'Devil' Sparks Discussion & Debate

We had a well attended bookclub at Candace's house including my good friend Jim who is our newest member. We had a lively and wide-ranging discussion regarding "The Devil in the White City" even comparing it to the other book of his called "Isaac's Storm". It was also interesting to hear how many of us had been to various World's Fairs (including New York, Vancouver, Seattle and Spokane's own Expo '74). Michelle had photos loaded on her Ipod of Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893 that was the topic of our book. Candace topped off the evening by sharing a final tribute to summer's bounty with home made Zuchini Bread!

Ode to James

Jim Cragan, Jim Cragan, where are you bro'?
We hope you're here with us, 'cause we want you to know
How much your idea for this book club has meant
To all of us members - and look where it went!

To wonderful places... the characters we've met,
20 years on the journey, but it's not over yet.
So, thank you dear Jimmy, for bringing us here
For giving a purpose and making it clear,
That life is much fuller whenever we care
to read the great writings and verses we share.

by Francis Joseph Hasler III

(thank you Joe, from all of us!)

Hill's Resort 20th Anniversary Photos

20th Anniversary @ Hill's Resort

Many more pictures to follow as well as slide show, videos and more....

'Seventh Son' Availability

Spokane Library system has 1 downtown, 2 at Shadle and 1 at Hillyard plus 3 mp3 CD's. County has 6 in various locations including Medical Lake and Spokane Valley. I tried downloading another version on my computer but all I got was the intro and the first few lines of the book. I am still techno-challenged in several areas but, hey, I can program my VCR still! (haha)

Photos From Lori's (9-16-2009)

That Lori Sure Can Grill!

We had a very nice time at Lori's house last evening and everyone made it! Great discussion and we just wish we could have known what the non-readers would have thought. Maybe you could read it and we could get your opinions at the next (special) bookclub gathering... kind of a continuation. We will have plenty of time for fun, serious discussion and making merry! Details to follow in the near future. Julie and I will be getting together soon to plan meals and activities. What do you all think of having the official bookclub meeting on the beach in front of the resort if the weather is nice on that Saturday???

Thanks Lori for the wonderful food and drink! You are Marvelous!

Photo from last bookclub at Rhonda's House

Way to go Sherman

Michelle sent this link about Sherman Alexie:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/06/19/today-in-get-off-my-lawn

And by-the-way, Sherman's official website is www.fallsapart.com 'for all things Sherman, all the time.'

'The Reader' Discussed at Tonight's Bookclub

It was a very fun and spirited discussion tonight at my house. Everyone had read the book and contributed to the discussion. Very well worth the read and some that had seen the movie recommend it highly and it may be better than the book on some level.

We had a full turn out and we were joined by Julie's friend and co-worker Michelle. It was nice having some new input and a fresh face to mix with us oldies-but-goodies.

We only have 4 weeks to get the next book (Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie) and read it but it is a series of short stories. See ya then!

"The Reader" Availability

Aunties has one used copy of 'The Reader' for $3.99, the county library has 2 copies available and the city system has several copies but they are all out. They do have one cassette copy available.

Joe has already finished the book! Way to go, Jose!

Book Club at Lee's House

Candace's Applesauce Cake Recipe!!!!

Applesauce Cake
Preheat oven to 350

One yellow Cake Mix
1 15 oz. can applesauce
3 eggs

Mix well.

Grease and dust with cinnamon sugar to taste. (best when Bundt pan is used)

Pour 1/2 mix into pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to taste. Pour remaining batter into pan.

Bake 45-50 min. until toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

Next Book Notes

There are four or five copies of the next book at both the county and city library districts. I would imagine that a classic like this would be available in most used book stores as well. Julie and Candace have both read this in the past and enjoyed it.

"As the Yankee's ingenuity and know-how encounter the world of medieval superstition, Twain takes the opportunity to satirize the Old World, chivalry, kings and the church. Many of the Arthurian knights are depicted, as seen through the unimpressed eyes of the Yankee." -Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia (Fourth Edition)

Last Meeting Highlights

We were finally able to meet tonight at Candace's house after the chaos settled from the snow storm and the holidays. Everyone attended and Lee brought her friend, Eileen. The funniest moment was Lori's impersonation of her brother, Mark!

The book "My Stroke of Insight" provoked a good discussion and I think everyone had finished or nearly finished the book. Candace's dessert, as usual, was fabulous!

The Death of the Old Year- Tennyson

Full knee-deep lies the winter snow,
And the winter winds are wearily sighing:
Toll ye the church bell sad and slow,
And tread softly and speak low,
For the old year lies a-dying.
Old year you must not die;

You came to us so readily,
You lived with us so steadily,
Old year you shall not die.
He lieth still: he doth not move:
He will not see the dawn of day.
He hath no other life above.
He gave me a friend and a true truelove
And the New-year will take 'em away.
Old year you must not go;
So long you have been with us,
Such joy as you have seen with us,
Old year, you shall not go.

He froth'd his bumpers to the brim;
A jollier year we shall not see.
But tho' his eyes are waxing dim,
And tho' his foes speak ill of him,
He was a friend to me.
Old year, you shall not die;
We did so laugh and cry with you,
I've half a mind to die with you,
Old year, if you must die.

He was full of joke and jest,
But all his merry quips are o'er.
To see him die across the waste
His son and heir doth ride post-haste,
But he'll be dead before.
Every one for his own.
The night is starry and cold, my friend,
And the New-year blithe and bold, my friend,
Comes up to take his own.

How hard he breathes!
over the snow
I heard just now the crowing cock.
The shadows flicker to and fro:
The cricket chirps: the light burns low:
'Tis nearly twelve o'clock.
Shake hands, before you die.
Old year, we'll dearly rue for you:
What is it we can do for you?
Speak out before you die.

His face is growing sharp and thin.
Alack! our friend is gone,
Close up his eyes: tie up his chin:
Step from the corpse, and let him in
That standeth there alone,
And waiteth at the door.
There's a new foot on the floor, my friend,
And a new face at the door, my friend,
A new face at the door.