of her fourth novel, Shadow, reeled me in yet again.  Shadow, is a coming-of-age novel about Danny Coulter, a budding artist, and his affinity for the Kiamichi River.  A fan of her writing, I was anxiously awaiting the first installment of her latest series.  Yet, upon receiving my copy, I read slowly and methodically, taking forced breaks, knowing that if I dived in head first, there would be no stopping me until the last page was turned.  Alas, though, a stretch of a few hours on a rainy afternoon drew me into the novel, and there was no point of return.
Tibbs' ability to harness the turbulent emotions of young love and then deliver them on paper is not only addicting, but nostalgic.  In fact, my own sixteen-year-old self- long a memory- manages to come alive again at the turn of every page.
For the purposes of book club, weather permitting, an informal picnic complete with a blue and white checkered tablecloth at the local park would be ideal.  A basket bearing ham and cheese sandwiches, potato salad, pickles, and bottled soda would recall Danny and the female protagonist, Isabelle's reunion after a summer spent apart in 1967.  For the matter of dessert, this meal would not be complete without Mama Rose's chocolate chip cookies.

Rhonda Tibbs

Eat, Read, Pray: Ann VosKamp's One Thousand Gifts Final

For the final discussion over Ann VosKamp's One Thousand Gifts, a Friendly Final Exam over the entirety of the book will be distributed in order to be completed with a partner.  

Friendly Final Exam

Ann VosKamp's One Thousand Gifts

1. What was the title of the book you were supposed to have read?

2. Who is the author of the above book?

3. Why were you asked to record your thanksgivings in a journal?

4. Define eucharisteo.

5. Give an example of ugly/beautiful.

6. List the names of the other people in the room.

7. Humility comes from the Latin root humus- the kind of earth that grows ____________ crops.

8. “. . . God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the ______________ of joy begins in the _______________ of thanksgiving.”

9. “Only _____________ can kill joy.”

10. “I slept and dreamt life was joy, I awoke and saw life was service, I acted and, behold, ___________ was __________.”

11. “Enter into his gates with ____________________ , and into his courts with _______________: be ________________ unto him, and _____________ his name.” (Psalm 100:4 KJV)

Extra Credit: What was thanksgiving #362?

While working on the "exam,"  members may snack on "Nests Filled with Eggs," which are simply peanut butter chews scooped into cupcake tins and then shaped into nests.  Once cool, fill the nests with eggs, candy-coated almonds.

 

For the intentional activity of joy, make use of your local prayer labyrinth if possible.  Walking the circular path while giving thanks at each stone will not only nourish the soul, but also burn those extra calories from the "Nests Filled with Eggs" snack.