Books at Your Leisure

Book for November

2010-11-03T20:19:00.002-06:00

Join us the day before Thanksgiving to discuss INFIDEL by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. This is a woman who fled Somalia and also the Netherlands to finally take refuge in the U.S. She relates her life and the threats that have followed her after her outspoken views on the Islamic religion.

ALL IOWA READS DISCUSSION

2010-08-30T10:23:00.006-06:00

Join us at the Hawarden Public Library as we read and discuss this year's ALL IOWA READS selection on September 29 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room.

We are hoping that many of you will enjoy DRIFTLESS by David Rhodes. Rhodes has been silent as an author since 1976. This is his first book in some time. This choice was published in 2008. Join us for a great discussion. Copies of the book are available for your use at the circulation desk.

August Book CLub Selection

2010-08-02T10:35:00.005-06:00

August's book selection is SARAH'S KEY by Tatiana De Rosnay. You will love this book.

It will make for a lively discussion when we meet on August 25 at 10 a.m. at the library.

Check out the author interview on You.Tube

JULY SELECTION

2010-06-30T12:05:00.003-06:00

Join a great group at your library. It's a book discussion group where everyone becomes friends through good conversation, good books, and food!

Our book for the month of July is THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein.

We will be meeting on Wednesday, Jly 28 at 10 a.m. Hope to see you there! We are always looking for more members.

May Book Club Selection

2010-05-01T19:57:00.002-06:00

During the month of May, we will be reading WILD SWANS. This book was highly recommended by one of our members. It is the true story of three generations of Chinese women who were involved in Communist China, became disenchanted and what happened in their lives.

Join us on Tuesday, May 25 at 10 a.m. Note we are changing our day of the week this month.

Thanks to all members for a fantastic discussion last week.

April Book Discussion Selection

2010-03-31T10:02:00.002-06:00

During the month of April, we will read and discuss THE PACT by Jodi Picoult. Our next meeting date is Wednesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room. Join us we would love to hear your opinions.

March Book Selection

2010-02-24T19:21:00.002-06:00

During the month of March, we will be reading and discussing THE WALK WEST--Part 2 of Peter Jenkin's WALK ACROSS AMERICA. If you have the inclincation, please join us.

February Book--Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

2010-01-18T14:23:00.003-06:00

Join the book discussion group on Wednesday, February 24 when we meet to discuss MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL by John Berendt. Based on fact, this book is often considered part of the genre called the "nonfiction novel". The setting of the story is Savannah and the story revolves around the murder of a local hustler by a respected antiques dealer. The book was made into a succesful movie directed by Clint Eastwood.

January 2010 --Book Club Selection

2009-12-17T09:34:00.003-06:00

Well, I can't believe we will be starting another year of our book discussion group! Our selection for the month of January was recommended by one of our members. We will be reading LAST OF THE BREED by Louis L'Amour. Would you believe that most of our members have not read one of his books. If there is anyone out there who would like to join our group, just give me a call at the library. I am writing this in December --so I wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Make a resolution to read even more in 2010!

Christmas Basket of Books!!!!!

2009-11-23T14:54:00.002-06:00

Join us at the library for a great discussion of holiday feel good books on Wednesday, December 16 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room. You will have such a good time reading these short, positive holiday books. Check out the list on our facebook page or on our blog on the left. Call the library if you have questions. We hope that you will join us.

2009-10-28T06:41:00.005-06:00

For the month of November, we will be reading THE GREAT GATBSY by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Join us as we relive the time of the Roaring 20's and the time just before "the Great Depression."

The group will be meeting to discuss the book and watch the movie.

BOOK SELECTION FOR OCTOBER

2009-10-01T12:19:00.003-06:00

Join us on October 28 at 10 a.m. as we discuss the book THE NAMESAKE by Jhumpa Lahiri.

This is the author's second book. Her first book the INTERPRETER OF MALADIES won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize. The book we will be reading and discussing deals with the immigrant experience, the problems and conflicts with assimilation, and the problem of communication between generations.

We look forward to seeing you. Remember that October is "National Reading Group Month".

Join us for fun, mental stimulation, and the best food ever!

September Selection--Taylor Caldwell

2009-08-22T11:44:00.003-06:00

Join us on September 30 as we discuss ANSWER AS A MAN by Taylor Caldwell. This year all of our selections are recommendations from members of our reading group. Last month we had a great discussion of THE THIRD ANGEL by Alice Hoffman. We love the differing opinions and ideas. It gets all of us thinking outside of our boxes!

Remember, that refreshments are a great part of our discussion as is the coffee!

Stop by the library and sign up to be part of this activity.

Book Discussion Selections

2009-07-05T15:00:00.003-06:00

The selections for our next year are on the blog--look to the left. All of the selections for the next year were proposed by book club members. Can't wait for the discussions!

JULY BOOK DISCUSSION

2009-07-02T16:59:00.004-06:00

We are back to meeting at our regular time--10 a.m. in the morning in the library meeting room.

Join us as we talk about FAMILY TREE by Barbara Delinsky. The book looks at heritage, love, and marriage as a couple faces an issue in their life. Delinksy is a woman's writer. We should have quite a discussion on this book. Watch this site for a listing of our next twelve books! Happy summer reading! Find a good beach read that you can't resist. (See the list to the left)

ALL IOWA READS

2009-06-12T07:04:00.004-06:00

Join us on June 17th at 2 p.m. (Note change of time) to discuss THE ROPE WALK by Carrie Brown. This year's ALL IOWA READS is indeed a "thinking" book as we look at main characters who are children. Their innocence brings lessons to us all. Hope to see a large group on Wednesday.

Remember, the summer reading program has begun. You can "Be Creative at Your Library" by participating in our bingo game. Every filled row wins a prize. Also, each book that you read is a chance to win a beautiful prize from "The Willow Tree." The prize is on display at the library. Give us a call with questions or better still stop by the library.

May Book Discussion

2009-05-04T19:33:00.003-06:00

We are so proud to announce that author Nicole Baart will be joining us for a book discussion on May 20th. Nicole has just had her third book published, THE MOMENT BETWEEN. Because the book just came out on May 1st, we are sharing copies and hopefully all eighteen of us will have it finished by book club time.

This newest novel has strong female characters and tackles the subject of suicide as well as mental illness. It will make for a great discussion. How fortunate we are to have the author join us. You can check out the author's blog. The story will leave questioning your feelings on revenge, family, and forgiveness.

Hope to see everyone on Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m.

Coffee and cinnamon rolls furnished!!!!

Selection for April 2009

2009-03-25T17:23:00.003-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the book discussion today. It was a chance for everyone to share and express their opinionsl That's what a discussion is all about.

For the month of April, we will be reading STOLEN INNOCENCE by Elissa Wall. Hope that everyone came make it to the next discussion on April 22 at 10 a.m. at the library.

If you need a copy of the book, please call the library --551-2244.

March Book Discussion Selection

2009-02-25T19:22:00.003-06:00

We don't know if March will come in like a lion or a lamb, but we do know that everyone enjoyed WATER FOR ELEPHANTS! It doesn't often occur that we (all those in the book club) are in agreement about a selection. But we liked this book!

Now, what will be the vote on MRS.KIMBLE by Jennifer Haigh. Join us on March 25th for a morning of discussing. The library will furnish the book if you need one.

Remember to check back for our date to watch THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES! Don't miss our book club evening of a dinner and a movie!

And the book for February is . . .

2009-01-24T11:10:00.007-06:00

You must read WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen. It is our selection for the coming month. The books are in at the library and you can pick them up at our meeting or any other time! The New York Times called the book "an enchanting, escapist fairy tale." We all need some fairy tale experiences in our lives at some point. Check out the reading guide to stimulate your mind!

If you enjoy this book, you might want to read: SNOW FLOWER & THE SECRET FAN by Lisa See, or THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield or LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan.

See you on the 26th for our discussion!

It's a brand new year!

2008-12-30T20:57:00.002-06:00

Do you make resolutions? Why not resolve to read one book this year that you would never normally even look at? Wouldn't it be great to expand your horizons with just "right" book.
Speaking of books, the selection for the month of January is THE COAL TATOO by Silas House. The book discussion group will be meeting on January 28 at 10 a.m. at the library. Hope to see you there!

Season's Readings!

2008-12-10T09:53:00.004-06:00

December is a great time for our book discussion group. We read a variety of holiday books and give our reaction at our gathering. Of course, this gathering is special because everyone brings treats! It's our time to enjoy reading and enjoy each other's company in a relaxed setting.

If you have time, join us! We would love to have you. This year we are also reading "The Knitting Circle". It is a soft read but one that brings enjoyment and a hint of Christmas!

Check out the side bar for a number of great seasonal reads! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the library reading group!

And November's selection is . . .

2008-10-26T12:40:00.005-06:00

This month we will be reading COLD ROCK RIVER.

It's almost October---

2008-09-29T18:48:00.003-06:00

What a wonderful discussion on POSTVILLE last week. Thanks for being so willing to share your thoughts and opinions. I know you are ready for our political discussion in November. Our book of choice for our October 29th meeting is Bernard Goldberg's CRAZIES TO THE LEFT OF ME, WIMPS TO THE RIGHT --HOW ONE SIDE LOST ITS MIND AND THE OTHER LOST ITS NERVE. Make sure to check our the library's display of current political books. They range from biographies of our candidates to talk show hosts' rants. By the way, I heard that Mortenson's talk at Augustana was awesome! Hope that you are working on a second book of your choice for this discussion. I think I will read FLEECED by Morris.

Whatever you choose to read, I hope that you enjoy and that you remember to vote!

August's Book Club Meeting

2008-08-28T14:47:00.006-06:00

What a great discussion we had on Wednesday morning! THOSE WHO SAVE US sparked a lot of questions and wonderful thoughts. Welcome to our three new members. We will see everyone on September 24. Just a reminder to everyone--THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES--one of our former selections, will be released as a movie this fall! Can't wait to see it. If you are looking for another book to read, why not pick up THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX. This is quite a story! Someone recently recommend THE THIRTEENTH TALE. If you like mystery, puzzles, and a bit of suspense, set in a historical time frame, check this out. Also, one of our club members brought it to my attention that Greg Mortenson will be speaking at Augustana College on the evening of September 28. His THREE CUPS OF TEA was an awesome selection.

Our September Selection---

2008-08-20T14:29:00.004-06:00

During these next few weeks, please read POSTVILLE--A CLASH OF CULTURES IN HEARTLAND AMERICA by Stephen G. Bloom. As many of you know the tiny town of Postville was the site of huge immigration raid a few weeks ago. I hope we can have a great discussion about what has happened in Postville and what it could mean to our community. Just a little background, in 1987, a group of ultra-Orthodox Jews opened a kosher slaughterhouse outside the town. This act divided the community but also brought it economic growth. As many of us realize, change can cause pain and anger in a community. But sometimes, you must look at the "what if's" --that's what we hope to do in our discussion on Wednesday, September 27th.

P.S. Book club members PLEASE post to this blog with your comments before our next meeting.

P.S.S. Check out the links to recent articles about the immigration raid before our meeting.

Thanks :)

This month's read--

2008-08-19T20:51:00.003-06:00

Hope to see everyone at our book discussion next Wednesday, August 27 at 10 a.m. at the library. Remember our book for this month is THOSE WHO SAVE US. Looking forward to having a large group. Remember to tell us what you have been reading! I am especially interested in your reaction to this month's read. It's interesting that there are so many books about World War II. Remember, we read THE BOOK THIEF several months ago. This book is an entirely different perspective. For another book that deals with World War II, pick up THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS. It is classified as a children's book but has so much to offer and think about.

We are starting another blog at the library--it's called the bookshelf.

It will consist of recommended titles and readalikes. Watch for it soon on our library web page.

What new in fiction?

2008-06-10T09:50:00.003-06:00

Fans of James Patterson will want to read --SAIL

Also, pick up a copy of STOLEN INNOCENCE. This is the story of a young girl who grew up in a polygamous sect, became a teenage bride and finally broke free of Warren Jeffs. If you read this and enjoy it, you might want to read ESCAPE.

The clock is ticking ! ! !

2008-06-01T20:01:00.002-06:00

Calling all adult readers! We need you to count the minutes you read for our summer reading program. There is a challenge from the kids to see if they can read more than the adults! Watch the catepillars crawl around the library as more of you read!

By the way, you can now download audio books through our website. Check it out: http://wilbor.lib.overdrive.com-- Find out more details by contacting your Hawarden Public Library or coming to our class on Thursday evening, June 5 at 7 p.m.

Well, this weekend I read two books-- the first one was one of those cozy mysteries--this was a Murder She Wrote--relaxing but not too challenging. However, the second book was great and I recommend it to all of you--It is THE YEAR OF FOG by Michelle Richmond. It is a page turner with great human relationships. Would make a great book discussion! The novel turns on the loss of a child--the child disappears while playing on a beach. Sound good? It's great!
Check it out, curl up in your favorite reading spot, grab a cup of coffee, and your're set.

Have you found just the book or author for this summer?

2008-05-28T19:17:00.002-06:00

At our last book club meeting, several authors and titles were suggested. You may want to choose one of these for your summer reading pleasure: They include:

THE KITE RUNNER

THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING

FRANCESCA'S KITCHEN

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

Anything by Nicholas Sparks

FOR WOMEN ONLY

THE SPARROW

MY SISTER'S KEEPER

Other authors to think about: Anne Tyler, Anita Sheve, Alice Hoffman, Tami Hoag, Chaim Potok, Willa Cather, Hemingway, M.C. Beaton (just for fun and relaxation plus I've always wanted to visit England and Scotland.)

By the way, on Monday, you can pick up your BUGGO CARD. This is our library game for the next six weeks. The rules are simple --just complete a row by reading a book by each author in the row.

Remember, for each book that you read you name is entered into our basket giveaway. The theme of the first basket is CHOCOLATE!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

WILBOR goes live on the library's web site on Monday. You can download audio books to your MP3 players for a week! Talk about awesome! Stop by the library to learn more about it.

We are having a training session on June 5th at 7 p.m.

First Book for the Summer

2008-05-22T13:41:00.003-06:00

Well, I was so glad everyone who could made it to the book discussion on Wednesday. We had a great discussion about EAT, PRAY, LOVE. Thanks for all the suggestions for this summer's reading. I pulled an author's name out of the hat. The June selection is A WEDDING IN DECEMBER by Anita Shreve. Make sure to pick up your book club copy at the library circulation desk. We will see everyone on June 25th. Remember to start tracking how many minutes you read each day!

Perhaps, we will meet in the park for the June meeting for breakfast. Watch this blog for more information. Remember, to pick up your Author Bingo Card the first week of June. We will also be drawing for gift baskets as we all "catch the reading bug" this summer.

Summer Reading is Approaching- - - - -

2008-05-12T20:09:00.004-06:00

Are you ready for a challenge? The kids of the Hawarden Public Library are challenging their parents to read this summer. The kids want the parents to track their minutes just as they are tracking what they read.

There are a number of new books--some romantic, some mystery, and some just fun --like the new one by Jimmy Buffett--SWINE NOT?

Just for laughs this summer, pick up something you would not ordinarily read.

I am going to do that and I'll tell you about it the first week of June.

New Books at the Library

2008-05-08T15:03:00.005-06:00

Everyone is calling us about Barbara Walter's new tell-all--AUDITION. Be sure to add your name to our reserve list. Remember if there is a book that you want to read, you can RESERVE it just by calling or emailing us at the Hawarden Public Library. Our email is webmaster@hawarden.lib.ia.us

You might also want to read the new book by Mary Higgins Clark, WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

DID YOU KNOW----

2008-04-30T12:08:00.003-06:00

that the Hawarden Book Discussion Group has been meeting for over 10 years?
Members--please post about your favorite book in that time period. I will be looking for it.

This month our book is EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. Tell us what you think about the book.

Summer Reading is Coming

2008-04-30T10:44:00.003-06:00

This year we want you to blog about what you are reading. Just post a response
to a comment and let us know what you are enjoying.
We would also like you to track the amount of minutes you read. It is like a
contest between the adults and the kids! What better way to inspire kids to read than to see that adults enjoy reading.

Oh, and remember, the FAMOUS BASKETS will be given away every 2 weeks
The more you read the more entries you will have!

2008-02-06T17:30:00.000-06:00

ALL IOWA READS

This year's selection is DIGGING TO AMERICA by Anne Tyler.

Make sure you check it out at your Hawarden Public Library and read it.

It will be the March selection for our book club.

Did you know that our book club is celebrating its tenth year of existence.

JOIN US IN APRIL FOR A READING CLUB CELEBRATION!

THE BOOK THIEF

2008-02-06T16:51:00.000-06:00

I am so glad that everyone enjoyed this last book. Hope you are well into our next book, Russell Bank's "Sweet Hereafter". We will meet to discuss this one on February 27 at 10 a.m. at the library.

See you then,

If you have a book to recommend, just post to this blog. I know that some of you are huge readers.

Recent Additions

2007-10-16T19:39:00.001-06:00

You can find the new books we add to the collection by clicking on this link:
Hawarden Library's LibraryThing

October's Book Discussion

2007-10-16T13:01:00.000-06:00

We hope to see many of you on Wednesday, October 24 at 10 a.m. when we meet to discuss THREE CUPS OF TEA. Remember the new ALL IOWA READS has also been chosen.
The book is DIGGING TO AMERICA by Anne Tyler. We will discuss that in April so now you know the book for that month. The title was announced by this year's Iowa Library Conference in Coralville.

Hope that everyone is enjoying this month's book. Another book that you might want to read is HOW STARBUCKS CHANGED MY LIFE. I found this an excellent choice.

July Musings

2007-07-06T14:29:00.000-06:00

Hopefully, everyone has been so busy reading that they have forgotten to post to the site.
I am just beginning a Louise Erdrich novel--"The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse."

Have been reading lots of short mysteries--just for fun--you know they are so "cozy".

Many of you have been entering our drawings--our last winner for the beautiful Fourth of July basket was Tom Tilgner.

New Books

2007-06-15T14:07:00.001-06:00

There are lots of new books at the Hawarden Public Library. Make sure you come and check them out. I am reading "In His Feathers" right now. This is a remarkable journal of a woman who had ovarian cancer. This was recommended by one of our book club members.

An Interesting Read

2007-06-05T09:51:00.000-06:00

If you like contemporary biographies, try this one-- "Paula Deen--a Memoir--It Ain't All About the Cookin'". Paula Deen, of the Food Network, has lived an interesting and eventful life. She is very candid about her life. I found the book relaxing, humorous, and enjoyable. It is a fast read.
I read it in an evening. If you like Paula's tv show, you will like the book. Paula's life has been one of up's and down's and right now it is definitely on the upswing.

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

2007-06-03T14:03:00.001-06:00

Attention: (Especially book discussion members) What are you reading? Share your thought and comments. Looking forward to hearing from you.

A MUST READ!

2007-06-03T13:58:00.000-06:00

If you read THE KITE RUNNER, make sure to read the latest work by this author A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. Author Khaled Hossenini takes us into the lives of two women brought together through marriage to the same man. The setting is in Afghanistan during the last thirty years. You will be surprised by the brutality, the struggles to survive, and the innate desire for happiness. This is a great book for discussion.

Summer Reading

2007-05-31T18:35:00.000-06:00

Are you reading something this summer that you want to share with others? Add your comments about your reading choices at this blog. Right now, I am reading a cozy little mystery that takes place among the Pennsylvania Dutch. It is a fun book, very relaxing and a bit humorous. The title is "Hell Hath No Curry" by Tamar Myers. Book even has some recipes.

I find these short, little books just the things in the summer.

Also, may I recommend "The Road From Spink" by Marge Flados. She spoke at our library last week and was wonderful. Many of you would enjoy this book. Remember, our summer program for adults starts next week. Play Library Mystery Bingo and win a prize.

2007-05-10T14:10:00.000-06:00

Currently, I am reading a book about leprosy in Hawaii. Excellent historical book.

2007-05-10T12:43:00.000-06:00

I have just finished "Whistling Season" and loved it. Of course, I attended a one-room school and could identify with much of what I read. The author does a great job with setting and also characterization. We really meet lovable rogues in this novel.