our book club

In the fall of 2008, my mom started our multi-generational family book club. Although I had been living in California at the time and was unable to attend them until the end of the following summer, I loved getting the email updates and made attempts to read along with the group. It gave me a way to feel connected to everyone back home in a little way. 

Now, in 2014, we are still meeting every few months or so and even when I am busy with work and school and life, I am always so thankful for the time I carve out for it. I haven't always had the time to read the books or finish them, but everyone is usually pretty gracious and understanding of that. I had some free time over Christmas break and took the chance to back track and read some of the books I had been too busy to read before and am so glad I did because they were some great ones. We've absolutely loved some books, and have just sorta liked some others, but my favorite part is that almost every book seems to prompt some memories from Grandma from when she was growing up or a newlywed or a young mother, and I get to hear about her experiences firsthand. Its a pretty priceless thing and something I am so thankful I have been able to experience. 

Thanks to my mom for keeping this tradition going and for all the great book ideas and selections. (And for the many Russ' mini gourmet salads with french dressing that are just an added bonus for coming & make it easier to get there on time)

And now, for the books we've read for all who might be curious...

(all my favorites)

2008

Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

2009

Riding the bus with my sister by Rachel Simon

Wednesday wars by Gary Schmidt

*Girl with a pearl earring by Tracy Chevalier

Tuck everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

*The glass castle by Jeannette Walls

Bud, not buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

My side of the mountain by Jean Craighead George

2010

The book Thief by Markus Zusak

*To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee

Stealing budha's dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen

*The Help by Kathryn Stockett

*Shanghai girls by Lisa See

2011

The preacher's bride by Jody Hedlund

*Half broke horses by Jeannette Walls

The man who loved clowns by June Rae Wood

*My Antonia by Willa Carter

*Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

Walk two moons by Sharon Creech

*Water for elephants by Sara Gruen

2012

Home of the brave by Katherine Applegate

Julie by Catherine Marshall

*Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

*The school of essential ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

The dressmaker of Khair Khana

2013

*Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

*Rolling pennies in the dark by Douglas MacKinnon

*The secret life of bees by Sue Monk Kidd

*Orphan train by Christina Baker Kline

2014

*Memoirs of an imaginary friend by Matthew Dicks

* = the ones I have read & recommend