The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

The People of the Book is the choice for the September book discussion. The story has its basis on fact, about a book that was hidden from destruction during the bombing of Sarejevo in 1995, surprizingly saved by a Muslim librarian. This a Jewish Haggaghad, that originated in the 1500's. Not any ordinary Haggaghad, the book of prayers said during the Passover in the Jewish home, this was an illuminated codex, precious to the library in Bosnia. This book had also been protected and hidden during the pillage of Bosnia during World War II, also saved by a Muslim. Geraldine Brooks has written a literary masterpiece, blending history and fiction, jumping through the centuries with her tale. Be prepared to be captivated by her storytelling abilities.

Booklover's Book Discussion Group

Our last summer book of 2009 is planned for discussion on Monday, August 24 at 7 pm. Reading young adult fiction is a nice change during the Summer Reading Program here at the library and this summer we read, The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King in June, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brain Selznick in July; and now we will look at Sherman Alexie's first young adult novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. This is truly a boy's book, about a young native American who decides to transfer to a school off the reservation. I hope that the adults give this book a chance, we have copies of the book available at the front desk and it's not too late pick up a copy and join us on August 24th. Click onto the title of this post and see Alexie Shermans' website.

Julie and Julia

The book by Julie Powell, Julie and Julia, 365 days, 524 recipes and a tiny apartment kitchen, how one girl risked her marriage, her job and her sanity to master the art of living has stayed with me for over a year, and now the movie has come out, with Meryl Streep as Julia Child. At first I was, this can't be, Julia Child has a tiny role in the book, and then I learned that Nora Ephron has melded two books into one movie; with Julia Child's last book, My Life in France to bounce scenes back and forth; Paris, 1954 to New York City, 2002. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I am looking forward to it. I am reading Julia Child's book now, and it is truly charming. How lucky she was to find her true calling, teaching cooking, and Julie Powell found her true calling also, from the above link learn about her new book that is coming out, about her turn learning butchering. I am sure it will be great, she has a unique way of expressing herself. The funny part in My Life in France is when Julia Child refers to Julie Powell and she can't get past the F** word, and she doesn't think Julie is in love with food as much as herself, maybe Julie just likes the humor in things more, although sometimes from the old TV versions of Julia she had a pretty good sense of humor herself.