Children's novel to be discussed on September 30th

Book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Next Meeting: September 30th, 2015, 7:30pm
Place: Cristina's, Rougemont

Here is what Wikipedia says about the book: 

"Wonder is a children's novel written by R.J. Palacio, published on February 14, 2012. Wonder was a #1 book on The New York Times Best Seller list[1] and was also on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list. The book was the winner of the 2014 Maine Student Book Award, Vermont's Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, the 2015 Mark Twain Award.[3] and Hawaii's 2015 Nene Award."

Here is what Amazon says:

"August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out."

August book considered Best Book by multiple sources

Book: The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Next Meeting date: Wed August 26, 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Hostess: Vre

Excerpt from Amazon.com:

"One of the Best Books of the Year: The Washington Post, NPR, Vogue, BookRiot

Fiona Maye is a leading High Court judge who presides over cases in the family division. She is renowned for her fierce intelligence, exactitude, and sensitivity. But her professional success belies private sorrow and domestic strife. There is the lingering regret of her childlessness, and now her marriage of thirty years is in crisis.

At the same time, she is called on to try an urgent case: Adam, a beautiful seventeen-year-old boy, is refusing for religious reasons the medical treatment that could save his life, and his devout parents echo his wishes. Time is running out. Should the secular court overrule sincerely expressed faith? In the course of reaching a decision, Fiona visits Adam in the hospital—an encounter that stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. Her judgment has momentous consequences for them both."

A novel of transformation and trust to be discussed in June

Book: The Life List  by Lori Nelson Spielman
Date: Wed. June 24, 2015
Time: 7:30 pm
Hostess: Eva's

From Amazon.com:

"INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

In this utterly charming debut—perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern’s P.S., I Love You and Allison Winn Scotch’s Time of My Life—one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.

1. Go to Paris
2. Have a baby, maybe two
3. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger seems to have it all: a plum job, a spacious loft, an irresistibly handsome boyfriend. All in all, a charmed life. That is, until her beloved mother passes away, leaving behind a will with one big stipulation: In order to receive her inheritance, Brett must first complete the life list of goals she’d written when she was a naïve girl of fourteen. Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision—her childhood dreams don’t resemble her ambitions at age thirty-four in the slightest. Some seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other goals (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. As Brett reluctantly embarks on a perplexing journey in search of her adolescent dreams, one thing becomes clear. Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Praise for The Life List

“A wonderful, touching story that reminds us to live life to its fullest.”—Cecelia Ahern, New York Times bestselling author of P.S., I Love You

“Spielman’s debut charms.”—Kirkus Reviews

“You won’t want to miss Lori Nelson Spielman’s remarkable debut, an intensely emotional novel of transformation and trust. It’s about how we let go, and how we never let go. The Life List has great heart, and even greater soul.”─Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of The Peach Keeper

“Irresistible! Everything I love and look for in women’s fiction. A clever, funny, moving page-turner.”─Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Escape"

More than just a business book

Book: Maverick!  by Ricardo Semler
Date: Wed. May 27, 2015
Time: 7:30 pm
Hostess: Joanna's

Review From Library Journal
"First published in Brazil in 1988 as Turning the Tables , this book was the all-time best-selling nonfiction book in Brazil's history. Semler, the 34-year-old CEO, or "counselor," of Semco, a Brazilian manufacturing firm, describes how he turned his successful company into a "natural business" in which employees hire and evaluate their bosses, dress however they want, participate in major decisions, and share in 22 percent of the profits. Semler believes that Semco is different from most companies that have participatory management because employees are given the power to make decisions--even ones, with which the CEO wouldn't normally agree. Semler claims, "This is not a business book. It is a book about work, and how it can be changed for the better." Highly recommended."

Satire of 1930s Stalinist Moscow chosen for April meeting

A few years have passed, and here's an update.

Book: The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Date: Wed. April 29
Time: 7:30 pm
Hostess: Aida
Meeting place: Diana's

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the novel:
"The Master and Margarita (Russian: «Ма́стер и Маргари́та») is a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, written between 1928 and 1940, but unpublished in book form until 1967. The story concerns a visit by the Devilto the fervently atheistic Soviet Union. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires."

Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho

Next Meeting

When: May 29 at 7:30 pm

Hostess: Diana

A few months after 50 Shades, we delve into another steamy--yet deeper--story: "11 Minutes" by Paul Coelho.

Topics: Brasil, human trafficking, prostitution, Geneva, money, core of human condition....

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Next Meeting

When: March 27
Hostess: Vicky

Present: Christina, Allison, Jane A, Carina, Irina, Tina, Jackie, Ruth, Eva, Senta for Lucy, Maya, Kay and Vicky

A lively discussion was had of this well liked book and a very important book to some of the members.

Thank you to Vicky for hosting and choosing this book and also the "Morrie like" spread of food choices!