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Better World Book Club: The Shadow of the Wind

Dana — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:44:04 +0000

Don’t forget to sign up for the Better World Book Club. Discuss the monthly pick with us here on the blog or take it back to your neighborhood book club. We set you up with everything you need for your meeting…. a synopsis of the book, discussion questions and even a great recipe. Sign up by going to manage subscriptions now.

Our Latest Pick

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

If your book club has ever read a book where you struggled to find something to talk about, you will really appreciate THE SHADOW OF THE WIND. There is so much to talk about with this book, I barely know where to begin.

From its Russian doll – book within a book style to its use of religious imagery to the often parallel lives of two seemingly unconnected characters you will not run out of conversation. I promise.

Our book, THE SHADOW OF THE WIND is about a book that Daniel Sempere finds in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books which is also called THE SHADOW OF THE WIND. Uncovering the mystery surrounding the life and death of that book’s author Julian Carax becomes Daniel’s quest and is what our book is all about.

This one has been on my list for several years now, so I’m glad it finally made it to the top. If you haven’t read it yet, give it a go for your book club. If you have, feel free to leave a comment, and let me know what you thought.

Be sure to check our our Book Club Page for the synopsis, some interesting discussion questions and a delicious recipe for Baked Goat Cheese in Tomato Sauce from Whole Foods!

Better World Book Club: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Dana — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:56:15 +0000

Don’t forget to sign up for the Better World Book Club. We pick a new book each month that you can discuss with us here on the blog or take it back to your neighborhood book club. We even set you up with everything you need for your meeting…. a synopsis of the book, discussion questions and even a great recipe. You can sign up by going to manage subscriptions now.

You can also catch the selections AND discuss the book here on the blog and on the new book club page.

Our Latest Pick

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein

I don’t mind a little crying over a good book if then end justifies the tears. In this case, the ending and much of went on in the middle was predictable, but the book was ultimately worth the tears.

The story is told by Enzo the dog – who is nearly a human trapped in a dog’s body. Frustrated by his lack of opposable thumbs and his inability to speak, he makes an interesting observer and sometimes participant to the life of race car driver Denny Swift.

I found his loyalty and love for his family to be both doglike and manlike at the same time. The books deeper messages, couched in racing terms and dog thoughts were a bit like reading a novelization of The Secret. But who couldn’t use a reminder not to give up and to believe “that which you manifest is before you’?

For some book club discussion questions and a tasty summer recipe, check out the new book club page and feel free to leave some comments and let me know what you thought of the book!

– Dana