Feeding your brain: a book recommendation

[KValley]

Healthy Living = feeding your brain with good books, right?

I'm so excited about the book I just finished and I wanted to share! 'sides, I loved the "what book are you reading?" thread that was running several weeks ago when I first joined this board- I'm always looking for recommendations.

Anywho.. The Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. It's so rich, complex, brilliant, erotic- like a fantastic paella or a strawberry rhubarb pie. True-to-life, wonderful characters (particularly the women http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif), themes of family, marriage, the battle between saving a farming way of life vs. protecting the environment, women coming to terms with their sexuality. I've long been a Kingsolver fan, but she's taken her craft to a new level.

Anyone from Southern Appalachia will revel in her gorgeous descriptions of the region; I've camped in the area where the book is set (in Smoky Mountains Natl Park or Pisgah Natl Forest on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, where the Appalachian Trail runs along the state border) and it is a place touched by God.

On to Amy Tan!

[kwormann]

As someone who has lived in both North Carolina and Tenessee, I agree with your tribute to my favorite mountains!

Kim (homesick for the mountains now!)

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 04-06-2001).]

[KValley]

Originally posted by kwormann:
As someone who has lived in both North Carolina and Tenessee, I agree with your tribute to my favorite mountains!

Kim (homesick for the mountains now!)

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 04-06-2001).]

Kim, I left you a little "Ball Jar" story under the Canning thread from a few days ago http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-07-2001).]

[SusanMac]

Here's a surprisingly great one I'm reading right now -- The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It's about a girl and her life growing up with her family, and there's a big focus on how all the women relate to each other. It's set in biblical times, but isn't a religious book at all. The women focus on a lot of cooking and many of their meals consist of olives, cheese, bread and wine -- makes me wish I lived back then! Yum!

[SusieO]

I think it's great when people share the good books they're reading. I love Barbara Kingsolver, and can't wait to read her latest. (Did you see where Carmela Soprano is also reading this book? I got a kick out of that one.) The Red Tent is also on my (exceedingly long)list.

Right now I'm reading Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I have Jewel on tape in my car. Next up: The Sweet Potato Queens.

BTW, does Amy Tan have a new one? Loved the three I've read.

[This message has been edited by SusieO (edited 04-11-2001).]

[BethH]

I adored The Red Tent when I read it last summer. One of my favorites.

Next on my list is The Passionate Nomad--The Life of Freya Stark. It is a biography about a wonderful travel writer. I can't wait until my finals are over (May 3rd!) so I can dig in!

Keep those recommendations coming...I love to read! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusieO]

Carmela Soprano is the wife of mob boss Tony Soprano on the HBO series "The Sopranos". Just so you know, it's the only TV show I ever make the time to watch. Otherwise I'd never have time to read!

The sweet potato book is called "God Save the Sweet Potato Queens". I think there's also another one, but I don't know which cam first. I don't remember the author's name, but it's nonfiction and was highly recommended on the BB.

Thanks, everyone, for all the great recs!

[SusanT]

Just finished "About a Boy" by Nick Horby, the author of High Fidelity. Also recent reads, a biography of the wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser, "Don't Know Much About History, and "Don't Know Much About the Bible," and "Guns, Germs and Steel."

[KValley]

Thanks, SusieO! I don't have cable/can't get stations, so I'm a bit out of the loop. I saw my first episode of Ally McBeal in a hotel room last week http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

SusanT- If you like historical biographies, British or European history, you must read "Geogianna, Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman. It is superbly written and paints a fascinating portrait of life in 18th century Britain, politics, society, the Royal Court and its many intrigues. Georgianna was a distant relative of Lady Di...

I'll put Antonia Fraser on my list

[KValley]

Several people recommended "The Red Tent" on the previous what are reading now thread. It is definitely on my list. Who wrote the Sweet Potato Queens. I love sweet potatoes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I adore Jane Austen- it's time for a reread of Sense and Sensibility!

Amy Tan's new one is "The Bonesetter's Daughter" I'm just getting started.

Who is Carmela Soprano? What a great name- my former boss has a Jack Russell named Carmela http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

DH and I rented "Remains of the Day" again last night-one of my favorite movies, so I must recommend the book by Kazuo Ishiguro. Has anyone read his latest-"When we were orphans"? It's on my list.

Also, I rented "The End of the Affair" with Julianne Moore and Ralph Fiennes- what a gorgeous,sad movie. I haven't read the book, but I so enjoy Graham Greene- I recommend "The Heart of the Matter" and "The THird Man"

[Mbart]

If any of you are interested in Christian books, I recently read, "The Sacred Romance" (Brent Curtis and John Eldredge) and "The Journey or Desire" (Eldredge) and found them very meaty reading. Also, "What's So Amazing About Grace" (Phillip Yancey), perfect for the Easter season. Lastly, I'm about 2/3rds through a book called, "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg which talks about eliminating the "hurries" from your life, choosing Joy, etc. It's excellent.

[MelissaAS]

The first book in the series is "The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love"- I just read it on a flight from West to East coast and it was hysterical- definitely worth a lighthearted read.

"The Red Tent" is one of my favorites too- reminds me of "The Mists of Avalon" (which by the way is being made into a TV, but non-big network, movie).

I just read "The Bonesetter's Daughter" as well- also very good (vintage Amy Tan).

A couple of others I've enjoyed: "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing"- a collection of related short stories and "The Pact"- good beach read (page-turner).

[KValley]

"THe Mists of Avalon" is one of my favorite books. I didn't care as much for "the Forest House", but "Mists..." really captured me.

Melissa, thanks for reminding me that Mists is going to be a on network TV- I was planning to ask my dad to tape if for us. DO you happen to know when?

LOL- before falling asleep last night, I was reading the BoneSetter's Daughter. The main character and a friend were bantering about yoga in the buff- anyone who has been following the "Yoga Queens" thread on this BB would have appreciated this section http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusanMac]

I've been dying to reach Girl's Guide to Hunting & Fishing.

I definitely recommend either of the Bridget Jones Diary books, especially before the movie comes out. I doubt the movie can capture the uniqueness of the book, so it's definitely a good idea to read the book first before seeing the movie.

[cookgirl]

Fun: "The Girl's Guide to the Open Road"
(how to change a tire....how to ward off attackers... how to talk yourself out of a ticket....how to open a beer using your car door...You know, the important stuff)

For the soul: "Anatomy of the Spirit" I'm really enjoying this book. Highly recommend it for those of you who like to stay in tune with yourselves and believe in self healing.

[mandarin2j]

SusanMac-

I saw a sneak preview of BJD (I read and adored both books) last week. While they do add stuff that was never in the book and omit some other stuff, I really enjoyed it. Shazzer and Jude really aren't as important in the film as they are in the book--an interesting quandry if they have to flesh them out when (I hope, I hope)they do a film on "BJD and The Edge of Reason." All in all, even with the changes, they stayed very true to the overall tone of the book. Hugh Grant was deliciously sly and bad, a treat since I'm so tired of seeing him as the stammering goodie two shoes. Colin Firth was merely delicious. Sigh. Renee Zellweger as Bridget was brilliant (v.v. good) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif. Her accent was a bit more posh than I expected, but I guess since success is predicated on how this film is received by Americans, the accent ought to be intelligible to us.

Andrew Davies, who was part of the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, was one of the co-screenwriters. Actually, the movie borrows more heavily from P&P than the book does, IMO. Darcy is downright scornful of Bridget at the beginning, much like Darcy of P&P was to Elizabeth on their first meeting at the ball.

-Amanda

[KValley]

I need a good airplane book for a trip next week- Amanda, you've convinced me to read Bridget Jones! Hugh Grant arrived in my mailbox yesterday (on the cover of TALK magazine) looking just good enough to eat. I'm going to have to read quickly-I plan to see the movie as soon as possible... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-12-2001).]

[SusieO]

Thanks for the v.g. review, Amanda. I have a personal rule that I can't see the movie if I've read the book (and vice versa), but this one does sound good. Of course, I might also have to relax the rule and rent High Fidelity. That one looked good, too. Thanks, Susan, for reminding me that I want to read About a Boy. My list gets longer and longer, and I'm not complaining!

[donleyk]

I finished the first Sweet Potato Queen last night. I enjoyed it. Easy to LOL at some of it. Very light reading. I also burned dinner. (Well, the grilled veggies anyway)Testimony of how good the book is?!?!?!?

[KValley]

SusieO- Kenneth Turan just gave a review of "Bridget Jones" on NPR's Morning Edition- he had only good things to day, particularly of Renee Zellweger.

"High Fidelity" is excellent- a must for John Cusack fans. The 80s were my era (high school) so the music and characters dredged up a lot of hilarious memories.

But I digress and this is a book thread.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-13-2001).]

[SusanMac]

What other books are there from Nick Hornby?? I adored the movie High Fidelity (and it wasn't just due to my severe crush on John Cusack), and would love to check out some of his other books.

I also recommend the Ladies' Auxilary. A light read, but another all-about-women book and very enjoyable. It's about an orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, so you've got an enjoyable mix of gossipy, Jewish women in the deep South. I'm not even Jewish, so you can enjoy it no matter what your religious beliefs.

[SusieO]

You know, I had High Fidelity in my hand at Blockbuster last night, but we ended up renting Bounce instead. It was pretty good, but I'm not much of a critic; I like most movies.

Susan, I got curious and checked on Amazon. They had just the two books by Nick Hornby, plus a collection of essays that he edited. I guess we'll just have to wait patiently for the next one.

I'm off to the library in just a little while. Will have to check for Ladies Auxilary. Happy reading, everyone!

[KValley]

Good morning bookies!

I finished "The Red Tent" last night- it was great- a quick read, but so interesting. Now I want to be a mid-wife http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I'm just starting "Mansfield Park" (Jane Austen) and trying to get my brain to switch from the Middle East, biblical times, to early 19th century England.

I was in a Borders yesterday and saw at least a dozen books (hah, try at least half of the store) I am so anxious to read- in part based on your recommendations. I resisted and picked up just one- Austen.

Happy reading!

Julie

[kima]

Hi Bookworms (hey who says jocks don't use their brains). KValley this is creepy- we have very similar reading habbits. Mansfield Park is by my bedside (about 3rd in line). Have you read Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni? A great book! I am contining my Indian phase by now reading The Hero's Walk by Anita Bau Badami. I highly recommend her first book Tamarind Mem. I keep hearing about The Red TEnt so better add that to the list.
Yikes- I just got Amy Tan's latest from the library but only have it for 2 weeks because it is in such high demand. I hate having that kind of pressure- I own the other books I am reading so I guess I will have to drop them and get on with Tan's. Too many books, so little time......

[KValley]

Originally posted by kima:
Hi Bookworms (hey who says jocks don't use their brains). KValley this is creepy- we have very similar reading habbits.

LOL http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif KIMA- I'm assuming that you've read Jhumpa Lahiri? THanks for the other authors- I'm starting to really enjoy Indian women writers. THere's another sitting on my bedstand at home- I can picture the cover, but the title and author are lost to me for the moment.

I got about halfway thru "bonesetter's daughter" but I left it at home, because the hardback was too much to take on my trip. Now I am returning with 3 books just purchased since arriving in CA on TUesday!

My greatest joy is seeing kids so excited about reading- for that alone, I love Harry Potter. A young girl sitting next to me on the flight was reading one of my favorites from about 20 (egads!!!) years ago: Julie of the Wolves....

[LGBurns]

Oh you all make me so sad. I have many books piled up next to my bed but unfortunately they are such scintillating reads as Interpreting the French Revolution, Major Problems in the History of the Civil War and Reconstruction, and An Experience with Populations and Communities. Sigh. Happily school will be over soon and I will be back into The Red Tent (which also sits next to my bed, but only as an bit of unbridled optimism on my part I'm afraid--I haven't even cracked the cover). I do want to recommend one book, a collection of essays, Take the Cannoli by Sarah Vowell. Very funny and wonderfully written. I also want to add my loud support for the wonderful book and film High Fidelity and the haunting Remains of the Day which is so much better than the film (which I also liked).

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 04-19-2001).]

[KValley]

LGBurns- sounds like grad school?!? Are you at UC, UIC? I used to work at the U of I Champaign-Urbana. It may sound crazy, but if I could, I'd spend the rest of my life as a grad student, taking class after class, writing paper after paper (as long as the grades didn't count). First there would be the degree in Comparative Lit, then French Lit, then History (medieval- European, Mid East, Asian), then Comparative Religion, then Development Studies and Geography...
Life is too short! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Good luck as the term draws to a close...

Julie

[LGBurns]

Thanks, Julie. You reminded me that just today I was thinking "I wish I could go on taking classes for the rest of my life." So I guess I shouldn't complain. I'm actually an undergrad getting my teaching credential at UIC (U of C?! I wish!). But now that school is running out (I only have one more semester of classes left and then student teaching) I have started fantasizing about getting my PhD (in History which is my major). But my brother is a professor so I know the reality behind the fantasy--I think I'll stick to teaching high school like I planned. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif I just saw that you live in Washington State! Now I'm really jealous--that's the other part of my PhD fantasy. Studying European history and living in Seattle. Sigh.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 04-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 04-19-2001).]

[LGBurns]

Kima, after reading your post I thought of another book by an Indian woman author and wondered if you had read it -- The God of Small Things. I can't remember the author's name at the moment. This is an amazing book. I think it's one of my all time favorites. I love how she writes from the children's point of view and how she skips around in time so that things that happen early in the book happen after things that happen later in the book. The first time I finished it I immediately turned back to the first page and started reading again because so much of the end explained things in the beginning. Plus, it is beautifully written.

[KValley]

Originally posted by LGBurns:
Kima, after reading your post I thought of another book by an Indian woman author and wondered if you had read it -- The God of Small Things


THAT'S IT Kima AND LGBurns- the book I mentioned above, which is sitting on my bedside table at home and which I could not think of the title!! The God of Small Things. The author is Arundhati Roy. Thank you- that was going to drive me crazy!

I love this BB!

LG- my husband was a History major (U of Oregon) and he is now a high school/middle school History, Social Studies, French teacher. He's been subbing this year as we made the transition back to the NOrthwest, but he's looking for jobs now. He has an interview at Oak Harbor next week (on Whidbey Island, northwest of Seattle). I'd be in heaven if he got the job- it is so beautiful there...

Schools are screaming for teachers here! Come on out! My DH could tell you first hand what it's like to get certification in other states- his original cert is Washington State, but he now holds certs in Ohio, Illinois, Colorado - we've moved around a bit http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif




[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-19-2001).]

[LGBurns]

My husband and I have talked a lot about moving out there--we have been to Seattle for vacation twice and went through there on our way to Vancouver Island for our honeymoon. We both really love it. I'm from CA originally and I'm finding as I get older that living in a city without much nature and mountains around really drains me. But we're not sure how feasible it is for us to just drop everything here (including friends and DH's family) and move across the country. Well, we still have some time to figure it out. Thanks for the encouragement about the schools out there--history teachers aren't in as much demand in the Midwest as they are elsewhere.

BTW, to get back to books, I'm so glad to hear you liked Prodigal Summer. I got it for my mom for her birthday so I'm glad to hear a good review. I loved The Poisonwood Bible.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 04-19-2001).]

[kima]

I have read The God of Small Things and really enjoyed it. I must point out that many of the writers we are talking about are Canadian. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif If you have not yet read Alice Munro or Carol Shields I highly recommend them. Another great book about India is AFine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.
I am a substitute teacher here- there zare NO job vacancies here in Victoria. I majored in Children's Literature at university and read hundreds of books to and with my children.
We really need to start a CL Book Club. We could eat and talk and read and eat.... You gals make my day! Thanks and keep the book ideas coming!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[gabbyh]

Question:
Are "Bridget Jones's Diary", and "Bridget Jones's Diary: A Novel" the same book, or is one a sequel to the other?
This thread has been great...a CL Bookclub sounds like a terrific idea!

[SusieO]

Sign me up for the CL Book Club!

Gabby: Bridget Jones' Diary is the first novel. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (I think that's the correct title) is the sequel. BTW, saw the movie. Loved it.

I'm really enjoying this thread and all of the book recommendations. Thanks, everyone, for sharing.

[KValley]

Kima- add to my list of dream degrees one in Children's Literature http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Do you have a list of favorites? As I prepare for a family of my own I am starting to compile a library of my favorite books as a child- Heidi, the "Harriet the Spy" series, the "Great Brain" series, all Madeleine L'Engle, C.S. Lewis, the "Little House" books, Beverly Cleary, a child's Shakespeare reader, Lloyd Alexander, Ursula le Guin, gosh- the list could, does, go on and on and on...these are mostly young adult. But I'd love to know from someone who has studied the subject what some of your favorites are. Maybe we should start a new thread just for children's books as we have so many new and to-be mothers on this BB.

I would cite a love of reading as the greatest gift my parents gave to me.

kima, I just remembered that you said last week that you were in the midst of "Interpreter..." Jhumpa Lahiri just wrote an article about perfume for Elle magazine- I read it a few weeks ago. A renaissance woman!!

I am all for a CL Book Club! What's our first pick http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

So, I know I won't go home this week without at least one Helen Fielding in my suitcase- Bridget Jones is everywhere!!!

[kima]

I really would like to all read a book and then discuss it. Perhaps we could pick one or two for the summer and then "meet" in September for discussions. It may be a challenge finding a book we have all not read! I will give it some thought and then make some suggestions.
One author for young children who I highly recommend is Shirley Hughes. She is a British author who writes and illustrates her own books. Her illustrations are delightful and no one can get into the mind of a toddler like she can. Her books about Alfie are precious!
Another gem is Bread and Jam for Francis.
I haven't looked at books for young children in a whilebut I know there are some amzing new writers out there.
Glad to see you mention Lloyd Alexander. I adore his books and find kids today are unfamiliar with his books.A shame because I personally like them better than the Harry Potter books.
For slightly older children and adults I highly recommend the Church Mice books by Graham Oakley. Alot of the humour will go right over the kids heads but you will enjoy them and the pictures are wonderful. This books are quite British in style- Ilove the British sense of humour!
Yikes- I am going on. Such a fun topic!!

[kima]

That sounds great to me Beth. Should I start a thread on here and The Great Food section? I don't quite know how we will narrow the choices down- we may need a benevolent dictator to step in. I also think we should try to limit the books to those available in paperback. When I hear back from you all I'd be happy to start a new thread!

[sal]

I have to admit, many aspects of my life are stressful so I read to escape...my 8 yr old recently brought home some Junie B. Jones books and I'm hooked. We laugh until we cry as we read some of her escapades. I love "I gave that man a huffy breath!" My dh would say I'm the queen of huffy breaths. So I guess you could say I'm feeding my brain/soul by ingesting some much needed humor! Keep posting the great titles, though, I keep printing out these sorts of threads for future reference. sally

[sal]

sorry. sal

[This message has been edited by sal (edited 04-23-2001).]

[BeckyM]

I have been reading this thread with great interest, because I haven't made time to read anything for a while, and I am ready to jump back in. We're going to Costa Rica at the beginning of May, and I definitely need something to take with me for reading on the plane and on the beach!

I really like the idea of a virtual CL book club. I have no preference for what book -- I'll read whatever you all decide, because they all sound great! I'll watch for a post with the decision.

[Kerri]

I am all for a book club, but I don't know if I will be good at participating. I hated English classes where we had to read a book and then examine it to death, but maybe I am more mature now.

I wanted to pass along my lasted good reads. I have started listening to books on tape in my commute and when I work out at the gym. Ones I really enjoyed were "Angelas Ashes" and "Tis" by Frank McCourt. These are narrated by the author, so it is really neat to listed to them with an authetic irish accent. For history lovers, "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose is about the Lewis and Clark journey and is just fantastic!! In the book it states than many times the party would eat up to 6000 calories a day each and 9 lbs of meat and still go to bed hungry. I thought that interesting. I do like the Harry Potter books, but the last one was quite distirbing, not from the Christian stand point, but I wouldn't let young children read these alone. However, I don't know anything about kids, so I don't really know. I have read "Alaska" and am now reading "Hawaii" by Michner and these are good reads for me. I read really fast and these take me awhile.

I had recently started readying James Patterson and Jonathon Kellerman, but I am now bored with them. These reads are fun, easy, and thrilling, but these authors get so repetitive. Mary Higgins Clark is another like that. So far, Patricia Cornwell has been able to keep things interesting so I am looking forward to her next book.

Sorry I took so long to post here. I don't know why I didn't check this thread, but I really wanted to share.

[BethH]

kima,

Maybe start a post here and see what the response is...if it is a little slow, we could shop it over on Great Food with an "OT" designation. I'm envisioning having a hard time narrowing the choices as well. Oh well, if it proves too difficult, at least we'll all have new ideas for books to read!

I'm looking forward to seeing the options--I'll put some thought into my choices and post soon! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KValley]

Kima and everybody,

I'm all for a virtual book group. I like the idea of selecting two for the summer- perhaps one classic work and one contemporary novel, or one non-fiction, one fiction?
I wouldn't object to rereading something. In fact, I wish I would spend more time rereading favorites, but my taste for the new is insatiable and my time is limited!

Folks could suggest works under each category and also vote over, say, a period of a week and then the most requested/voted would be the picks...? I'm thinking off the top of my head here, so chime in anybody.

RE: Children's Lit- I need to reread Lloyd Alexander- they were captivating. I read the Harry Potter's this Fall and truly loved them. But the Chronicles of Narnia remain my heart's choice. Today I also thought of Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach is one of my all time favorites!), Frances Hodgson Burnett- how many times have I read The Secret Garden?

I will look for Shirley Hughes and Graham Oakley- I love British wit, too. I think irony and a dry sense of humor are great for kids to puzzle over and decipher- and the vocabulary is often so much more advanced- there is nothing like stretching their brains!


[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-20-2001).]

[kima]

Ah yes The secret Garden... one of my favorites. I think the books that I loved most as a child were Black Beauty, Little Women and Beautiful Joe-I read them each many times and cried my eyes out. I loved books about horses and dogs. I grew up with a single mum in apartments and longed for a pet of my own. Those books helped fill a void in my life. The power of books, especially for children can never be underestimated.
I love the idea of one classic and one contemporary book. I sometimes need a nudge to read the classics. I would nominate Mansfield Park or anything by Virgina Wolf or Jane Austen. I am open to nonfiction as well.
While I think of it- I highly recommend Behind the Scenes at the Museum (author escapes at the moment-oops just remembered Kate Atkinson).
I am going to visit our local bookstore and browse through the latest new fiction this weekend. Oh another GREAT book is the Shipping News by Annie Proulx.Funny how sometimes I can't remember any titles and then they all come at once!

[KValley]

ooh- I could definitely do "Mansfield Park" I've only just begun - had to plow through the 24 page introduction- so I can hold off a bit longer. Although, I've never read any V.Woolf- this would be a great reason to. I also toss in my vote for Dickens' Bleak House, or any Graham Greene, or Edith Wharton, or Henry James, or... oh my.

I loved the "Shipping News"- did you know it is being made into a movie? I'd also like to read more Isabel Allende and Nadine Gordimer, Gunter Grasse.

Think we should start a separate thread on this?

[BethH]

kima--what a super idea! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I would love to read a book and then discuss with everyone down the road. I wonder if we should start a new thread where everyone could post their wish lists and then we could try to narrow the choices down?

[CheerLiz]

KValley:

I am DYING to know if your husband got the job at Oak Harbor. This is a very strange connection, and I never even HEARD of the school until about 2 years ago. But believe it or not, they have an INCREDIBLE cheerleading team that has won national titles. I know the coach through the internet, and she is one of the most incredible people I've ever met.

You can visit their web site at http://www2.whidbey.net/headridge/OHHS.html

For anyone out there who has a "cheerleader stereotype", these kids are incredible -- it's a coed team that impresses me every time I see them.

So keep me updated on the job!!

(I'm so excited about this thread -- I'm a HS English teacher, so I'm drooling at all the recommendations!)

[KValley]

Originally posted by CheerLiz:
KValley:

I am DYING to know if your husband got the job at Oak Harbor.


CheerLiz, what a small world this is! I know DH really really wants this job, so keep your fingers crossed for him on Tuesday!

There are so many teachers on this BB- great minds (or at least spouses of great minds, in my case) think alike, eh?