Hillary's comments (member since Mar 15, 2008)

Hillary's comments from the Chicks On Lit group.

I have found this to be a lovely group of women. As we grow, there will probably be the need for guidelines, so it's great they're out there now and not later.

I have been so busy reading I haven't had much time to respond. Thanks to all for re-igniting my interest in all things books!

The cause of autism is unknown. Many people believe mercury in vaccinations cause it or exacerbate it in some individuals. I don't completely buy that theory. I think there is a genetic component.

Autism presents differently in each kid, so there's not really a magic bullet in terms of treating the population.

What should people know? My son has autism but he is still a human being. He has things he likes and dislikes just as any other kid would. He may not be able to speak at this point but he communicates with us in other ways. Raising him is not always easy but I can't imagine my home without him.

I just got it from the library. My son is autistic so this should be particularly interesting.

The Lovely Bones

(hides under chair)

didn't like it one bit!!!

> What about Florence has surprised you? She had the same struggles many young women have. She was progressive in many ways; you could change the time period and Florence's struggles would still be relevant.

> What is unique about the setting of this book? Is the setting a character unto itself? I loved her descriptions of living in Manhattan.

> Is this a time period you know much about? Do you think you would've liked living through it yourself? If so, do you see yourself as doing any of the same things Florence did? I would have loved to tour Europe as she did ... that just sounded delightful.

> Do you feel a 'theme' or 'life lesson' emerging as you read? you can never go wrong by being true to yourself.

> Did you expect there to be more of Author Lily Koppell's own story throughout the book as there was in the beginning? I wasn't really sure what to expect.

> Has Florence's quest for love and self fulfillment affected you? Have you shared the same struggles to find both and balance them so one doesn't over shadow the other? I could definitely relate to Florence because I've felt the same way many, many times in my life.

1 - What is the What

2 - Omnivore's Dilemma

3 - The Knitting Circle

It was a pretty quick read. I really, really enjoyed the book. I'll share more when discussions begin.

I got a copy this weekend and started it last night. So far, so good!

Jo, I agree. Just when I thought Mamah was going to have her own a-ha moment she'd head back to Frank.

I can't say I loved Mamah, and I certainly wasn't fond of Frank.

That said, the ending was a bit of a surprise. It was sad that, in the end, her life went up in flames. Literally.

It depends. There are some books that for whatever reason (lots of hype, bookclub discussion) I feel like I need to finish even though I am bored to tears. So I do push through. Others, I stop reading. Life is too short.

Nigella Lawson's "How to Eat" is a fun read, and the recipes are delicious.

Lately I've done quite a bit of cooking from The Barefoot Contessa's cookbooks. You can find them pretty cheap at Costco.

I also like Mollie Katzen's "The Enchanted Broccoli Forest."

I had forgotten about that book! I've read several foodie-type books but not that one. I'll see if I can get it from the library and let you know what I think.

Hi. I'm Hillary. I found you-all via 2peas. I'm a divorced mom of three kids. Reading is something I do for myself, usually after the kids are asleep. I will read just about anything from fiction to memoirs. Look forward to chatting with you-all!

I requested that book from the library; look forward to it.

Then We Came To The End was brilliant! If you've ever worked in an office ... you'll relate. I really enjoyed that book.