September's Book

The Persian Pickle Club
by Sandra Dallas

Sept. 22th (4th Thurs) - Date Change!
8pm at Ashley C.'s

Disclaimer:
We apologize in advance, if the book's content is offensive in any way.  If you'd like to learn more about the book it was previously discussed in R.R. Book Club August 2008  Please note our local library only has 3 copies.

Summary:
In 1930s Harveyvile, Kansas, Rita Ritter, a recent arrival, is invited to join the Persian Pickle Club, but her interest in journalism brings her dangerously close to a secret the club has sworn to keep.

summary from PCPL

Review:

http://www.cahners.com/ Hard times in Depression-era Harveyville, Kansas, are softened by the conviviality of a weekly quilting circle called the Persian Pickle Club. Queenie Bean, the "talkingest" member of the group, narrates the novel with snappy style. Over the course of a year, during which the club experiences more sorrow than sewing, Queenie and her pals depend on one another more than ever. When Queenie forms a fast friendship with the newest "Pickle," a flashy, big-city gal named Rita, the equilibrium of the group changes, for Rita is a novice newspaper reporter intent on making a name for herself. The story Rita most wants to crack involves the mysterious death of one of the club ladies' husbands. Will secrets long stitched into the collective fabric of friendship hold? This and other suspenseful questions of small-town life will entertain readers who enjoyed Fannie Flag's Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (Random, 1987), Olive Ann Burns's Cold Sassy Tree (LJ 10/15/84), or Dallas's first novel, Buster Midnight's Cafe (LJ 4/15/90). Keddy Ann Outlaw, Harris Cty. P.L., Houston Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

Click here to find the book at the public library
Click here to find the book on Amazon
Click here to find the book at Barnes and Noble

July's Book

*Update from Stacy:
Book Club will be moved to next week due to the craziness that is the first week of school. Thanks !! 

The Bean Trees
by Barbara Kingsolver

July 23th (4th Wed. NEW NEW DATE)
8pm at Stacy C.'s

Summary:

Marietta Greer spent her childhood in rural Kentucky determined to do two things: avoid getting pregnant and escape rural Kentucky. At the start of the novel, she has headed west in a beat-up '55 Volkswagon, changing her name to "Taylor" when her car runs out of gas in Taylorville, Illinois. By the time two tires give way in Tucson she has with her a stunned, silent three-year-old Cherokee girl who was, literally, dropped into her arms one night. She has named the child Turtle, for her strong, snapping-turtle-like grip.

In Tucson Taylor finds friendship and support in Lou Ann Ruiz, a fellow Kentuckian and single mother, with whom she and Turtle share a house. Her newfound community also includes Mattie, who runs a safe house for political refugees in the upstairs rooms above her auto repair shop.

The novel's theme of fear, flight, homelessness, and finding sanctuary within a community are present in Taylor's struggle to find a place where she belongs, and the more urgent plight of two Central American refugees, Estevan and Esperanza. These fellow travelers help one another create new lives and redefine the meanings of home and family. (From the publisher)

summary from www.litlovers.com 

Click here to visit the library website and reserve your copy.

Click here to view discussion questions from www.litlovers.com

July's Book

The Friday Night Knitting Club
by Kate Jacobs

July 8th
8pm at Aimeè's

I know we did a poll to decide whether or not to meet in July. Well, the poll results were inconclusive as 4 voted to meet and 4 voted to skip July. So, it was decided at the June book club that we would go ahead and meet. I have not read the book but it comes recommended from a friend whose opinion I value. The book is available at the library but there are a few holds on it. I'd suggest reserving your copy soon. Aimeè

Summary:
Gathering for their weekly knitting club at a small yarn shop on Manhattan's Upper West Side, a group of friends shares such challenges as raising children, navigating the ups and downs of their careers, and pursuing uncertain relationships.

Book Review:
Georgia Walker's entire life is wrapped up in running her knitting store, Walker and Daughter, and caring for her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota. With the help of Anita, a lively widow in her seventies, Georgia starts the Friday Night Knitting Club, which draws loyal customers and a few oddballs. Darwin Chiu, a feminist grad student, believes knitting is downright old-fashioned, but she's drawn to the club as her young marriage threatens to unravel. Lucie, 42, a television producer, is about to become a mother for the first time--without a man in her life. Brash book editor KC finds her career has stalled unexpectedly, while brilliant Peri works at Walker and Daughter by day and designs handbags at night. Georgia gets her own taste of upheaval when Dakota's father reappears, hoping for a second chance. The yarn picks up steam as it draws to a conclusion, and an unexpected tragedy makes it impossible to put down. Jacobs' winning first novel is bound to have appeal among book clubs. ((Reviewed November 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.