I believe the general opinion of Katheryn Stockett's The Help was that it was an entertaining, eye-opening account of Jackson, MS in the '60s. Even though the book is a fiction novel, the story is a pretty accurate picture of the social ladder and attitudes of women, both black and white, of that time. Kudos to Katherine.
Our cur
rent read is Committed, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Most of us enjoyed Eat Pray Love and are looking forward to reading more of Elizabeth's thoughts on balancing life, relationships, and marriage. Committed, like Eat Pray Love, is a non-fiction bestseller. Even so, Eat Pray Love read like a novel. It will be interesting to hear what everyone thinks about Committed.I shared with the group a fun activity I found on Barnes & Noble's website. They have several online community book groups, and one of them is called First Look. They post a book and give you the opportunity to read and review it before it hits the shelves. The book is usually the author's first novel. BN will send you the book for free, and it's yours to keep. You are asked to read it and join the online discussion, which most of the time includes the author him/herself. I participated in this when the book was Writing Circle, which is now on the New Arrivals table in hard cover in most book stores. We are in the middle of another one, so it's too late to sign up for this one, but keep checking and get in on the next one if you can. It's a great way to get a free book and be involved in shaping some ideas. Check it out here: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/ It's the second-to-last section on the page. Mandy also told us that some publishers offer this opportunity as well. I'll do some digging and see what I can find.
As for the homework I assigned (seriously, I hope it didn't come off as an assignment - this is a totally optional activity for you), I'd like to say a couple of things about The Elements and the wave choices I passed out. You've probably noticed that the things on the list are not 'big' commitments - just some great ideas on how you can be intentional in living day to day in the shadow of Jesus. I feel fulfilled when I make a conscious effort to make some of those choices and follow through. I hope you will find this activity valuable as well.
In addition, I would like to make a suggestion that fits into the 'world' part of The Elements. Last night we talked about a friend, Sandy, in Concord who is battling breast cancer. Lisa Wooden is leading the organization of a fundraiser event this Friday, 9/17. Sandy has been unable to work for several months while undergoing treatment, and her disability benefits will be ending shortly. She will need assistance until she can return to work. Friday, there will be a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at Concord High School in the cafeteria, 4-7pm. Any support you can offer that evening will be greatly appreciated.
My suggestion builds on helping Sandy. I see a wonderful opportunity for us as a group to help out. If you would like to commit to this, we could easily put together a valuable care package to offer Sandy next month. Here's what I'm thinking: each of us could collect things over the next couple of weeks, bring them to our next meeting, and put them together for Lisa to take to Sandy. Ideas could be gift cards for groceries and stores where she can purchase things they need at home, general gift cards that can be used anywhere, food, maybe even some cooked meals that she can freeze and reheat. Lisa, perhaps you could give us some more ideas if you know of specific things she may need. I will send out a reminder email each Friday until our next meeting and will include updates and any new ideas as they come up.
Our next meeti
ng to discuss Committed, is on Monday, October 12, 7-9pm, Biggby Jackson. We've also chosen our next two books.November: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson
December: Ape House, by Sarah Gruen
Have a wonderful September!
Happy Reading!!!
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