Book Groups

Over the years, I’ve belonged to several book groups, usually part of a newcomers’ group. When we moved two years ago, the book group was the first one I joined. Why? Because I knew it would introduce me to books I didn’t normally read. I tend to read in genres I like. So a book group would challenge me.

This group is different from other book clubs I’ve belonged to. The local library provides books to reader groups. That’s turned out to be good and not-so-good. Not-so-good in that the participants don’t get to choose the books. Good in that we don’t have to buy the books. Which is doubly good because then I don’t feel guilty when I don’t finish a book.

I know many people always finish the book they started. Not me. I have too many books (free or otherwise) on my Kindle to waste time on a book I don’t like. And there have been several since I joined this book group.

Last month, I mentioned we’re reading Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. Since there’s a lot of controversy over this book, I decided it was high time I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I finished it last week and really enjoyed it. I had to get past the frequent use of the N-word. I know it was written in a different time—time when that word was commonly used. Still, I cringed.

Another thing that bothered me—and probably only bothers a writer—was the point of view. Scout, from ages six to nine, tells the story. Most of the time the story reflects the thoughts of a child. That was good because viewing the events through the eyes of an innocent made the story much more powerful. Yet some of the vocabulary is that of an adult. I know, a nit-picky thing, but it yanked me out of the story.

Now I'm eager to read Go Set a Watchman. If only to see her writing style. Did it change with Mockingbird?

 Have you read a classic--a prize-winning book--with elements that bothered you?

Is It Fall Yet?

Although the calendar says fall, the weather says summer. How is it where you live? A few trees are turning colors, but the temperatures have been in the high seventies/eighties. I don’t know whether to wear capris or jeans, sandals or athletic shoes. Most of my plants need to be trimmed back and the debris cleared out. Hubs talked me into buying bulbs. This is our third fall in the new house, and he thinks we need more color in the spring. I got some tulips and daffodils. Plus three large mum plants for color now. It’s a good thing he’ll be planting the bulbs.

I’ve had a glitch on the writing front. The second Alex O’Hara story needs more work, according to my editor. All the areas she mentioned that need attention are things I deleted from the finished product. That’s what I get for second guessing myself. So back to the drawing board for The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé. I’m very frustrated.

Have you seen any good movies lately? We went to see the latest Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation. Lots of action, chase scenes, twists, intrigue, and humor. Simon Pegg, as Benji, is such a hoot. And Rebecca Ferguson, the female lead, can really kick butt. I’m looking forward to seeing Everest, but we’re watching the grandkiddies this week. Maybe next week.

I’m reading To Kill a Mockingbird. My daughter can’t believe I’ve never read it. (I saw the movie. Doesn’t that count???) Anyway, our book group is reading Go Set a Watchman for October. I figured I’d better read Mockingbird first so I can better understand all the hoopla over Watchman. Frankly, I think whoever is managing Harper Lee’s affairs now (she has dementia) is taking advantage of her. If she’d wanted to publish Watchman, she would have long ago.

Speaking of reading, I read two excellent romantic suspense books. Fear Land by Rolynn Anderson explores PTSD and high anxiety. Marilyn Baron’s Landlocked pits a city girl against a country boy and together they solve a 30-year-old mystery.

Feel free to share books, movies, or fall activities.