FICTION BOOK CLUB

The book club selection for June is the first Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child.

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"Lee Child grabs you with the first line and never loosens his grip. Killing Floor is a terrific ride." -- Nevada Barr

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"A rip-roaring thriller and one of the truly memorable tough-guy heroes in recent fiction." -- Jeffery Deaver

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We hope you will pick up a copy of this exciting novel at the bookstore and join us June 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the B&N Cafe for a lively discussion.

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Jane, Leslie and Cathy

Knitting Group

We had a nice turnout for the two socks on one needle discussion. One intrepid knitter, besides me, decided to give it a try...the jury is still out for her. I think it is a valuable skill to throw in the toolbox with everything else and have enjoyed learning how to do it.

Next month we will begin our first of the six Jane Austen novels we have committed to reading. Northanger Abbey is the first book of hers to be published. Any edition is fine as long as it is unabridged. It is dripping with satire and the usual variety of Austen characters. I look forward to our discussion on the second Monday at 7 pm. (May 11, 2009) Hope to see you then.

Leslie

We had a great group this morning for the discussion of Catherine Coulter's THE COVE. Opinions on the mystery(ies) were mixed but it gave us a lot to talk about.
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We welcomed two new members today, Avis and Cathy! It was wonderful to have their observations and mystery-reading experience added to our usual group. We have a great group of women who enjoy the mystery genre and I am grateful for you all!

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We also discussed our favorite Nancy Drew novel, mine being The Hidden Staircase. My copy is very old and weathered and was published prior to 1945. I compared it to a newer publication on B&N bookselves and found that, although the basic story was the same, it had been significantly rewritten. I have my theories as to why the changes but, if you know more specifics, please let me know.
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Our selection for May is actually two books in one - Death on Demand and Design for Murder by Carolyn G. Hart.

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Some of us have previous experience with Carolyn Hart, but for others she will be a new writer. We hope that you will pick up a copy of this dual read and join us for our discussion May 18th at 10:00 a.m.

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Until I see you in May, happy reading,

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Jane

HISTORY BOOK CLUB

“Humor is mankind's greatest blessing.”
Mark Twain

A small group of us met at the Cafe to discuss the selection for April. We all agreed that the book was dry and did not approach the history of jokes in the manner we had expected from the title. However, we loved discussing the difference between jokes and humor, the part each plays in our lives, and what makes us really laugh. It was an enjoyable hour, thanks Milan!

We will not be meeting in May because of Milan's schedule.

Please watch your email and this blogsite for upcoming selections. If you have suggestions for future books, please let us know. Our email is bnbookgroup@gmail.com.

Jane

FICTION BOOK CLUB

Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian is our selection for May.

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"On a balmy July night in New Hampshire a shot rings out in a garden, and a man falls to the ground, terribly wounded. The wounded man is Spencer McCullough, the shot that hit him was fired–accidentally?–by his adolescent daughter Charlotte. With this shattering moment of violence, Chris Bohjalian launches the best kind of literate page-turner: suspenseful, wryly funny, and humane."

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This book lends itself well to discussion and I hope that you will plan to be with us on May 14th at 8:30 p.m. in the B&N Cafe.

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Jane

History book club April Selection: "Stop Me If You've Heard This"

Over the last months, we have explored everything from ‘Explaining Hitler’, The Plague, Leopold and Loeb, and the Federalist Papers. To lighten things up a bit, our next book will be “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This”, by Jim Holt, a history and philosophy of jokes.

Let’s have fun April 16, at 7:P.M in the Barnes and Noble Café.

I hope to see you all for some fun! Remember to have your favorite joke or ‘one liner’ ready.

P.S. We have the greatest group of book club people anywhere!

Milan

THIRD MONDAY DETECTIVES

This morning we met in the cafe to discuss Reginald Hill's A Clubbable Woman. I did not particularly like the book but did admit that once I became used to the rugby club and very British atmosphere, it grew on me. The murdered women was indeed a clubbable woman. Nancy, who has read the entire series, said it was not her favorite but that the series gets better with each new book. I was glad to hear it.

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April's selection is Catherine Coulter's The Cove. This was my first introduction to mystery writer Catherine Coulter and I enjoyed it so much I've read several in this series. There are thirteen now! You may learn more about this book on bn.com. If you've not read her or it's been a while, pick up a copy today and join us for the discussion next month.

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The group discussed several authors for possible future book selections. Among them was Carolyn Keene of Nancy Drew fame. That's where most of us began our love of the mystery genre as children and thought it would be fun to read one again. At the meeting in April we'll discuss this further. Bring your favorite Nancy Drew mystery or title for sharing with other members.

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We'll be meeting in the cafe April 20th at 10:00 a.m. Until then, happy reading!

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Jane