Next in November - Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
 

Friday, November 16th 7 p.m. at Christi's house.

Next in June - So Much Pretty

A dark tale inspired by a true case encountered by the author as a police beat reporter follows the experiences of a young victim of domestic violence whose memory is further compromised by community perceptions. A first novel. 

Top Ten Reading Group Favorites of 2011

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

4. Room by Emma Donoghue

5. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

6. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

7. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

8. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

[Source: Reading Group Guides]

One Amazing Thing

The Sacramento State One Book Program has selected One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni as its One Book for 2012-2013. Read more here.

Book Trailer Spotlight - Wild

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
 

not your mama's list of book group books

Seems like there are certain books that are quickly typecast as book club books. Here's a list of  books (all now available in paperback) that are not yet regarded as standard picks for reading groups:

 20 Unexpected Books for Your Reading Group

reading is sexy

here's an idea

BOOK CLUB TIP - Pot Luck Dinner Paired with Biographies

 An idea from The Ladies of Autumnwood of Grand Island, New York.

 From member Maryl Gavazzi:

"For a recent meeting, each of us chose a biography or autobiography and brought a dish pertaining to that author. Our host read Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and prepared "Apple" cake and appletinis...clever. Another read a biography of Renoir and brought quiche. Someone else read a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt and brought angel food cake with strawberries -- Eleanor's favorite."

Book Trailer Spotlight

Guide - what not to say at book club

We love the reading. We love the company and conversation. We love the stuffed mushrooms and potluck pinot noir. But every now and then, somebody says something that we really, really wish they hadn't—especially, gulp, when that somebody is us.

Click here for the list of what not to say at book club via Oprah.

This month's book - Cutting For Stone

"Richly written...Shows how history and landscape and accidents of birth and death conspire to create the story of a single life...You may never leave the chair."

- Los Angeles Times

This month's book - Baking Cakes in Kigali

“A charming and beautifully written novel of life in a country recovering from terrible horrors. Beguiling…Gaile Parkin’s creation Angel Tungaraza is sure to win over readers.” — Bookseller

"With gentle humour and a gift for detail, she brings Rwanda to life, with its physical beauty, food and customs." -- Review by Susan Williams

guerrilla reading

Guerrilla Reading 

Turn off the TV
Turn off the computer/iPad/iPhone

~ Read ~

• Before going to sleep 
• Before getting up 
• In the bathtub 
• While baby is napping 
• After kids are in bed 
• With kids To kids 
• While waiting for your ride 
• While on the bus/train/plane 
• While dinner is cooking 
• While exercising (audiobooks!) 
• While driving (ditto) 
• While doing work around the house (audiobooks again!)
• While waiting for an appointment
• and...

Mmmm...tasty

Slow Cooker Chicken with Artichoke and Olives

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts
One 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained
One 14 oz can pitted olives (any kind will do. I used a mix of kalamata and black)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup low sodium chicken stock
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbs capers

 *For gravy: 2 tablespoons brown rice flour (or other flour of choice)

Brown the chicken breasts in small amount of olive or canola oil. After browning the chicken, remove it and add onions and garlic to pan. Saute until onions are translucent. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker/crockpot. Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.

Optional: You can make a gravy from the sauce in the slow cooker when you're about ready to serve. Put the sauce into saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour for about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. After it reaches desired thickness, pour over chicken & veggies -- serve.

mysterious ways

The Indie Mystery & Thriller Bestseller List


Based on sales at hundreds of independent bookstores nationwide for the eight-week period ending January 8, 2012.


1. Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

3. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

5. V Is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

6. The Drop by Michael Connell

7. Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

8. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson

9. The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

10. Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell

The list goes to 25 - for the rest of the list click here.

There must be 14 ways ...

to kill your book club

1. Think Outside The Book 
Liven up the discussion by reading plays or literary magazines that feature essays, art and short stories. 

2. Share The Busywork 
Leaving one person in charge for too long will lead to her burning out. Instead, every few months, rotate the responsibility of hosting and setting the date for the meeting. 

3. Seduce With Food 
A juicy three-cheese lasagna can help the discussion of the driest novel. 

4. And Yet: Never Serve Vegetarian Pâté 

Read more: 14 Ways Not to Kill Your Book Club

winter reading

Do you read different types of books during the winter months?