Week 5, Feb 12-18: Chapters 46-56

[Francesca]

Book 3 down and a zillion left to go!!! pjreads, I'm looking forward to your pick!!

May you feel Beloved this Valentines... see you back here in a few weeks!! (Either Feb. 26th or Mar 5th.. we'll see how everyone is faring!!)

[Francesca]

It is finished. There is a third book on the shelf that is designated for bookclub books. I forgot that I had a section in the back of my book about the author and then a piece written by the authors daughter. It was with a bit of remorse that I turned the page and realized I had, indeed, finished the book.

To be honest, the ending did not go the way I wanted it to. It seemed to lack something. Although, I think what happened was that Francie was going through that weird transitional time in her youth were things aren't as clear and innocent and that just happened to be the end of the book?? Not sure... I still loved it. (Evidenced by the fact that I have spent the last two hours reading it...!!!)

I fell in love with Neeley at the end. The author emphasized the growing bond between them. Maybe because they were about to be what was left of the Nolan name... the final reminder of their father.

Interesting that Francie and Neeley are sad for Laurie and all the fun she will miss as she will not experience poverty.

Well, I will end for now and post later.

PJREADS is deciding on a book. I'll let you know what it is asap.

Cesca

[Francesca]

WOW!!! You must all be really busy. I hope to hear from a few of you as we end this lovely book.

PJREADS had dutifully picked her book(s). I say books because we are going to be reading a two part series. Both books are relatively short so we thought this would be allowable!!

The books to begin in march are: (Thats right, try not to read ahead... wait until March to begin..!!)(Be looking on the website for the date... probably the first or second monday - let me know if you prefer one over the other.)

Three From Galilee and The Messiah; both by Marjorie Holmes. I got both of mine for $.75 at half.com. As usual, use whatever source you prefer - all in all this will be a cheap book or two!!!

To all who love dogs, love to read about them, and/or have raised a wild one or two (esp you, Kelliara), YOU MUST get a copy of the book Marley and Me by John Grogan. I have laughed till I thought I'd wet my pants and boo-hoo'd. It's a rare treat. Both male and female alike will enjoy it... again, esp. if you've every been in love with or raised the world's worst dog!! (Or at least the worst for a season!)

Love to All. Safe travels to those who will be on the road in the next week or two.

Please PM me to let me know you read this and know what the next titles will be. Also, if any desire, I think it's time to open the book club to any friends and family you think might enjoy it.

Francesca

[Kellieara]

What a great book! I'm so glad to have been able to discuss it with you all!! I do agree with you, Susan, about the end, though. These last few chapters are my least favorite. I think it's mainly because Francie is growing up and entering the adult world. Even though I think Francie will make a fine grown-up, you miss that wide-eyed innocence in which she sees the world around her. All in all, Ms. Smith writes in such a way to make you want to follow Francie through out her life, not stopping when her childhood is over. Too bad there wasn't a sequel!

I, too, have some book suggestions. If you liked Betty Smith and her insightful writing style, you might also enjoy her other books Joy Comes in the Morning and Maggie Now. I've read them both and enjoyed them immensely, although Tree is my favorite. She also wrote one more novel, but I never read that one, and the name is escaping me right now.

I will have to get busy and track down the new books this week, since we're leaving Friday for Disney World. We won't be back until March 4, so I may get a late start.

Have a wonderful week!!!

[DiggerAdelgren]

That was a good book. I'm sorry I did like the ending-kind of a Cinderella story-a happy ever after for those of us stuck in the cellar and still struggling. But I realize that money doesn't bring happiness. There are probably more cherished memories and character building in the struggling times. I'm grateful for Katie that she now has a man that can and will take care of her, but I wonder if she ever fears of leaning too much on him and him being taken away and ending up in the same situation again. I bet it took her quite a while not to be so conservative.

I'm grateful Francie got her education-I hope the college wasn't as wild as the one I attended. I hope she kept her focus where it should be. You have to wonder if she married that guy that was becoming a lawyer. I think she probably did, but I wonder if she enjoyed life in a small town compared to Brooklyn. I bet she did based on her dreamy nature and the way she got into the smaller school and dreamed about the houses in the neighborhood.

Looking forward to the next couple books. In the meantime Eric finished a book called The Last Disciple by Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer and wants me to read it to, so I will be engrossed in that one and will not be reading ahead.

Bye for now-Digger