January 2014

February 2013-our fourth anniversary

We met at Kneader's at City Creek for an evening to discuss "Garden Spells".  It got 4 stars.  Alison said, "I loved this one! It's not my usual genre (though I am quite eclectic in my choices) - but I just adored the whole thing. I'm wondering if there is a sequel. Will I learn more about the fabulous Waverly women (including little Bay)?
If I have one complaint, it's that Bay, as a five year old, is just too mature for her age (not withstanding her life experience and her magical gift).

Sue said, "This book contains some delightful characters. I wanted to move to Bascom, North Carolina and hang out with the Waverley women because they were so interesting. Claire grows flowers in her garden and cook dishes with them that affects others' emotions, Sydney does the same with hair, Evanelle gives things to people they later need, and Bay talks to the anthropomorphic apple tree with special powers. The magical realism in the book seems so natural as to be absolutely believable as the ladies see other people's auras snap and change. One character deals with horrific domestic violence and another deals with fears that everyone she loves will leave her and has built up walls around herself. As each character comes to terms with these fears, they grow and mature. It was a very fun read, but there's a sexual situation alert and a language alert as the really mean, nasty character has severe language associated with him."

April 2012

Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys 


We were missing some members this month as we met downtown at Martine Cafe, but we still had a rousing discussion of a book that we collectively gave 4 stars.


Leslie's review of the book is here on Compass Book Ratings.


Alison said, "Highly recommended for both young adults and adults. An important story, beautifully written!"


Karen said, "I debated for a long time about how many stars to give this book. What I liked about it, was that it tells a story that has not been told already. This is the first book I have ever read about Stalin's treatment of the Lithuanians during WWII. It is told through the eyes of Lina, a young artist, taken with her family and falsely charged then imprisoned in a Siberian work camp. I loved the portrayal of a loving family. I always felt a little disengaged from the story though. In fact, half way through I picked up another book, and read it instead, then returned to this. Overall, it is worth discovering. I also liked this quote from the author at the end, "They chose hope over hate and showed the world that even through the darkest night, there is light....love reveals to us the truly miraculous nature of the human spirit."


Sue said, "Moving story of the horrors endured by a Lithuanian family forcibly relocated to Siberia by Soviets during WWII. It's based on true stories from survivors of the forced labor camps and contains some truly horrific moments. It's definitely an older YA novel as it could be disturbing to younger readers and contains some language during stress situations. It's an important story that is well-told. I really loved it."

September 2011

This month we read The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, and ate lunch at the Blue Lemon in downtown Salt Lake City.  We missed some members, but the rest of us had a great time and we all loved the book.   It gets 4.5 stars from the group.

Linda said: "This book was a great story with so many facets to it. Very well written. A book I could read again - and I don't do that much."

Karen said: "This book is almost perfect. I loved it. The story is told by Grace, who now in her 90's is reflecting on her years as a young girl serving at the House at Riverton for the wealthy Hartford family. You know from the beginning that the family she serves has a tragic end, but Grace slowly weaves the story together. Kate Morton's writing is beautiful, and the character of Grace is realistically complex and rich. I would highly recommend this book."

Sue said: "Loved this book! Loved characters, story, atmosphere, writing style, and how the house was a character as well. Super fun!"

Leslie said: "This was really a great read! I loved the way the story was told. Thanks for recommending it, Linda!"

Alison said: "A great read!"